The next-generation Lexus LS will be available with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain when it launches in 2019.

According to Autocar, the new LS will be based around 2015’s LF-FC Concept. It is likely that its hydrogen powertrain will be very similar to the LF-FC’s, meaning it may have one electric motor driving the rear wheels and two in-wheel motors sending power to the front.

Speaking about the potential for such a model, Lexus boss Alain Uyttenhoven stopped short of confirming it for production, but did say a hydrogen powertrain would be ideal for the car.

“We know how to make fuel cells and the only challenge is how to package a fuel cell in a car that also needs a certain level of performance. Premium buyers have certain expectations. For refinement, fuel cell is ideal, but we must also do some work to demonstrate the right levels of performance,” he said.

Beyond the hydrogen version, the new Lexus LS will be available as a V8-powered hybrid and will feature a host of advanced autonomous driving technologies as well as a plush interior incorporating the latest tech, including gesture control.

Beyond the hydrogen version, the new Lexus LS will be available as a V8-powered hybrid and will feature a host of advanced autonomous driving technologies as well as a plush interior incorporating the latest tech, including gesture control.

While Lexus says the 467-hp V-8 coupe will hit 60 mph in “less than 4.5 seconds,” the hybrid will pack significantly less horsepower—113 fewer, to be exact—and so we’re thinking that Lexus’s sub-five-second zero*-to-60-mph time for the 500h might be a bit optimistic. The internal-combustion portion of the powertrain is an Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 295 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque; the remaining 59 horses come courtesy of the larger electric motor/generator in the Multi Stage transmission. However, we’re prepared to be proved wrong about the LC500h’s accelerative might—after all, Lexus says this is the first hybrid it has made that’s capable of spinning its rear tires on dry asphalt. As for efficiency, Lexus is holding the LC500h’s fuel-economy numbers close to its chest, as EPA scrutinizing is still some ways in the future. We figure you can expect minimum city and highway scores of 31 and 37 mpg, however, and 40 mpg on the highway isn’t out of the question.

Lexus has announced today that the fifth-generation LS luxury saloon will make its world debut at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show in January.

The venue chosen for the premiere of the Japanese automaker's flagship is anything but coincidental, as the original LS, which shook up the segment, was revealed at the NAIAS 28 years ago.

The 2018 LS will be underpinned by the brand's new GA-L architecture that will essentially be an extended version of the one used in the LC 500sports coupe, which bodes well for its driving characteristics.

From the teaser, it is clear that the new saloon will adopt the brand's signature spindle grille, which gives it a sporty face. Lexus states that it will boast a coupe-like silhouette, a spacious cabin and all the comfort and latest tech customers expect from a luxury saloon.

Although there's no other official info, we expect Lexus to launch its flagship with a V8, probably in hybrid configuration, while a zero-emissions hydrogen could also be on the cards for a later date.