The New 2013 Lexus LS 460 goes more intense, more sporty and more luxurious

It's been leak city for the 2013 Lexus LS line, allowing us to catch the exteriors of the LS 460 L and LS 460 F Sport from practically every angle. The spindle grille might be the most prominent story of the refreshed LS – otherwise there are no monumental changes to the body, but plenty of details did decide to wait for the Lexus luxury flagship's official unveiling in San Francisco.

As we've stated, there are now four flavors of LS from which to choose: the LS 460, LS 460 L, LS 460 F Sport in either or rear- or all-wheel drive and the AWD LS 600hL hybrid. All of them are more rigid thanks to additional body reinforcements and laser screw welding.

Inside, a 12.3-inch nav screen with split-screen capability immediately gets the eye's attention, and surrounding it is something we've not yet encountered in the LS: what Lexus calls "a driver-focused interior." The Remote Touch system places the 'mouse' controller next to the shift level, and in conjunction with steering-wheel controls can operate many of the car's features, and up to five driving modes are possible if buyers choose the optional air suspension. Shock absorbers have been redesigned to improve pitch and bounce control, the variable ratio steering is said to improve accuracy and turn-in and the brakes have been adjusted to provide better power and pedal feel.

Passengers haven't been left out of the pampering, with the Lexus Climate Concierge controlling the ambient temperature, seat temperature and steering wheel temperature to comfort each occupant individually. Safety gets a boost with an available new Blind Spot Monitor, in operation from 10 mph and part of a system that can detect crossing traffic behind the car when reversing out of a spot. Convenience takes a step up with redesigned seats, more sound insulation "for an even quieter cabin," which we weren't sure was even possible, noise-reducing wheels, and an optional Ottoman Seating Package with Shiatsu Massage, because, well, why not.

The LS 460 F Sport is the halo range topper meant to give the whole line some additional cachet. Its F Sport tweaks outside and underneath include being lowered by almost half an inch, a sport-minded tune for the air suspension, 19-inch forged wheels hiding Brembo six-pot calipers up front, and a Torsen limited-slip differential on the RWD model. Inside it gets heavily bolstered seats, paddle shifters and aluminum trim.

While we're waiting for official pricing, there are more details in the press release below and three galleries with high-res views of every nook and cranny.