What are the two ***** above the steering wheel (and on both sides of it) that stick out of the leather dash? I can see the one on the right says "Normal" and "Custom" so I'm not sure if that's ride type (you'd think that would be controlled via interface). Putting those ***** there kinda makes the steering wheel look like it has horns. #Shrek

I may be in the minority here, but I really don't like the 500h interior at all. There is too much going on for my eye. I really dislike the cut glass - and now I see why the "display' or "ambient light" thing in front of the passenger is designed the way it is. IMO, It's meant to show a similar design found in the cut glass area near the door handle, so my guess is the non hybrid LS may have an option for the cut glass as well. The pic that shows the rear seat reclined (where you can see the door of the driver-side rear passenger) just looks very odd all around the rear door handle.

Personally, I prefer more minimalist design - and if I'm looking for something "edgy" or "different", I much prefer what Audi is doing in some of their S and RS line cars and sedans.

 

Really..? The word k-n-o-b-s gets put into asterisks?

 

That's pretty funny lol. Only here.

 

I think she looks hideous. Wish they would release it already so the 2012's drop more in price.

 

Busy, busy, busy. Too much lines . . . it's like Lexus is trying to hard. Are your car seats full leather or just leather on the surfaces that you touch? Until you actually owned a top of the line MB AMG or BMW B7 or 760 individual, or Rolls Royce, and I don't mean one from 10 years ago, you don't fully see what luxury means. Luxury is not necessarily about value. It's about exclusivity, unique, artful, and no skimping even on the same details. Lexus, on the other hand, is about value. So while this interior may look "luxurious," I will wait to inspect the materials used in person. Just because something is made by hand doesn't mean luxury. Go to Cancun, Mexico, and you will see a lot of things made by hand in the flea market.

You get what you pay for. Those that have not experience anything more than Lexus will rightfully consider this interior very "luxurious" and valued . . . those that have experience a level higher would have already known. Good work Lexus. Surely everyone, except Lexus fanboy loyalists, knows that you get what you pay for. But they will counterpoint that you get more luxury for less. Surely, everyone will know why too.

 

The LS has always had very good materials for the segment. I have no doubt the materials in the LS500 will be excellent. Comparing it to a Rolls Royce or whatever doesn't make any sense, it isn't that. What you need to compare it to is other cars in its segment. Until the latest round of revisions the LS was very comparable, right now the LS460 is behind because those competitors are using much better materials than they used to. No doubt they will catch up with the LS500 though.

"You get what you pay for" is relative. I love the S550 for instance, but optioned even marginally it's $30,000 more than my LS460. Is it $30,000 more car? I don't think so. I would choose it if you offered them to me for the same price, but I can't get there for my dollars. I'd rather have my car and a loaded Miata for the weekends.

Unless you are seriously wealthy, or have no other demands on your income value is always a component of a purchase. Why buy an Alpina B7 when you can have a Bentley Mulsanne? Value.

 

I would put this new LS interior up against anything not hand-built, and even then not too far off. A MB Designo interior, bring it.

When Lexus clearly puts its $$ and resources into their interiors they hold their own with the best, IMO.

I hated the new LS inside (and in general) at first but I'm warming to it. I'm sure it's absolutely disgusting (in a good way) in person. However, I will say there is not nearly enough wood. "New style" or not, I can't swallow that. A luxury car needs wood and lots of it. It's like our IS vs LS....sure the IS is nice and luxurious with wood bits (and I'd put its interior up against any competitors'), but the LS just blows it out of the water in every way imaginable, the wood is like the only thing you see bc there's so much.

Drooling for detailed test and comparisons in the next months/year.

 

I like wood too, but IMHO too much wood is overkill.

 

Not for me, the more the better. Beautiful wood in a true luxury car is like a Lacoste polo...will never truly go out of style. I'm still stunned by how nice the wood is in my LS, all these years later.

I do think the LS500 needs more of it, perhaps where the guitar string thing is. Again though I need to see in person. I'm sure this interior will be absolutely amazing.

 

I actually think the LS430 has a little too much wood. I think the 460 is a better balance.

 

Me too. I'd get hardwood floors in a car if it were available. Clients who get in my car even today comment on how nice the wood looks. Most can't believe the car is almost 15 years old.

 

I love the matte wood interior on the LS460. Beautiful.

 

I'm going to miss this old school style shifter. I see some companies moving to these compacted ones (audi has it on their new A4/S4/A5/S5. Bmw has had it for a while). ​Though I understand doing this allows for more space in center console area.

 

Oh yes, that's mouth watering, lol. The grey and saddle color combo there is just sumptuous, done just right. I also think the bamboo in the newer 460s is easily the best wood I've ever seen in a car, minus a Bentley. Absolutely stunning.

 

That's a great looking interior!