A FIRST look at a new luxury car and the launch of a limited edition executive saloon marked the high points for Lexus.

The company’s flagship model, the LS460, made its UK debut, while the GS300 LE was unveiled, of which just 250 will be made.

The LS460 is a rival to cars such as the Mercedes-Benz S-class, and is powered by a 4.6-litre 375bhp V8 engine.

It also features a wealth of safety equipment, and will be followed in 2007 by a petrol/electric hybrid version, the LS600h, and also a long wheelbase model. There will not be a diesel version. The GS300 LE is available now, and comes in one colour – metallic grey.

It includes 18-inch five-spoke alloys, a boot spoiler and side skirts, as well as leather and wood inside and a host of gadgets such as DVD satellite navigation, high intensity adaptive headlights and parking assist. It costs £37,350.