STYLING | 6 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
This is the first Lexus on the market where the wood (in this case dark brown ash burl wood) has a matte finish, a look that we'd like to see in more of the company's vehicles.
Motor Trend
unremarkable cabin design
Edmunds
definitely looks the part of a flagship vehicle, with clean, sleek lines
MSN Autos
The 2011 Lexus LS lineup has rather conservative styling that won't look dated as soon as some rival luxury flagships, but it doesn't have their curb appeal either. On the positive side, the simple, organic, and elegant L-finesse design language in the LS fits in as well at the country club as it does curbside at a premiere or party, while it's not at all gimmicky. Long-wheelbase versions look the part of a flagship sedan much more than the short-wheelbase LS, which from a distance (from the outside only, of course) could be mistaken for an ES 350.
The LS received a slight touch-up a couple of years ago, and the model that wore the best of the new look is the LS 460 Sport, featuring a subtle body kit that went along with suspension and handling upgrades, and distinctive forged alloy wheels. As for the LS 600h L, it's distinguished from the nonhybrid cars by a different grille and blue-tinted taillights-there's little, really, to set it apart from less-expensive versions, especially from a distance.
The Lexus LS interior is styled with less reverence to tradition than any BMW or Mercedes (and formerly, any Jaguar); it's smooth and opulent in its own way, with wood and leather mated perfectly to tightly grained, well-matched plastics. An LCD screen dominates the center console, while the driver faces especially clearly designed gauges. Inside, the LS 460 Sport Package adds a distinctive black and saddle leather interior, with sport seats and steering wheel, as well as a pair of shift paddles fitted behind the steering-wheel rim.
Conclusion
Short-wheelbase versions of the Lexus LS 460 are surprisingly anonymous; long-wheelbase LS 460 L and LS 600h L models command the presence they deserve, but they're still bland.