View Poll Results: Do you like the design direction Lexus has been taking recently?
yes
31
43.06%
no
41
56.94%
Voters: 72. You may not vote on this poll
I don't like the design direction Lexus is taking. Do you?
08-12-09 | 10:44 PM
#32
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,065
Likes: 75
From: San Francisco, CA
08-12-09 | 11:01 PM
#33
08-13-09 | 12:32 AM
#35
My perspective:
Lexus has been doing a lot of "experimenting" with design. I don't think they are trying to "find" themselves; I believe they are creating variances in design that delineate the sport versus luxury versus hybrid vehicles in their line up.
There is a clear and concise Japanese aesthetic when molding each and every Lexus. There is a simplicity to each line, yet it depicts movement and visual interest. For a luxury marque, they have an understanding that the general market of luxury car buyers (read old rich folk) want a subtle statement. For some, it's too subtle. For most, it gets the job done.
But in conjunction with design, there is functionality. Lexus has been very superb in creating ergonomic cars with easy access and viewing of everything inside the cabin. The recent asymmetric designs of the ES350, RX350/450h, and the LX570 all encompass the driver with what they need/want. Again, it may not win everyone's hearts, but it does address what the driver really needs.
For myself, I have always been a bit "cold" when first seeing Lexus' designs on photo or in print. It seems plain and uninspired. However, upon seeing it in person and in motion, my outlook changes immediately. There is visual balance in size, heft, and weight to the cars. There is a radiance to pearl/metallic surfaces, further enhancing the textures and tension in each sheet of metal. The interiors "feel" like no other interior; the tactile sensation of every bit of plastic, leather, and wood all create interest. The lighting is somewhat theatrical, yet unobtrusive. The feel of the car while driving is signature; it's serene and comforting.
I doubt that a forum like ours (which is dominated by young mostly-single male enthusiasts) truly parallel the majority of Lexus buyers. Lexus' designs are not meant to be spectacular and groundbreaking. It's charming and conservative.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a pretty good cup of tea nonetheless.
Lexus has been doing a lot of "experimenting" with design. I don't think they are trying to "find" themselves; I believe they are creating variances in design that delineate the sport versus luxury versus hybrid vehicles in their line up.
There is a clear and concise Japanese aesthetic when molding each and every Lexus. There is a simplicity to each line, yet it depicts movement and visual interest. For a luxury marque, they have an understanding that the general market of luxury car buyers (read old rich folk) want a subtle statement. For some, it's too subtle. For most, it gets the job done.
But in conjunction with design, there is functionality. Lexus has been very superb in creating ergonomic cars with easy access and viewing of everything inside the cabin. The recent asymmetric designs of the ES350, RX350/450h, and the LX570 all encompass the driver with what they need/want. Again, it may not win everyone's hearts, but it does address what the driver really needs.
For myself, I have always been a bit "cold" when first seeing Lexus' designs on photo or in print. It seems plain and uninspired. However, upon seeing it in person and in motion, my outlook changes immediately. There is visual balance in size, heft, and weight to the cars. There is a radiance to pearl/metallic surfaces, further enhancing the textures and tension in each sheet of metal. The interiors "feel" like no other interior; the tactile sensation of every bit of plastic, leather, and wood all create interest. The lighting is somewhat theatrical, yet unobtrusive. The feel of the car while driving is signature; it's serene and comforting.
I doubt that a forum like ours (which is dominated by young mostly-single male enthusiasts) truly parallel the majority of Lexus buyers. Lexus' designs are not meant to be spectacular and groundbreaking. It's charming and conservative.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a pretty good cup of tea nonetheless.
08-13-09 | 04:21 AM
#36
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,459
Likes: 1
From: Makati, Philippines
Though in all seriousness, the way I see it, any atrocities that this MMC facelift may have are minor, so majority of the car is still safe and neat (design-wise)
However, if the ugly-*** RX and HS are of any indication, then yes, there is a threat that by 3-4 years when the next LS and other newer-gen Lexus vehicles come, then yeah, exterior design downhill. I just hope that the next-gen LS, IS, GS and SC would not follow the path of the RX and HS design abominations
Though one can only hope that such won't happen........
My two cents on the matter
08-13-09 | 04:33 AM
#37
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,695
Likes: 2
From: CA
My perspective:
Lexus has been doing a lot of "experimenting" with design. I don't think they are trying to "find" themselves; I believe they are creating variances in design that delineate the sport versus luxury versus hybrid vehicles in their line up.
There is a clear and concise Japanese aesthetic when molding each and every Lexus. There is a simplicity to each line, yet it depicts movement and visual interest. For a luxury marque, they have an understanding that the general market of luxury car buyers (read old rich folk) want a subtle statement. For some, it's too subtle. For most, it gets the job done.
But in conjunction with design, there is functionality. Lexus has been very superb in creating ergonomic cars with easy access and viewing of everything inside the cabin. The recent asymmetric designs of the ES350, RX350/450h, and the LX570 all encompass the driver with what they need/want. Again, it may not win everyone's hearts, but it does address what the driver really needs.
For myself, I have always been a bit "cold" when first seeing Lexus' designs on photo or in print. It seems plain and uninspired. However, upon seeing it in person and in motion, my outlook changes immediately. There is visual balance in size, heft, and weight to the cars. There is a radiance to pearl/metallic surfaces, further enhancing the textures and tension in each sheet of metal. The interiors "feel" like no other interior; the tactile sensation of every bit of plastic, leather, and wood all create interest. The lighting is somewhat theatrical, yet unobtrusive. The feel of the car while driving is signature; it's serene and comforting.
I doubt that a forum like ours (which is dominated by young mostly-single male enthusiasts) truly parallel the majority of Lexus buyers. Lexus' designs are not meant to be spectacular and groundbreaking. It's charming and conservative.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a pretty good cup of tea nonetheless.
Lexus has been doing a lot of "experimenting" with design. I don't think they are trying to "find" themselves; I believe they are creating variances in design that delineate the sport versus luxury versus hybrid vehicles in their line up.
There is a clear and concise Japanese aesthetic when molding each and every Lexus. There is a simplicity to each line, yet it depicts movement and visual interest. For a luxury marque, they have an understanding that the general market of luxury car buyers (read old rich folk) want a subtle statement. For some, it's too subtle. For most, it gets the job done.
But in conjunction with design, there is functionality. Lexus has been very superb in creating ergonomic cars with easy access and viewing of everything inside the cabin. The recent asymmetric designs of the ES350, RX350/450h, and the LX570 all encompass the driver with what they need/want. Again, it may not win everyone's hearts, but it does address what the driver really needs.
For myself, I have always been a bit "cold" when first seeing Lexus' designs on photo or in print. It seems plain and uninspired. However, upon seeing it in person and in motion, my outlook changes immediately. There is visual balance in size, heft, and weight to the cars. There is a radiance to pearl/metallic surfaces, further enhancing the textures and tension in each sheet of metal. The interiors "feel" like no other interior; the tactile sensation of every bit of plastic, leather, and wood all create interest. The lighting is somewhat theatrical, yet unobtrusive. The feel of the car while driving is signature; it's serene and comforting.
I doubt that a forum like ours (which is dominated by young mostly-single male enthusiasts) truly parallel the majority of Lexus buyers. Lexus' designs are not meant to be spectacular and groundbreaking. It's charming and conservative.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a pretty good cup of tea nonetheless.
08-13-09 | 05:38 AM
#38
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,882
Likes: 1
From: Coral Springs, Fl
08-13-09 | 07:32 AM
#41
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,719
Likes: 90
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
08-13-09 | 07:36 AM
#42
The LS & IS sedan (non F) are good looking cars imo. The others need to follow suit. Lexus design language of the 90's were ahead of its time.. I honestly can't say the same for the current design language.
08-13-09 | 07:46 AM
#44
I'm with you there. My favorite Lexus models are the current IS and LS and the 2GS. The new ES doesn't do it for me and the rest of the lineup is pretty polarizing.
