Design minimalism, but with character intact.
Lexus’ 5th-generation LS limousine is the marque’s most definitive display of its design language, as expected of a flagship model. Koichi Suga was the head designer for the LS, and oversees the chief designers for other upcoming models within the Lexus range. The LS, he says, sets the course for the brands’ design language moving forwards, so we can expect to see a lot of its design flourishes trickle down into the rest of the range.
The LS, Suga says, conveys “deep simplicity” in its execution, a careful balance between modern minimalism and design expression. As many industry players move towards a ‘cookie cutter’ technique to their design (Mercedes-Benz is the latest offender, but it learned that from Audi), Lexus will strive to maintain the individuality of each product, while balancing that character with the larger ability to be recognised as a uniquely Lexus product.
“With Lexus, it’s easy to imagine the range as a family, with a father, a mother, brother and sister. They have different faces, but they’re all in the same family and concept. Focusing on each individual car’s character is very important, and that’s why we’re always thinking of different ideas. Which takes time.” — Koichi Suga, Chief Designer, Lexus International
Suga-san then pointed out to look at the key differences and key similarities between the LS limousine and the LC sports car as the best current examples of how Lexus will be taking its designs forwards. The LC is especially notable for the relatively minor changes between concept and production, praises which the LS lost out on given that they had to alter quite a bit to push it into production.
But in all fairness, Suga-san said that while the company wanted very much to “push originality in all kinds of different ways,” they faced “space limitations,” and the usual demands for space in the rear, along with “physical constraints of getting in and out of the car” as the main factors for the alterations in the final design of the LS limousine. It’s still a looker though.
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