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Lexus LS spied wearing googly-eyed mask [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Judging by this mule's dash-to-axle ratio, we think it's probably an LS sedan, not an ES as previously identified. The text below has been updated. Wow. Take a good look at those headlights! As you can see from the images in the gallery above, Lexus is hard at work on the next generation of its luxurious LS sedan. The massive appendages affixed to the front of this mule make us wonder what's going on behind those fake headlights – we'd expect some fancy LED units on the production model. Ditto for the rear, where those equally tacked-on taillights will be replaced with a fancier set with upward-sweeping light bars. Getting past the crazy eyeballs, it seems that Lexus will continue refining its current styling language with the next LS. There's sure to be a pinched Spindle grille, and a long wheelbase ought to offer plenty of space for four adult-size occupants. Whereas the IS and larger GS carry the brand's sportier aspirations, going up against the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the LS will continue to be aimed at a more relaxed luxury buyer. Interestingly, our spy shooters were quick to point out that Lexus brought along 5 Series and 7 Series sedans to compare with its next LS. In any case, we wouldn't expect any significant changes to excite the enthusiast crowd. Related Video:

The 2018 Lexus LC starts under $100k, but stay away from the options list

The scintillating and characterful 2018 Lexus LC coupe now has a price tag. The flagship Lexus two-door starts at $92,975 for the V8 LC 500 model with a 10-speed automatic. The hybrid V6 LC 500h will start a bit higher at $97,485. So for under $100,000, you can have one of the best-looking Lexus coupes of all time. However, that gets dangerously close to, and even exceeds, the six-figure range when adding options. Choosing the Touring Package will add $4,000 to an LC 500 and $2,400 to an LC 500h, keeping both models under a hundred grand. The Sport Package with Glass Roof will push the hybrid over the six-figure mark with a cost of $2,750. Both packages add blind spot monitoring, parking assist, heated and cooled seats, and a glass roof. The Sport Package provides Alcantara seats and a limited slip differential, while the Touring Package includes leather seats and a Mark Levinson sound system. Opt for a Sport Package with a Carbon Fiber Roof, and the price jumps significantly. It adds $7,000 to the V8 model for a price of $99,975, and $5,400 to the hybrid for a total of $102,885. For big spenders, there's the Performance Package. The big draws here are the rear steering, active rear spoiler, and variable steering ratio system. It adds $10,000 to the LC 500, and $8,790 to the LC 500h for totals of $102,975 and $106,275 respectively. Related Video:

Is 'UX300e' trademark a sign of an electric Lexus to come?

That the biggest mainstream auto manufacturers will offer fully electric vehicles is no longer a question of if, it's an inevitable matter of when. Lexus has thus far taken the wait-and-see approach to the burgeoning market that is expected to take over throughout the next decade, but that could change soon. A recent trademark filing could indicate that Lexus is ready to introduce a fully electric version of its new UX crossover. Dug up by Autoguide, the trademark "UX300e" recently popped up on the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). A separate look on TMView shows it is indeed linked to Lexus and was filed at the Norway office. The Lexus UX is just getting off the ground in December but is expected to be a huge seller for Toyota's luxury branch. The UX 200, which is offered with a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, is now Lexus' cheapest vehicle. The UX 250h offers a hybrid variant and is available with all-wheel drive. F Sport packages are available on both variants, in an attempt to add an extroverted sense of excitement. Although the trademark is far from a guarantee that such a car is coming, it all makes sense. Crossovers are booming business as of late, and many manufacturers, such as Kia with the Niro and Soul, are offering electric versions of cars that also have other traditional forms of motivation. We'll update as soon as we know more. Related Video: