GTA8.5

Ok, I know it`s a little earily to be talking about the next Lexus LS seeing that this is a concept but the production models design should be around 95%
of what this concept is. My question is why is Lexus following BMW in design now with the 2007 LS. Could the Japanese see BMW as the new German car leader?

Agent_Imperial

Alx

Neither is following each other, the new LS looks like the current ES. Just bolder! M5 looks crazy in comparison i dotn really see any similarities.

GTA8.5

Man, I see BMW 5er all over this new car!! Lexus has managed to change some subtle design details but Im really shock!!

Mr. Mercedes

While the proportions are similar, the surfacing, detailing and other design elements are distinctly different to the 5. The car is still very Japanese. It's more of a grown up IS.

And I dont think that it's an acknowledgment that BMW is the new leader amongst the Germans. I think that lexus realised that anything too similar to a Benz the 3rd time around would be too much of a blatant rip off.

Alx

Exactly Mr.Merc....

In fact here is the ES330 looks like the Lexus but bolder...

EnI

Maybe the LF-S is a new ES, and not LS.

Alx

Could be Tine, they look too similar to each other, and for an LS its too sporty and sleek instead of bold, wide and luxury like.... too wierd for me.

Beemer B773ER

Whether BMW is the new leader in German design is purely subjective, so I doubt that is the case.

I think it's more the notion that BMW has broken the shackles of the image it used to have with its cars, ..that being a car which pleased the eyes of all, whether you were a BMW fan, or a Mercedes fan or whoever.
Now that they've shaken that image off with their bold new direction in design,..I think Lexus has realised that it can not solely rely on it's reputation of being reliable, ..that it's vehicle must also somehow be a symbol of Lexus and the direction that its heading.

BMW realised this a decade ago when the 7er was being designed. Lexus is instigating the same process in the last few years.

That's my take on Lexus and their designs.

Matt

Thanks for your take Bimmer Boi
Just kidding

That Lexus is very similar to the 5 in the lights and many of the lines. Personally I like the 5er better not the copy that was trying to avoid plagiarism by changing things here and there. The 5's lines are better put together and flow right, while the lexus looks like they were just trying to avoid a complete copy. There are definitely design Q's from the 5 onto that Lexus. That car is closer looking to the 5 than any previous Lexus.