The LF-1 Limitless Concept is Lexus' vision of an ultra luxury SUV

It’s the LF-1 Limitless concept, a big styling and size step-up on the RX – star of the Detroit show 20 years ago – and a car with clear pretensions to step into the shoes of the LS saloon as a future Lexus flagship.

Its unveiling at the North American International Auto Show follows in the tyre tracks of rivals such as BMW and Audi as more and more companies see their future flagships as high-riding all-wheel-drive SUV-type machines rather than traditional saloons.

Any Lexus these days boasts theatrical presence and the LF-1 Limitless doesn’t disappoint, making an imposingly grand luxury statement. But this latest design evolution of the Lexus look, from a studio in California, is perhaps less polarising than recent models despite another and even more dominating new take on the Lexus grille.

Design highlights? That “spindle” grille obviously; its 3D appearance is achieved by ridges radiating from the central badge in the manner of “metal filings being guided into shape by magnetism”. There is no chrome on the grille, just LED lighting. Take in also the deep sculpting along the flanks, with what Lexus says is Coke bottle shapeliness. The muscular wings bulge over wheels 22-inches large, while the glass roof extends down the back thanks to a novel split roof spoiler.

The company says the new design is based on molten katana– Lexus-speak for a fusion of the organic shapes of liquid metal with the sharp edges associated with a traditional Japanese katana sword. 

That’s as maybe, but the look is certainly effective at working with dramatically different proportions for a Lexus – centred on shorter overhangs and a wheelbase almost 200mm (8in) longer than that of the RX – to create a machine lithe and athletic looking in a way the RX is not. Its sportiness is helped by the fact that it is 85mm (over 3in) lower than the RX as well as an equivalent amount longer and wider.

As shown in Detroit, the Limitless is a luxury four-seater, with the chairs in the back the same as the front ones. Lexus already has a new seven-seater – the RX L for long wheelbase which arrives in the UK in May – so expect the production Limitless to concentrate on indulgent luxury and room rather than practicality. Lexus says the concept is “designed to cater for customers’ increasingly diverse lifestyles”.

The design inside is all about as few knobs and buttons as possible and instead motion-activated controls and huge touch screen, powertrain displays on the steering wheel and a tracer pad embedded in the leather-covered centre console, with a similar haptic controller in the back. 

The design inside is all about as few knobs and buttons as possible and instead motion-activated controls and huge touch screen, powertrain displays on the steering wheel and a tracer pad embedded in the leather-covered centre console, with a similar haptic controller in the back.

The cabin aesthetic is a satin finish version of the exterior champagne-tinted titanium colour, metallic dash parts and cocoa bean brown leather with white perforated leather for the seats. Oh, and lots of mood-lighting LEDs throughout the cabin.

And what will Lexus’s vision of “unrestrained luxury” be powered by? The company is keeping its options open there. The Limitless lives up to its name by being engineered to be fuel cell electric, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric or battery electric.

And if you just want to sit back and enjoy the ride? The LF-1 Limitless has a Chauffeur Mode, which allows for hands-free operation using the vehicle’s by-wire steering, braking, acceleration, lights and signals. LS owners, queue here!