jasone36

Being a "new" 2013 LS460L owner, I'm constantly on the lookout for other LS's on the road... and there aren't a ton (which I'm happy about).

However, I've recently been "fooled" a few times when approaching a modern ES from the front (especially if it's in black).

From afar, the front of the ES looks eerily like the front of a 2013+ LS.

I suppose Lexus wants "brand recognition", which I'm all for (in theory)... but NOT when your "executive-level" Lexus LS looks like a "soccer mom's" Lexus ES... at a fraction of the cost!

Here's how the new ES looks, which is actually pretty impressive:

https://northparklexusatdominion.wordpress.com/2015/09/

caha14

It is nice to drive a "rare" car!

There is definitely a strong family resemblance, and the 2016 ES update underscores that (it's beautiful, IMHO).

I can tell them apart easily, though, and there is one feature in particular that works for me: where the lip of the hood meets the front fascia - clean seam against the grille on LS - not so on the ES (which has actually kind-of bothered me since day one in 2013, FWIW). That's what jumps out at me, though on a black car, I hear you... Then, there is the shape of the hood with the hump in the middle on the LS.

Just find the one feature that works for you that, upon seeing one of these ES350s, will put you at ease the fastest knowing yours is the only LS of the two .

dlbuckls10

Agreed. The LS is larger but the ES and GS all look to similar. Its harder to distinguish the ES from GS.

qtrung909

I think its a trend now with most car companies. They are trying to make all their models look similar so that buyers can afford luxury looking cars at less than ultra luxury price. Most of the bmw's from 2-7 series look similar just a tad bit bigger between models. MB's c, e, and s all have similar looks, Audi is doing it too with a3-a8.

islandbeef

It's called "Design Language".

jasone36

Agreed, but I'm just not so sure that the hedge fund executive buying a 120K+ LS600hL wants to look like the entry-level computer programmer driving a moderately-priced 35K Lexus

But then again, I doubt the hedge fund executive really care all that much... it's just us "car people" that really pay attention to these types of things, I suppose

islandbeef

LOL, in that case. They should remove the kidney grille from the BMW 7-series and replace it with a heart shaped grille (so it doesn't look like the 1 series model). That way, the 7 series can maintain it's snob appeal.

SW17LS

Most people aren't going to be able to tell the difference between an ES and LS, even up close. Thats true of any car brand though.

R Z

It's not just the ES and GS that look like the LS! No sir. Everybody is jumping on the LS front end. Pretty soon you won't even know which is which!

dlbuckls10

Hahahaha!! Yes sir I like that.

Unsober1

Isn't that the LB350

Luxury beetle !

islandbeef

The Persuit Of Fahrvergnügen Perfection

caha14

Wow, staggered wheel set up and all; very nice!