Comments on: TTAC Photochop: New Lexus GS MkIV

By: alexeck

alexeck — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:07:59 +0000

I just wish that Lexus would fix the design of the RX. It’s so… ugly.

Their other designs (especially the ES, LS, LX and GS) rock.

By: akatsuki

akatsuki — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:09:36 +0000

I think the current IS is a handsome, understated car with horribly cheap looking rear lights… Good enough that the new C-class shares a ton of its details in front, just with a lot more bling. The LS is a bit bland, but okay. The GS is awkward and never quite hit its stride.

I’d like to see something more aggressive personally.

By: billc83

billc83 — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:17:44 +0000

Lexus never really excited me, for whatever reason. I liked the IS250/350 styling enough, and really admired the LS430/460. The ES is a tarted-up Camry, and the GS always seemed too bland. However, Lexus has yet to make any serious mistakes building the brand.

That being said, my time at the Lexus dealership test-driving an IS was probably my best dealership experience I’ve had. The facility was amazing and the salesman was top-notch. Though I didn’t buy, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the dealership (Lexus of Bellevue).

By: Johnster

Johnster — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:55:01 +0000

It looks better than what Lexus will probably do with it. The GS and IS both have cramped interiors and the short greenhouses make them seem claustrophobic to be inside. Lexus has a thing for higher belt lines and shorter greenhouses.

I like what you’ve done better than the current GS. The comparatively tall greenhouse should make the interior feel airy and more spacious.

By: phil

phil — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:52:33 +0000

i’m with redbarchetta; it’s just a wind blown fecal blob with no distinguishing features. This is a lexus? There’s just nothing of interest, and i also agree it looks more altimad than lexoid. when you have a german sedan in your rearview mirror there is no doubt about it, and you know immediately if it’s a merc or BMW, and esp now the Audis with the awesome eyelashes. if this thing was in your rearview mirror you’d not have the faintest idea what it was.

By: autonut

autonut — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:10:42 +0000

@argentla

I am with you on that one. I liked a bit more the second generation LS 430: it was a bit taller and less “Benzish”, but definitely classic look. LS460 did not capture that quality (nor S-class or 7-series for that matter).

By: argentla

argentla — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:04:20 +0000

I also find myself missing the more upright look of the original LS400. It was heavily criticized at the time as a rehash of the 80s Mercedes S-class, but it had a kind of unpretentious class that’s sorely missed today.

By: MgoBLUE

MgoBLUE — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:22:56 +0000

I share in the admiration of the LS. However, this draft of the GS looks a helluva lot like the current ES, which is bland at best, in my humble opinion.

By: SherbornSean

SherbornSean — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:35:14 +0000

On the one hand, I give Lexus credit for developing its own design languange, something Acura, for example, clearly struggles with.

But that said, I am a fan of the original LS, RX and GS designs. The original GS, — penned I beleive by Guigiaro — was really well balanced.

My concern for Lexus is that they are falling into the trap of selling the same sausage in 3 sizes. It works for BMW, because they have maintained a superlative driving experience as their unique selling proposition.

But what sets a Lexus apart — a dealer who smiles a lot while overcharging you, a reputation for reliability, and nice leather — are all easily equaled by other luxury players.

So what makes a Lexus a Lexus?

By: Redbarchetta

Redbarchetta — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:56:55 +0000

I think it’s kind of boring looking, real plain. And the lights up front don’t work, it’s busy and odd shaped. I have never liked the overall shape of the GS either, it’s like a big fat jelly bean. Sorry but this one really doesn’t do anything for me, and I also get a feeling of looking at a fat version of the last generation Camry, which was also very boring to look at. If it looks like this it is just going to disappear into the landscape of cars. I like the IS and LS but not this one, sorry.

By: Voice of Sweden

Voice of Sweden — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:49:01 +0000

You’ve done a quality work. And I share your love of the IS and LS. But to me this car looks too much Nissan / Infiniti, and not enough L-finesse. A little to bold, not sleek enough. Too little finesse!