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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
Conservative styling has its place in the car world, and it's found a home in the Lexus LS. The "L-Finesse" styling theme pioneered a few years ago has given today's LS a softly curved, elegant, and feminine shape--even while the rest of the Lexus lineup moves into modernity with a jagged, masculine look.
It's handsome, and it will look good for quite a long time, as the past editions have continued to do. The Lexus LS doesn't quite have the curb appeal of its rivals, though--particularly the glamorous Jag XJ, or the feline Infiniti M56. Long-wheelbase models carry a little more visual weight, but like the short-wheelbase cars, they might also be mistaken for an ES 350 from a distance.
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
The Lexus LS has a commanding presence, but without the styling drama wrapped around its competition.
