Sorry if this has been posted but I just found it quite remarkable.
The rear seating of the new LS500 reminds me of the upcoming Lucid Air concept vehicle.

 

I'm also pleased to know the LS500 will come with five different options for wheels.
Which means buyers won't have to accept the polarizing chrome option.
LS500 hollow wheels #1
LS500 hollow wheels #2

The reports also say the wheels will be hollow. Which makes them lighter and quieter.

 

Yet, if the LS looked like the S-Class, there would be complaints and criticism that it is copying the Germans.

I, for one, am happy that Lexus is finding its own style and not trying to be something that it is not.

 

Wheels on the LS460 are hollow too

 

Well, I'm sure he'll answer for himself, but wasn't he referring to the messy C-D pillar treatment among other things that have already been pointed out by others?

The spindle has also come in for criticism. IMO nobody is saying that the 5LS has to look like the Benz - but that doesn't mean the S class isn't the referential benchmark. There's a reason why the LS430 had so many Germanic styling cues to it. And it got rightly called out for it.

It can't just be about two choices: Germanic and Japanese. Look at Hyundai/Kia/Genesis - just on their first run with their lines of vehicles, they have a starting point. Not great, but good.

 

This forum is ridiculous at times, the styling of the S Class is not even that great the rear view especially. I know people that think the car is downright ugly.

 

I don't see how somebody can think the S Class us ugly, looks great to me from every angle, especially with the AMG appearance package.

But, the LS500 is growing on me a lot.

 

The lower part of the front looks stupid, the rear looks droopy and huge.

 

S class isnt ugly just uninspiring looks, like a large C or E class

 

If you want more objectiveness and quantitativeness, then do a Poll.

Else that's just my 2 cents on styling.

If you don't like my opinion, just hit the Ignore Button.

However, at least it is better than telling you that I think that the 5LS needs a V8 TT with 600 bhp & 0-60 in 4 seconds to sell...

 

I think S Class looks nice, however I prefer the older S Class without the "droopiness" in its rear styling.

I came from an era where Benz and Beamer got away with good looking cars with pathetic 1.8L 4 cylinder, or 2.0L 4 cylinder, and 3.5L 90 degree coarse revving V6's with a lack of bottom end punch.
So much for the theory that 5LS needs a V8 TT to succeed.

 

My view is the new LS is a fine update and will do well. The TTV6 will be more than adequate. What is under the hood is more of a status symbol than what is actually needed for this class of car. The AMG and all of the large engine options are a waste and most drivers that can buy these cars typically do not have the skills to master them on public roads. (...and that applies to me....). The 290hp in the 430 is plenty, as is the 386hp in the 460; 415-16hp in the LS500 is more than enough....

I saw a pre-production version in March but the videos just posted look better than what I remember and I agree with some of the comments above about Lexus going their own way is better than copying others (but my first impression was a stretched out M37). The interior is top notch and follows the 2013+ aspects.

I am surprised that the release is now Feb of '18 as at the March event they (Lexus reps) were saying November. Sometime in 2021 or so when these start to come off the leases this will be on the list of cars to consider..... (maybe...)....

 

A car is the sum of its parts.
Despite the 5LS rear quarter styling, there is still quite a lot up its sleeve including: aluminium bonnet, trunk, door skins, and roofline, with a cast aluminium strut bearing areas, plus hollow wheels etc etc.
Such that 5LS could still do well...

 

IMO, Lexus should not clone the S Class, but Lexus should simply refine/tidy up the current 5LS as detailed in the post below.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/867893-2018-ls500-pricing-and-reviews-10.html#post9983937

 

thats what they did with the LC, instead of copying germans they did their own thing and got its own identity. LC is widely regarded in reviews