From our little thread about the LX570...


"Why has the top-of-the-line products of Lexus been very simple on the outside?

Lexus flaunts great technology (as in the LS) and, in the case of their SUVs, off-road performance (as in the LX and GX), yet they do not flaunt the design aspect of their vehicles? Is there passion in the design, or is that passion simply heart-felt warmth to please the conservative masses?

Not that I want the LX to look like the LF-A, but there needs to be design cues (other than flaunting a big "L" on the grill) that claims "This is Lexus at it's Best," not "This is Lexus being very cautious to please rich old people."

The Pursuit of Perfection sometimes requires crossing the line. Look that the Audi Q7 for example: it crosses the line with its design, and it is distinguishable without being audacious, such as H2s or Escalades. Has the Pursuit been misdirected? Is Perfection boring or bland?

The Definition of Finesse: refinement or delicacy of workmanship, structure, or texture.

Finesse is a value that many lack and few possess. However, Finesse needs to be complemented with a innovation to be competitive in today's world. Otherwise, it fades into the shadows of the past with little effect on the future. Perhaps the mantra of Lexus design needs to change from L-Finesse to L-Ingenious.

Lexus needs to rediscover their aptitude in discovering and reinventing their place in the luxury segment. Part of luxury is not only flaunting technology or high price tags; it is also the idea that rare and beautiful things are hard to come by.

I see finesse in paintings and photographs and sculptures. It requires utmost refinement and delicacy to create a work of art. However, ingenuity is what makes a painting or photograph or sculpture stand out from the rest. Ingenuity is what differentiates Greatest Works of Art from just a work or art.

Lexus needs ingenuity to further progress themselves in this market.

The Pursuit of Perfection continues..."

What does L-Finesse has to do with LX?

^^ Huh? What do you mean what does it have to do with the LX?

Excellent question.

I am a long time Lexus nut, but recently have been disappointed in the new designs.

For me, I think Lexus is making a mistake in trying to have a universal design theme. There is nothing wrong with having shared design cues accross some models, but applying the Lfinnesse all over is boring.

Nothing wrong with Lfinnesse per se, but I prefer to have the SC looking different than an ES or LX. In the abscence of a universal theme, Lexus cars have always had a "Lexus" style. The new ES and new LS look very similar. Neither is ugly, but they should be allowed to have a different style.

I know Lexus has the mindset that Lfinnesse accross the board will create a stronger brand idenitity, but those that don't like the design language might not like the entire Lexus line.

^^ Huh? What do you mean what does it have to do with the LX?

Current LX is an old design and isn't an L-Finesse design. I think that's what he meant. But the new LX should have L-Finesse to it.

I know there is an article about the L-Finesse Design posted before, but I can't say I really know what exactly L-Finesse is after reading it :p ;)

For me, I think Lexus is making a mistake in trying to have a universal design theme.

It's something that worked very well for BMW for a lot of years ("same sausage, different length"). As long as the design is attractive (and I think the Lexus L-Finesse is), personally I don't see anything wrong with it.

I surely and I hope no one expects Lexus to get all the designs "right' the first time. These are all simply the 1st generation cars influenced by L-finesse. And they seem to get it, look at how the GS concept improved and how the LF-A concept improved.

I think its very conservative. I love the look of my 2IS, the GS, and LS. Not a fan at all of the ES. The SC needs a change, and the RX is subtle.

The cars aren't wild yet they are very nice to look at! Unfortunately if you are buying a Lexus to turn heads you're puchasing from the wrong company!

I think its both boring and refined. Boring in that they use generic designs for the headlights and tailights and refined in that they really dont need to have a mid-life facelift. If you look at the previous LS, GS and ES all they really change is the tailights.

^^ Huh? What do you mean what does it have to do with the LX?

LX is sold mostly in USA only... It is low numbers true SUV based on Land Cruiser. You simply can not expect them to design it differently than LC - volume is simply not there.

Which is why LX really doesnt follow L-Finesse like other Lexus's that came out...

Excellent question.

I am a long time Lexus nut, but recently have been disappointed in the new designs.

For me, I think Lexus is making a mistake in trying to have a universal design theme. There is nothing wrong with having shared design cues accross some models, but applying the Lfinnesse all over is boring.

Nothing wrong with Lfinnesse per se, but I prefer to have the SC looking different than an ES or LX. In the abscence of a universal theme, Lexus cars have always had a "Lexus" style. The new ES and new LS look very similar. Neither is ugly, but they should be allowed to have a different style.

I know Lexus has the mindset that Lfinnesse accross the board will create a stronger brand idenitity, but those that don't like the design language might not like the entire Lexus line.

Same exact reservations, I have on the L-Finesse design. I miss the uniqueness that the 2nd Gen GS, 1 Gen SC in terms of design, heck even the original LS400 that stood out on the road in my opinion.

At far distance, you can't really distinguish between the new LS and ES's look especially in the front for most people. Hopefully, they'll fix this with a minor face lift.

What does L-Finesse has to do with LX?

Exactly. :thumbup:

The LX is mostly Toyota design -- Highlander and RAV4 heritage. Some L-finesse cues in the front end and taillamps.

Other than that, it's not L-finesse IMO. Leave L-finesse to the real beauties in the Lexus lineup--the cars.

Like a first date, L finesse is good but forgettable......

DASHOCKER, very nicely said.

Although I think the new Lexus cars look very nice and elegant, I think they're boring. The only reason I really turn my head at stock new ones is to attempt to decipher whether it is an IS or an ES or LS (easier said than done while driving).

Though they look good, I think Lexus went a little bit too conservative. They really didn't take any risks like the German companies do with their designs. Obviously it isn't really hurting Lexus, but it leaves room for improvement if they so desire.

Actually I don't really see what L-Finesse is on all the Lexus's vehicles.....But I say the new LS, GS, and IS look pretty nice, RX looks good as well. The rest look weird.

Both, boring and refined. Boring to drive, refined to drive. Looks are a little in between IMO.

L-finesse is a fancy name for Lexus' theme. I'm not really sold on it. To me, a car should be designed to fit its purpose. If you're going to design a sports sedan, make it look like one. If you're going to design an SUV, make it look like one. Dont throw all that jibberish design across the board. I agree that they need to look somewhat similar as a brand, but if the car looked fabulous from the start, I would have recognized the brand already.

...L finesse is good but forgettable......

I have to agree. In certain ways I prefer the design of my 2nd gen GS over my current GS. At least the 2nd gen had a "love it or hate it" design, whereas the 3rd gen plays it very conservative.

Based on looks alone, I prefer the styling of the current MB line over the Lexus line by a large margin. Hopefully, the second generation of L-Finesse vehicles will be a bit more visually exciting.

I know Lexus has the mindset that Lfinnesse accross the board will create a stronger brand idenitity, but those that don't like the design language might not like the entire Lexus line.

And this is whats happening to me.. Aside from the SC theres no other car to turn to and as a result Lexus is slowly being phased out of my garage. Just think a few years ago I had all Lexus product (GS/LS/LX)

Toyota has been known for being too conservative.

I know Lexus has the mindset that Lfinnesse accross the board will create a stronger brand idenitity, but those that don't like the design language might not like the entire Lexus line.

Very well said - this is exactly the way I feel. I used to LOVE every single Lexus model, except GX and ES, but not I don't really care for any model except the remaining LX, RX and SC that didn't get bastardized with this L-finesse crap. Not to say that I hate the new models, no, they aren't tacky like bangled BMW or overly flashy like new MB, but they are nowhere near as clean as Audis.

Having just seen the new LX570 I have to say I don't like the styling direction Lexus is taking. All the new Lexus vehicles look too similar. No offense to anyone but the GS, ES, and LS look like each other while the flagship LS has little presence on the road. I wish they looked more distinctive.:sad:

I would like to suggest, once again, that L-finesse not be given a bad name because of the LX's shortcomings. I have a strong hunch that L-finesse was not a major player in the LX's design.

Frankly if you go to Lexus.jp and examine their L-finesse treatise, it's hard to apply much of any of it to the LX, while you can definitely see it in the IS/GS/LS.

I love the L Finesse on my 2IS, 3GS, LS460, and I go WTF on the new LX!

I don't know how anyone can say these two "look the same"...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m100/philipmspt/ISLS.jpg?t=1175746614

Having just seen the new LX570 I have to say I don't like the styling direction Lexus is taking. All the new Lexus vehicles look too similar. No offense to anyone but the GS, ES, and LS look like each other while the flagship LS has little presence on the road. I wish they looked more distinctive.:sad:

and why is this bad, you instantly know its a lexus, and that brand identity is already working as intended if you immediately know a car you see for an instant is a lexus without even taking a second look

and some people that are part of a lexus forum and still have trouble identifying the different models of the current L-Finesse, I dont know what to say, I can identify them easily

I don't know how anyone can say these two "look the same"...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m100/philipmspt/ISLS.jpg?t=1175746614

Show off Phil! Stop showing off to those who are less fortunate. :D :D

btw, you parking skill isn't that great :D

Anyhow, I don't think IS and LS look alike at all.

But once, I was driving at around 10ish at night were there was very little street lights, and I thought I saw LS in my rear view mirror but turns out to be an ES. That was only one time I had mistaken ES with LS. Keep in mind that I have 5% tint in the back too. haha

I don't know how anyone can say these two "look the same"...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m100/philipmspt/ISLS.jpg?t=1175746614
The parking in your condo isn't that great, & neither is your parking :p ;) , I hope you didn't use the self-park LOL :D

Yeah I have no problem telling the ES/IS/LS apart in an instant, except possibly in the dark, but you can confuse a lot of cars in the dark . . .

I don't know how anyone can say these two "look the same"...

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m100/philipmspt/ISLS.jpg?t=1175746614

I must say they look damn good together. And yeah some people will always see what they want to see. Now that I got that out of the way....,,

L-finesse for me is just subtle touches that Lexus has decided to implement across the board. And to be honest I like it, though I wish they were still a little less conservative. Funny thing is though the current SC is the "oldest" design in Lexus stable, they actually have L-finesse front ends.

Audi, to me is a great example of how a relatively conservative company who has recently taken risks with their bold new designs. By doing this they are capturing a new audience without alienating their core.

The problem isn't when they're park right next to each other. It's when you see the two cars on seperate occassions at seperate locations.

It use to be that I could not tell apart a C-class from a CLK-class if I were to see the car from the front view. It's not until I get very close where I can distinguish them.

L-finesse is boring but being that this is lexus doesnt surprise me.

maybe some people dont want to flaunt everything as much as benz & bmw owners
this is where the l-finesse comes in, low key but at the sametime elegant and beautiful

I don't think L finesse is all about the cars looking the same.

If you look at the LS and IS..they share about the same lines.

and why is this bad, you instantly know its a lexus, and that brand identity is already working as intended if you immediately know a car you see for an instant is a lexus without even taking a second look

and some people that are part of a lexus forum and still have trouble identifying the different models of the current L-Finesse, I dont know what to say, I can identify them easily


Chill, young man!!!
Did I say it's bad ???? :rolleyes:

I am simply saying the LS shares too many of its lines and proportion with the rest of the Lexus sedans. The earlier LS's looked more distinctive and I personally think that's how the flagship sedan of a brand should look. This is a discussion forum. You are entitled to express your opinion as am I. Don't get all pissy just because someone doesn't share your point of view.

and why is this bad, you instantly know its a lexus,

Well I instantly knows it's a Toyota as there's little distinction in so called "L-Finesse" and what they've done with Camry, Avalon, Highlander, etc.

and some people that are part of a lexus forum and still have trouble identifying the different models of the current L-Finesse, I dont know what to say, I can identify them easily

Good for you. From a distance on the highway when I first catch a Camry, ES, or LS on the highway I can't tell them apart. As I get closer, sure.

Well I instantly knows it's a Toyota as there's little distinction in so called "L-Finesse" and what they've done with Camry, Avalon, Highlander, etc.



Good for you. From a distance on the highway when I first catch a Camry, ES, or LS on the highway I can't tell them apart. As I get closer, sure.


I will say dido to this, design wise I'd say Toyota and Lexus is closing the gap. Theres been plenty times that I've caught the side tail end of a Camery and thought it was an LS and needless to say theres been plenty times I mistaken the new IS for a Mazda.