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The Lexus ES is returning to battle the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 for an eighth generation, with a bold new look and an electric option for the first time.

The new version of Lexus's executive saloon was revealed at the Shanghai motor show in China, where it's the number one imported vehicle, ahead of a UK launch next spring.

It will be the Japanese premium brand's only saloon on sale here, following the axing of the larger LS flagship earlier this year.

Lexus said this new generation of ES makes advances in "ride quality, comfort and quietness" over its predecessor and has been designed to offer "first-class comfort for everyone on board".

The minimalist cockpit marks a complete departure from the previous car and has clearly been designed with heavy influence from the Chinese market: physical controls are few and far between and a large 12.3in touchscreen takes centre stage as the primary control interface.

The new ES is based on the same GA-K platform as the NX SUV, but Lexus claims to have increased rigidity throughout the chassis to boost refinement and responsiveness, resulting in an "agile, responsive feel that belies its size" - which is also increased over the previous car, by 165mm in length, to take the ES to 5.14m overall.

The hybrid ES 300h that's coming to the UK uses a familiar 'self-charging' petrol-electric arrangement that produces either 200bhp or 245bhp and can drive either the front or both axles.

The new electric ES, meanwhile, can be had in front-driven ES 350e form with 222bhp or dual-motor, four-wheel-drive ES 550e form with 338bhp. 

Lexus hasn't yet detailed battery capacities or ranges, but no doubt the electric ES will target a maximum of more than 350 miles per charge to keep pace with its German rivals.

Mercedes-Benz claims to have “set a benchmark” for the future of luxury travel with the Vision V concept.

Shown for the first time at the Shanghai motor show, it previews a new VIP shuttle -  dubbed the “dawn of a new era” - that will top a new-look V-Class line-up. 

This will range from practical family oriented vehicles to “luxurious limousines” that will all be based on the Mercedes’ new Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) platform; the first model will arrive in 2026.

The range-topping production Vision V is being readied to push the nameplate further upmarket, said Mercedes, targeting the likes of the Volvo EM90 and Lexus LM. 

The concept features a striking exterior that “marks the next step” of Mercedes’s design language, it said, especially in terms of also making it as aerodynamic as possible - key in terms of maximising range for the production EV, that will likely be a heavy machine.

Notably, the brand points to its new grille (similar to that found on the EQS), headlamp design and illuminated standing star, suggesting these could make production, while the machine’s futuristic-looking rear light bar will likely be toned down before it hits showrooms.

The dramatic four-seat cabin, however, is where most work has been done, says Mercedes.

Key focus has been made on creating a “private lounge” for the rear passengers, that’s extensively clad in white Nappa leather. Main features include a retractable 65-inch cinema screen (that when up also acts as partition wall), a 42-speaker sound system and two airline-style seats (made with tubular cushions) that are fully reclinable.

Seven projectors are also fitted to create different ambiences, the rear windows can be switched from transparent to opaque for a “unique cocooning effect”, and there’s even a karaoke mode (one of seven that range from “gaming” to “relax”).

The concept showcases the “dawn of a new era”, says the German brand, that “sets standards in design, comfort and an immersive user experience,” adds Thomas Klein, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

Up front, the elements that could carry over the real machine are clear to see, such as a production-spec steering wheel, the three-screen Superscreen (to debut in the upcoming CLA) and crystal-look air vents.

The extensive interior space is made possible by the new modular VAN.EA platform. While no details have been revealed on what powers the concept, the platform is fitted with 800V electricals and will be offered with front- and four-wheel-drive powertrains. The longest-legged variants will top 311 miles of range.