Lexus has revealed its new LS model range, comprising the LS 460, LS 600h and, for the first time, an F Sport version of its flagship model.

The new LS continues Lexus's development of its model line-up, following on from the recent introduction of the new GS. It displays an even greater refinement and an evolution of the advanced technologies and superior quality that have been integral to each generation of the vehicle since the original model was launched in 1989.

The most obvious changes are to the exterior styling, where the new LS adopts the distinctive Lexus spindle front grille design, but the development of the model goes much deeper to include improved driving dynamics, better sound insulation and more sophisticated and effective preventive safety systems.

In all, more than 3000 changes have been made to the current LS, including three world-firsts and 15 "Lexus-first" features and technologies. Lexus says it has responded to customer feedback throughout every aspect of the car's development. The aim has been to raise the bar even higher in terms of refinement, comfort, driving performance, technical excellence and, above all, quality.

The LS's exterior has undergone a comprehensive redesign. Reflecting the direction next-generation Lexus models will take, it adopts the distinctive spindle front grille arrangement that has become a feature of all new models since the introduction of the CT 200h in 2011.

In a first for Lexus, all lights - headlights, rear lamps and fog lights - are available with LED technology. The new shape vertical fog lights include new L-shaped, seamless light tube daytime running lights.

Lexus's work to enhance the dynamic performance of the new LS extends right back to the production line and the introduction of advanced technologies that have increased the car's body rigidity, including the use of laser screw welding and adhesive body bonding techniques. The result is a more comfortable ride, but with no loss of handling agility.

The new LS gains another Lexus first in the form of its Drive Mode Select, offering five switchable driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+. These provide easy adjustment of vehicle systems to help deliver the driver's preferred balance of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics.

A number of vehicle systems that were previously operated independently have now been consolidated within the Drive Mode Select for ease of use. Changing modes is quick and easy, using a dial selector on the front console.

The new F Sport grade combines more sporting exterior and interior design elements with genuine dynamic enhancements, including lowering of the ride height by 10mm, Brembo 6-piston calliper front brakes and paddle shift controls.

The rear-wheel drive LS 460 F Sport model further benefits from the addition of a Torsen limited slip differential and paddle shift controls that incorporate automatic throttle blipping on downshifts.

The F Sport sounds the part, too, thanks to an intake sound generator on the engine that amplifies the vibration of the intake pulse and introduces it into the cabin.

Comprehensive improvements have been made to engine, road and wind noise sound insulation, and, in a Lexus-first, new hollow chamber noise reduction wheels can be fitted, which cut the amount of noise experienced in the cabin.

The seats have been further improved and the front and rear seat climate control and the steering wheel rim heater can be automatically co-ordinated and incorporated in the new Lexus Climate Concierge system, which uses an array of up to 13 sensors around the cabin to deliver prompt and precise heating and cooling, across four cabin zones.

The interior is lit by the world's first Advanced Illumination System with new soft white interior lamps and dynamic instrument panel lighting that moves and changes in intensity in line with vehicle start-up and switch-off.