Did Lexus BOTCH The Job On The Updated, 2013 Lexus LS?

I think they did a really good job considering that this is a refresh for the Lexus LS. And I think they decided to not completely redesign the Lexus LS model for 2014 is because they're making sure that the next Lexus LS460 is good enough to still compete in this segment.

Thing has change a lot since this model came out. It was the most technological advance luxury vehicle in it segment when it first came out. And I think it's the best looking car in it segment as well.

why don't you just read the comment on the other Lexus LS article you posted, with the same exact pictures?

The advancement in metal forming and extruding is astounding. The overall design leaves a little to be desired, but the details are unmatched in the industry. The trunk detail is simply amazing, I love the soft contouring of the metal, cutting in and then away to the taillight.

This seems like a move to try to capture a "younger" buyer to the make, as well as offer up a "fresh" design before MB releases the new S-Class and Audi has time to liven up the A8.

Except for the hideous front end, it's okay.

The Audi-ish nose is incongrument with the profile view.

Do we know for sure it isn't a remodel? Just because is looks alot like the current generation doesn't mean it isn't a remodel. The current generation 7 series looks a lot like the previous generation and everyone was bummed it didn't look different enough from the previous generation. Personally I think people are too impatient and want so much change everytime and shorter generations. For me, it isn't broke don't fix it, improve sure. But from the looks of this LS it is certainly fresh looking and who knows what the interior will like.

You are correct sir! It is a remodel. Same platform (at least 2 generations always use the same platform), new sheetmetal (hood, fenders, trunk, everything but the doors), we havent seen the interior but it will likley be significantly upgraded, and likely new powertrains. It's a new model but they did not change the profile. It's not a refresh.

So why so conservative? Ask Audi why the A8 hasnt changed its appearance in 10 years. Ask MBZ why the new S Class looks exactly like the outgoing one. It's what buyers at this price point want. Style has never been this gen Lexus's problem. It's problem has been a lackluster interior and the engine (though its engine was a fine piece when it debuted).

yes, boring. 2nd rate car in the class. next topic please.

For my 60th Birthday this year I was going to trade my 2010 Lexus GS350 AWD in for a new 2012 or 2013 Lexus LS460. (Previous to the GS I had a BMW 530Xi, Audi A4,MB E350, etc.). I was invited and went to the national 2013 Lexus GS Test Drive event held at the Meadowlands (Giants Stadium- NJ) and although it had some nice new features and style I was not that impressed. Test drove a 2012 LS460 AWD and that also left me as excited as "kissing my sister". (I really wanted to buy this car and to think I was ready to spend over $80K for it).

Fast forward, I test drove a new top of the line 2012 "second generation" Chrysler 300C with AWD, a 5.7L Hemi V-8 and EVERY option/technology (except auto park) offered, VERY similar to a fully loaded LS, and was blown away how much I liked the car, its considerable roominess and comfort level, gutsy muscle car V-8 engine (with seamless cylinder deactivation on the highway for better economy), similar fuel economy, and just as quiet on the highway as the LS460 (Chrysler specifically targeted the LS460, MB E350 and BMW 5 Series for ride comfort and road quietness). The long list of STANDARD features in this car is just unbelievable and the few options/packages that are available gives very serious competition to all the called luxury imports for "$$'s vs. value". Even something as simple as the heated leather and WOOD steering wheel, Chrysler designed it to be heated all the way around (wood included) and not just on the leather portion like on the LS460 and others. Lastly the giant 8.4" touch screen "infotainment" system with Garmin navigation, Sirius and Alpine 506 watt 10 speaker sound is probably the easiest and fastest responding touch system I have ever used. Makes iDrive, MMI or other console remote pointing device seem superflous.

In summary, I spent HALF of what I would have spent on a new LS and I have a quintessential American "muscle car" combined with the features/technology/comfort of a luxury import car in one exciting vehicle.

Before you flame my comments please note I have owned nothing but Audi's, Mercedes, BMW's And Lexus for over 30 years but it seems the American brands, Chrysler especially, is truly making a spectacular comeback in the auto industry and making some great cars. And, given the American job market and economy, I was happy to buy (and support) American! Good day, everyone :-)

tiguan: what do you call a car that's designed, engineered and built in detroit? answer: american. fiat happens to own a majority of chrysler shares for 3 years now. that does not make a 100-year old company suddenly 'italian' particularly when the development time for a typical car is 5 to 7 years. you're a schmuck.

you're correct. it will look FAR better. much like the current S-class vastly overshadows the LS when side-by-side.

@Mercedes,

by reading your comment above you seem to have a lot of anger and hatred toward for no reason. What's the matter you use to work for them and than they laid you off? IMAO........!

FYI, MB is Not what it use to be. You just Sour and Hate Lexus because of their success even thought MB has been around way longer than Lexus.

I think it will look much better in person. You can't see the cuts on the photo's. I love the crease down the hood....Just what they needed to help sales pick-up big time....

Old car, stuck on stuff, the LS needs a new look that has as much gravitas as this generation did. How about the interior, that needed the most help.

breadman good for you on your purchase and being open minded since most on this site have issues seeing/thinking outside their boxes. Personally, I have never fell for just one brand, I drive what I like and what I can afford. Most of these individuals here will post garbage but have never driven or owned any of the makes they are hating. I will wait and see both the S-Class and LS when they officially come out and make my opinion. BTW all these companies are on top of their game on these top of the line sedans. You will not go wrong purchasing any of them, assuming you have the money. Enjoy your HEMI!

Mercedes, have you seen the spy pics for the "new" S Class. Same argument could be made there. The profile hasnt changed a bit. Same thing with the A8. BMW is the only one that seems to be all over the place, and thats just because they are trying to ditch all their Bangleized messes and go back to looking like every BMW from the 90s.

you make no sense. the 2013 LS is the SEVENTH model year of the same car. it's the SECOND refresh. by the time a new one comes out it will be a full TEN years. that's pathetic.

I want to know one thing: is this a REFRESH or a NEW MODEL?

The Lexus fanboys are claiming it is a major refresh and every other news source says it's a "new car". Well, what is it?

Personally I hate what I am seeing in the photos here. The car looks like a current LS, which is beautiful and classy, that had some new GS parts tacked on and that's what ruins the design. The LS needs to be classy, not sporty. Maybe the car will look better in person, but I doubt it.

Seriously, in this class I find myself falling for the new Audi A8. The Audi A8, despite the conservative design, comes across as elegant and Audi even managed to make it appear dynamic/sporty without ruining the design (unlike here with the new LS). I know many people think Audi designers are lazy, but I like the gradual design evolution at Audi. Understatement is the world.

This LS will either blend in in traffic or turn heads for the wrong reasons. Again, maybe it will look better in person, but I doubt it.