What's the news?

Hot on the heels of the new GS, Lexus reveals a mid-life update for its range-topper, the LS saloon. Some 3,000 detail changes have been made, including a makeover inside and out, a few world firsts, loads of technology and the addition of a more driver-focused F Sport model.

Exterior

Though the new F Sport version steals the regular car's thunder, Lexus claims that, other than the roof, rear quarter panels and doors, every body panel is new. The lights have come in for attention too. Three-bulb LED headlamps for low and high beam with i-AFS (Intelligent Adaptive Front lighting System) are standard on the LS 600h hybrid, while the LS 460 has bi-Xenon HID headlamps with AFS. All cars now feature indicators made up of 12 LEDs. More light emitting diodes are found in the upright fog lights, L-shaped daytime running lamps and the rear lights - the latter are redesigned items.

The F Sport model gains its own grille design, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, F badges and unique 19-inch alloy wheels. The Sports Luxury model also features its own 19-inch wheel, a 14-spoke design with hollow rims that apparently significantly reduce noise in the cabin.

Interior

Lexus has completely revamped the interior of the LS, though if you've seen that of the latest GS it will look very familiar. A massive 12.3-inch LCD display screen dominates proceedings and control is via the Lexus Remote Touch system. A new analogue clock is linked to the car's GPS so it can adjust itself as you waft across time zones... The Drive Select control is incorporated too, allowing selection of Comfort, Eco, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+ modes of driving.

Other highlights include a smaller, more tactile steering wheel and a more compact centre console; an Advanced Illumination System that sets the mood even as passengers approach the car; a 450-Watt, 19-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround System as standard, plus the option of a high definition Blu Ray player; new seats and seat options; air cleaning technology in the climate control that is claimed to 'enhance occupant wellbeing'; and a Japanese wood finish called Shimamoku, which takes 67 manufacturing steps over the course of 38 days.

Inside the F Sport model are unique 16-way electrically adjustable embossed sports seats, a bespoke sports steering wheel and gear lever, paddle shifters, aluminium pedals and kick plates.

Mechanicals

Little has been said about the powertrains of the new-look LS, so we assume they're unchanged. That means choosing between the V8-engined LS 460 with rear-wheel drive or the LS 600h petrol-electric hybrid, which has four-wheel drive as standard. Regular and long wheelbase body styles remain for the hybrid.

In a bid to improve refinement and dynamics Lexus has considerably enhanced the rigidity of the LS's body. The updated Adaptive Variable Suspension is said to make the most of this, while the steering and braking systems also came in for revisions.

The LS 460 F Sport features a torque-sensing, Torsen limited slip differential on the rear axle, plus Brembo six-piston front brakes, while the hybrid F Sport gains an Active Stabiliser system to firm up body control further.

Anything else?

There's even more technology to mention, including the Pre-Collision Safety System, Blind Spot Monitor and Automatic High Beam, but no doubt the Lexus Climate Concierge system will grab the attention of the target market, as it aims to control all heating and cooling functions (including those in the seats and steering wheel) and automatically makes the occupants comfortable. Think of it as an electronic version of your own in-car man with a fan...