Lexus GS in full glory at Pebble Beach

Edgier styling and more masculine and sporty image indicate Lexus's seriousness to move into Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-series.

 Finally the GS has lost its soft curves and are now taking on a more edgy look, and I mean that literally. Just look at the sharp creases and pointy parts on the car.

The GS is also looking more planted and confident, thanks to those full-fitting wheels and the 10-spoke cart-wheel design gives the GS added visual strength.

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From the rear we can see how the lamp cluster has been chiseled to give it a more distinctive and masculine appearance while the simplified rear bumper helps to hold everything together closer to the ground.

The stylised exhaust tip is a wonderful visual extenders for the bumpers and continue to lead the eye to the ground and this helps to anchor the car to the road, visually and mentally.

The dramatic hourglass front grille starts at the bottom of the front lip and merges into the bonnet crease and this gives the headlamps the role of visually pinching the centre and tying everything together and create a strong visual tension.

However the detailing on the car's face is a touch too delicate and that makes it look a bit more metrosexual than macho. I think Lexus should have given the GS a more bold face and move it away from the IS look.

From the flank we an see that Lexus is relying on the proportions and large wheels to set the car properly in the mind and on the road.

The clean flank and soft curves allows the eyes to rest and give the flared wheel arches more chance to stand out.

The interior has also taken on a more masculine character with a lot of straight and perpendicular lines and surfaces. This approach is best seen in Audi and Volkswagen but Lexus has successfully made it a touch softer and less cold.

The large full colour display allows engineers to reduce the clutter and pack most of the function adjustments into the interactive i-drive type system.

The large analog clock that sits in the middle of the dashboard has been purposely designed to look like a technical instrument or gauge as a way of reminding occupants of the level of engineering that has gone into the car.

 The delicate chrome bezel that frame the two main dials continues with the technical gauge theme while the choice of dark wood for the steering wheel helps to add character to the sporty interior.

 Lovely