Subtle but substantial styling revisions instituted for model year 2004 distinguish it from previous models: The front fenders, hood, headlamps, fog lamps, grille, front and rear bumpers, trunk lid, and front and rear combination lamps were redesigned. Dual tailpipes protruding from the lower edge of the bumper project a look of power and performance. LED brake lights are brighter, light up quicker, last longer, and draw less current than traditional brake lights, plus they look neat.
The LS 430 looks long and low, sleek and shapely. It cuts an understated profile that's attractive. Its large passenger cabin with a generous greenhouse is sandwiched between the long hood and short rear deck. Its canted windshield and elegant A-pillars are set off by the slant of the backlight (rear windscreen) and thick, curvaceous C-pillars that blend seamlessly into the rear flanks. The bold, trapezoidal grille thrusts it forward, while the hood bulges with power. The grille is rimmed in bright trim. The short, horizontal deck leads to a vertical back panel with oversized lamps at the corners, camouflaging the mass of the trunk.
One of the most aerodynamic cars on the road, the LS 430 is streamlined that it earns a 0.26 coefficient of drag, 0.25 with the optional air suspension. That contributes to exceptionally low wind noise and improved fuel economy. The slick exterior form is further enhanced by the remarkable fit of the body panels. Although Lexus has long been recognized for superior fit and finish, the quality achieved by the LS 430 reaches a new dimension. Engineers used a supercomputer to digitize all body surfaces, then worked out new fit tolerances 10 times more precise than on the previous-generation (pre-2001) models.
