The Lexus ES is returning in eighth-generation form as a rival to the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series – but, unlike its German competition, it could do away with petrol power entirely in the UK.

In Western Europe, the ES will be offered with a 199bhp hybrid powertrain as well as two battery-electric options.

However, Autocar understands that the brand's British arm is currently evaluating whether to offer exclusively the electric powertrains, given the greater proportion of EV sales in the UK compared with those in Europe.

A final decision has yet to be made, but it is highly likely the hybrid will not come to the UK.

That decision, if taken, would leave the front-driven ES 350e and four-wheel-drive ES 500e as the only versions bound for UK showrooms. The former packs a single 221bhp motor and a 77kWh lithium ion battery, yielding a range of around 329 miles between charges and a 0-62mph sprint time of 8.2sec. The 500e, meanwhile, has 338bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.7sec, but its range – which has yet to be revealed – will be reduced compared with that of the 350e.

The new version of Lexus's executive saloon was first revealed at the Shanghai motor show in China, where it is the number one imported vehicle.

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 that of the previous car and has been designed with a 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. Hidden beneath the screen is a row of haptic switches which illuminate when the car is powered on.

The new ES is based on the same GA-K platform as the NX SUV. Lexus says the structure's rigidity has been increased throughout the chassis to boost refinement and responsiveness and 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.