DETROIT AUTO SHOW PREVIEW: Did Lexus OVER Do It With The 2014 IS?

DETROIT AUTO SHOW PREVIEW: Did Lexus OVER Do It With The 2014 IS?
When I saw the first spy shots of the updated IS, I was stoked. That's because if there's one product in the Lexus lineup that needs to be brought up to speed, it's the IS. When this generation first came out it had a bit of "swagger" to its credit.

But it completely lacked the first-gen product's chutzpah. The second-gen car seemed a bit too tame and even bordered on "femme."

Now we have the updated IS for 2013 and it's pretty clear to me that Lexus is taking a walk on the wild side. Except, there's one problem -- at least from the author's eyes.

It doesn't seem to look all that great in the photos below. It actually is pretty offputting. More or less along the same lines as the BMW "Bangle-era" E60 5-Series. It doesn't matter how good it is, I'd never want to be caught dead in one.

And if these pictures are painting an accurate image, it'll be the same with the 2014 IS.

From the inside out, there's nothing to like about this design.

Outside, notice how small the wheels and tires look relative the vehicle's body. Then there's the wheel gap. Is this thing a sport-utility vehicle? I like how Lexus took away the "heft" of the vehicle by using a blacked-out rear diffuser element but God almighty those elongated taillights are brutal!

Getting more comfortable inside could be a tad scary from what we're seeing here. Note how the interior seems disjointed? The center stack seems to be sweeping then you're confronted with protruding HVAC vents? Then, the infotainment screen appears to be BURIED back towards the windshield.

All and all, when I look at these initial shots of the new IS, I am a bit concerned. It seems like Lexus just went a bit over the top with its most sporting model.

Here's MY problem when I see the IS: When I compare it against the BMW 3-Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class it doesn't capture my interest. When I originally lined up the GS against the 5-Series and E-Class, I felt that it was a competitive offering that would give them some trouble.

So, I have to ask: Am I the only one thinking it? Did Lexus over do the styling on the 2014 IS?

What say you, Spies?


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cidflekkencidflekken - 1/11/2013 11:45:51 PM
+6 Boost
Not trying to be a smarta$$, but why not just read the comments on the other threads on this new IS? It's pretty clear what the opinions are.


apmoore23apmoore23 - 1/11/2013 11:53:00 PM
+10 Boost
Introducing the New 2014 Lexus IS... headlamps by Nike.


pepito66pepito66 - 1/12/2013 12:37:26 AM
+5 Boost
Ha ha ha ha lol awesome comment ha ha that's was great.....headlight from Nike ha ha ha yes is true , this car is ugly.


Agent001Agent001 - 1/11/2013 11:58:41 PM
+1 Boost
I think they had to do something radical or people would have said they are too conservative and old.

And this is the perfect model to experiment with and go after a younger demographic.

Finally, until you see it in person and on the road, it's hard to make a final decision.

We'll be sure to have LOTS of real life photos as soon as we can in our Official Detroit Auto Show Gallery coming soon...stay tuned.

001


cidflekkencidflekken - 1/12/2013 7:21:01 PM
+2 Boost
You know, 001, what's really ironic about your comment is that it could have fit perfectly with Acura when the TL was introduced. If Acura didn't take a risk with "the beak", many would have brushed it off as too conservative. But it attempted to really think outside the box, and the "Agents" here just blasted it. Yet, especially from you, 001, your words towards Lexus, despite the complete hideousness of this design, do not echo the same sentiments that you and the other agents expressed against the TL. And you wonder why you're constantly accused of bias and favoritism?


Designer1Designer1 - 1/12/2013 12:29:31 AM
+8 Boost
The more I look at it the uglier it seems. I don't know what's happening with Lexus, have they lost their touch or what?


gkearns56gkearns56 - 1/12/2013 6:08:48 AM
+2 Boost
I echo your comments. I think the car is REALLY UGLY inside. The outside is ok, but the inside is so confusing, cluttered, no ergonomic flow for the driver. All anybody has to do is look at the 5th and 6th pictures presented here. Just look at all the buttons, different levels of DASH and how it seems like there is a bunch of plastic surfaces. I want to feel like I am surrounded by high quality material since I will be driving a distance. I also like my car to have a fine craftmanship of material, sense of sportiness and overall a beautiful car (ex: Pontiac Aztec would NEVER be a gorgeous looking car). Am I the only one not seeing the interior of this car just grab them. I'll stay with my German cars (Audi, BMW, Benz)


jeffgalljeffgall - 1/12/2013 9:07:41 AM
+1 Boost
Did they ever have a good touch


cidflekkencidflekken - 1/12/2013 12:34:07 AM
+6 Boost
Actually, 00R, I'm glad you posted the close-up pics of the center stack. That climate/audio control center just looks outright underwhelming. Is this really "Lexus". My previous opinions I posted on the other articles was that this interior just screams 80's and these close-ups just confirm it…and worse.

I am incredibly disappointed. Before I got my current car I considered the IS350/IS-F because the styling was perfect and the performance was much improved over the years. But I didnt' want to get a car that was already long in the tooth and at the end of it's lifecycle. But there is ABSOLUTELY no way I would consider this car at this point. And I truly doubt that in-person viewings would change that view in the least. If anything, it might make my opinion even worse.

BTW, outside of the clusterf*** that is the front and side taillights and the rocker panels, am I the only one that noticed how reminiscent of the first TSX the flat-sided door panels and the rear deck and taillights are?


LexusLexus - 1/12/2013 1:02:14 AM
+6 Boost
I agree with you that it does resemble the first generation Acura TSX.


irishmikeirishmike - 1/12/2013 12:51:38 AM
+5 Boost
The front end is awful. This could have been an opportunity for Lexus to snag some buyers from BMW as the '3' series moves all the closer to a German Buick.


LexusLexus - 1/12/2013 12:56:14 AM
+3 Boost
I think the current Lexus IS250 and IS350 from 2006-2013 is the best looking sport sedans in it class but this one on the other hand will probably be the Ugliest one.

I can't belief car is from Lexus. I know it's hard to improve on a perfectly design like the current IS250/IS350 but how do you when from a 10 to a freaking 0?

Lexus I have always like your cars but this new IS250/IS350 is one freaking ugly car. They did a really good job with the redesign Lexus ES300/ES350 and the ES hybrid version. But their new Lexus IS250/IS350 and GS350 is one freaking UGLY ride.






LexusLexus - 1/12/2013 12:57:26 AM
0 Boost
But on the bright side I love the new interior in this Lexus IS250 and IS350.


shui3000shui3000 - 1/12/2013 5:20:10 AM
+4 Boost
As a current gen IS250 owner, this is buttass ugly. WTF were they thinking?! This whole generation of all their models are hideous. They better do what Subaru did with the vagina grill, and go back to the drawing board, quick.


PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 1/12/2013 7:55:44 AM
+2 Boost
The elegant Japanese sense of design in art, gardens, dress etc took centuries to evolve. they are late to auto design and began by copying versus a home grown culturally driven process like Italian, French, English and American design, all of which are distinctive, based on local heritage and taste. When left to their own design thought process like this IS they are at a loss and rely on disjointed details rather than a concept of how the whole should fit within known cultural parameters. Its this disjointed design approach that makes Japanese cars recognizable but not loved by design standards. The Koreans have succeeded by hiring European design chiefs, giving them total control and getting out of the way, allowing their designs to leapfrog the Japanese.


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 1/12/2013 8:31:19 AM
+1 Boost
Does the speedometer actually move its location in the dash cluster from side to side? In one picture it's dead center, with small readouts flanking both sides. In the next pic it's all the way to the right with a larger single screen to the left of the gauge and no screen to the right.


Agent00RAgent00R - 1/12/2013 9:54:42 AM
+4 Boost
Yes, it looks like Lexus took some of the tach design inspiration from the LFA, which has the dynamic tach.


jeffgalljeffgall - 1/12/2013 9:14:17 AM
0 Boost
Typical Japanese design. They had to go way overboard in an effort to be sporty. What they can't understand is that you can have a "proper" upscale design that is a bit conservative, but still looks really sporty on the road. I'll be sticking with Audi or BMW next time around, although the ATS really has my attention. It's only down fall is you can't get a manual with the AWD 2.0T model.


curriescornercurriescorner - 1/12/2013 10:25:49 AM
+3 Boost
The IS wants to be the 3 series main competitor but the G37 has a firm hold on that spot. So I don't think we can really put this design in perspective until we see the Q50. Either way, im certain this will still push 3-4 units a month.


I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 1/12/2013 11:22:59 AM
0 Boost
Sorry Mate.
.
Not going to waste my time commenting on the vehicle pictured above, I believe my fellow Autospies' comments says it all.

But the Bangle Era 5-Series was an absolute Beaut compared to the bland offerings by its competitors.


knowitall1985knowitall1985 - 1/12/2013 12:52:48 PM
0 Boost
The opinion of a bunch of no nothings is hardly an indication of how well this car will do. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. All the same people said the new RX was horrible also. Last year sales 95k+.


thomasthomas - 1/12/2013 1:10:01 PM
+1 Boost
Nike Swooshes on the front end!!!


PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 1/12/2013 1:23:36 PM
+2 Boost
Some knowitalls know that knowitalls usually know little and thus buy anything.


knowitall1985knowitall1985 - 1/12/2013 2:08:30 PM
+2 Boost
I know the RX sold over 95,000 units, and people like you said it was ugly and as they say the rest is history. After 28 years in the luxury car industry I would filet your ass in any debate.


2ndbimmer2ndbimmer - 1/12/2013 2:50:00 PM
-1 Boost
I do not like how the shifter is slanted. I know because the route it has to go to get in to gear, but that just makes the console look poorly done. The IS350 badge on the back is curved, they cant even put it on straight! Can Lexus do anything right?


Agent00RAgent00R - 1/12/2013 10:51:38 PM
+4 Boost
It's likely slanted to be closer to the driver, which is actually a good thing.

Silly comment.


HughJassHughJass - 1/12/2013 6:40:53 PM
0 Boost
Too femme? I can't think of very many secretaries leasing an IS.

I doubt this question would be asked if the company was someone other than Toyota.

Overdone would be the Christmas tree LEDs on the Sonata hybrid. Added for the sake of saying they have LEDs too.
Overdone would be the giant shark gills on the SLR and giant MB star on all Benzs.
Overdone would be the giant headlights and Emblem on the Escalade.
Overdone would be the giant MKX grill.
Overdone (or just ugly) would be the Honda/Acura Crosstour/ZDX.
Overdone would be that retarded looking Toyota concept that's supposed to go against the Juke (speaking of overdone and ugly)...


HughJassHughJass - 1/12/2013 6:41:39 PM
+1 Boost
Love the gauges but that centre console looks like it arrived a decade late.


iamdabest1iamdabest1 - 1/12/2013 7:33:31 PM
+3 Boost
i think its awkward in design and overdone, but much better than the current generation. this car will sell very well..


PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 1/12/2013 8:15:32 PM
+1 Boost
Is "fillet your ass" a technical term, knowitall, or a desperate cry for help ?


knowitall1985knowitall1985 - 1/14/2013 2:00:14 PM
+1 Boost
I don't know are you a shrink or an automotive expert? Just a kid who read a few car magazines.


lexworldlexworld - 1/13/2013 12:46:31 AM
+3 Boost
...Do you idiots think that the worlds top Automaker is banking on your responses and your opinions after the fact? How much you fools wana bet this thing will sell like hotcakes just because it distinctly has it's own little character looks and after the test drive I'm sure the added Lexus showroom experience will seal the deal. In person this thing will most likely change your perception and grow on you like anything else. If Nissan can sell something as strange looking as the Juke, Lord knows the IS250/350 will look like a gem in comparison.


gkearns56gkearns56 - 1/13/2013 8:56:24 AM
0 Boost
Why does it "have to grow on us". That means it has to be UGLY, in order to "grow on us". That's like saying "but she has a good personality". The interior is way too cluttered, too many dash levels and too much plastic. Sure fact, i t won't outsell the BMW 3 series, Audi A4 or maybe not even the new Q series Infiniti (since they now have one of the top CEOs from Audi running their show)


HughJassHughJass - 1/13/2013 11:25:32 PM
+2 Boost
The last gen 5 series had to grow on people and the experts said it was a design success, so good that BMW had to fire the designer.


lexworldlexworld - 1/13/2013 1:04:58 AM
+2 Boost
Except for Agent001 and -knowitall1985, you guys are such haters of the Lexus brand who in fact is an exceptional top notch automobile. Unbelievable!!!!


SteveSteve - 1/13/2013 2:50:08 AM
+3 Boost
'001 says, "...I think they had to do something radical or people would have said they are too conservative..."

That was BMW's "sin," and the excuse they used when they made a "radical departure" with their "Bangle Era" styling. Polite people called it "polarizing." The less Politically Correct simply called them unattractive designs. Bangle himself defended the designs, explaining them as "engaging" and "complex", and asserting that the "sophisticated eye" immediately sees their virtues. Yeah...right :-/ Anybody remember the story, "The Emperor's New Clothes"? BMW eventually saw the error of their ways and backed right of that stuff, returning to more traditional lines and forms.

Lexus is entering their own "Bangle Era."

You know, nobody "has" to create unattractive cars. And surely not because historically some people thought their styles were conservative. They could have chosen to create attractive cars that are styled more sportily, or aggressively, or more stately. Just make them beautiful. That's lost on this car, inside and out.


knowitall1985knowitall1985 - 1/14/2013 5:02:22 PM
+2 Boost
I don't know what your talking about. BMW still uses Bangle era styling..........


lexworldlexworld - 1/13/2013 3:44:01 PM
+3 Boost
Go check out the other comments made on comparing the looks of the new Infiniti Q50 and the new Lexus IS350 F Sport. Yes, the New IS350 F Sport is like a new Distinct flavor! No Doubt it will be a hot seller and performer!


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