From our little thread about the LX570...


"Why has the top-of-the-line products of Lexus been very simple on the outside?

Lexus flaunts great technology (as in the LS) and, in the case of their SUVs, off-road performance (as in the LX and GX), yet they do not flaunt the design aspect of their vehicles? Is there passion in the design, or is that passion simply heart-felt warmth to please the conservative masses?

Not that I want the LX to look like the LF-A, but there needs to be design cues (other than flaunting a big "L" on the grill) that claims "This is Lexus at it's Best," not "This is Lexus being very cautious to please rich old people."

The Pursuit of Perfection sometimes requires crossing the line. Look that the Audi Q7 for example: it crosses the line with its design, and it is distinguishable without being audacious, such as H2s or Escalades. Has the Pursuit been misdirected? Is Perfection boring or bland?

The Definition of Finesse: refinement or delicacy of workmanship, structure, or texture.

Finesse is a value that many lack and few possess. However, Finesse needs to be complemented with a innovation to be competitive in today's world. Otherwise, it fades into the shadows of the past with little effect on the future. Perhaps the mantra of Lexus design needs to change from L-Finesse to L-Ingenious.

Lexus needs to rediscover their aptitude in discovering and reinventing their place in the luxury segment. Part of luxury is not only flaunting technology or high price tags; it is also the idea that rare and beautiful things are hard to come by.

I see finesse in paintings and photographs and sculptures. It requires utmost refinement and delicacy to create a work of art. However, ingenuity is what makes a painting or photograph or sculpture stand out from the rest. Ingenuity is what differentiates Greatest Works of Art from just a work or art.

Lexus needs ingenuity to further progress themselves in this market.

The Pursuit of Perfection continues..."

 

What does L-Finesse has to do with LX?

 

^^ Huh? What do you mean what does it have to do with the LX?

 

Excellent question.

I am a long time Lexus nut, but recently have been disappointed in the new designs.

For me, I think Lexus is making a mistake in trying to have a universal design theme. There is nothing wrong with having shared design cues accross some models, but applying the Lfinnesse all over is boring.

Nothing wrong with Lfinnesse per se, but I prefer to have the SC looking different than an ES or LX. In the abscence of a universal theme, Lexus cars have always had a "Lexus" style. The new ES and new LS look very similar. Neither is ugly, but they should be allowed to have a different style.

I know Lexus has the mindset that Lfinnesse accross the board will create a stronger brand idenitity, but those that don't like the design language might not like the entire Lexus line.

 

Current LX is an old design and isn't an L-Finesse design. I think that's what he meant. But the new LX should have L-Finesse to it.

 

I know there is an article about the L-Finesse Design posted before, but I can't say I really know what exactly L-Finesse is after reading it

 

It's something that worked very well for BMW for a lot of years ("same sausage, different length"). As long as the design is attractive (and I think the Lexus L-Finesse is), personally I don't see anything wrong with it.

 

I surely and I hope no one expects Lexus to get all the designs "right' the first time. These are all simply the 1st generation cars influenced by L-finesse. And they seem to get it, look at how the GS concept improved and how the LF-A concept improved.

 

I think its very conservative. I love the look of my 2IS, the GS, and LS. Not a fan at all of the ES. The SC needs a change, and the RX is subtle.

The cars aren't wild yet they are very nice to look at! Unfortunately if you are buying a Lexus to turn heads you're puchasing from the wrong company!

 

I think its both boring and refined. Boring in that they use generic designs for the headlights and tailights and refined in that they really dont need to have a mid-life facelift. If you look at the previous LS, GS and ES all they really change is the tailights.

 

LX is sold mostly in USA only... It is low numbers true SUV based on Land Cruiser. You simply can not expect them to design it differently than LC - volume is simply not there.

Which is why LX really doesnt follow L-Finesse like other Lexus's that came out...

 

Same exact reservations, I have on the L-Finesse design. I miss the uniqueness that the 2nd Gen GS, 1 Gen SC in terms of design, heck even the original LS400 that stood out on the road in my opinion.

At far distance, you can't really distinguish between the new LS and ES's look especially in the front for most people. Hopefully, they'll fix this with a minor face lift.

 

Exactly.

The LX is mostly Toyota design -- Highlander and RAV4 heritage. Some L-finesse cues in the front end and taillamps.

Other than that, it's not L-finesse IMO. Leave L-finesse to the real beauties in the Lexus lineup--the cars.

 

Like a first date, L finesse is good but forgettable......

 

DASHOCKER, very nicely said.

Although I think the new Lexus cars look very nice and elegant, I think they're boring. The only reason I really turn my head at stock new ones is to attempt to decipher whether it is an IS or an ES or LS (easier said than done while driving).

Though they look good, I think Lexus went a little bit too conservative. They really didn't take any risks like the German companies do with their designs. Obviously it isn't really hurting Lexus, but it leaves room for improvement if they so desire.