Looks very after thought..
I am really disappointed with this design. It makes me happy about my 7th gen Lexus though!

 

Yeh, cuz 21” wheels will do wonders for the ride....

 

Car and Driver has an article today on the new gen, and the interior pictures clearly show a smaller screen that properly allows airbag function.

https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/...erior-gallery/

 

Like MikeMu, I saw that. I simply don't believe the "clarification." I think your characterization of it as "damage control" was correct. The real intent was clear: This will be their largest and costliest sedan.

In turn, that also makes me agree with the posters who said Toyota's leaders are no longer committed to Lexus. As a profit engine, yes. As the original concept of competing with the world's finest cars, clearly no.

 

Can't wait to see the pricing on these gems... I think that I'll be priced out of Lexus territory starting next year.

 

I don't often comment on design issues, as everyone's tastes are different, but...my gawd, this is horrendous.

 

Same..
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
It doesn't have the Japanese spirit and design motives.

 

Might just be an option. Remember the ugly electronic side mirrors on the 7th ES?
Then making an airbag deploy from the side and pass around the monitors is feasible we now have tons of airbags not simply directly in front of us.

 

I'd have to drive an ESh first which I've never done. But I do love the silky smooth quiet ride of a hybrid with no shifts etc. I'll deal with the engine growl when I have to punch it every now and then.

 

The dual screen may be something just for the Chinese market.

 

As a current owner of both (at least until last month when I traded the RXh in for an NXh), perhaps I can offer an opinion. The RXh has a higher seating position and better NVH. Any improvements to the new ESh may erase much of that difference, perhaps even raising the seating position based on the early images alone. With the dimensions of the new ES growing so much it would be an easy answer for me. Definitely favor the RXh when comparing just these two models. There are many factors that go into this evaluation though and more importantly, they are completely different models that don't typically compete with each other.

 

Or maybe it's the UL model (upgraded infotainment screen). Time will tell...
I’ll need to test drive it to gauge how much quieter it is. For now, though, I have no interest in this 8th generation.

 

I'll also add, the ride of the new gen 350h is very different than the 450h from the last gen - I had the 450 as a loaner back then and found the transition between ICE and EV was not so seamless.

 

C&D also reports: "Lexus says it will offer an Executive package in the United States for the first time, which upgrades the rear seats with a passenger-side ottoman and a massage function for the outboard seats. The Executive package also includes heating and ventilation for the rear passengers for ultimate comfort no matter the weather." LS territory?