From here on out, the spindle grille will morph into the “spindle body” and, as seen on the RX, will flow into the body paneling in a more harmonious way. This is also in response to the fast-approaching electric era. The brand’s first global EV, the RZ450e, does away with the grille completely but still retains the signature design cues pioneered by the grille.
Furthermore, not all Lexus customers were pleased with the rather sudden front-end treatment. Suga notes feedback was a mixed bag, with some likening the grille to an electric shaver or the fictional Predator monster. But, like Goldilocks, it seems Lexus has listened to its clientele and got the styling recipe just right.
Market research in the United States showed larger iterations of the spindle grille to be a turnoff for customers. “The new spindle execution is based on this learning…we need the right balance,” he remarked.