Is the Lexus ES300 Just a Fancy Corolla? 🤔

oneSentinel

So I've been looking at my buddy's Lexus ES300, and I can't shake the feeling it looks EXACTLY like a Toyota Corolla. Am I crazy?

Here's what I've noticed:

Nearly identical body shape
Similar roofline and side profile
Comparable overall dimensions
Shared Toyota DNA in the design language

But here's the kicker: The ES300 costs WAY more. It's basically a dressed-up Corolla with leather and a fancy badge, right?

Anyone else see this? Would love to hear if I'm just being cheap or if there's some truth to this observation.

Thoughts? 😂🚗

9z4xzb3

oneSentinel Quick lookup resulted in the following:

The alleged resemblances are indeed noticeable. I'd like to point out my observations regarding Ford and Aston Martin's aesthetic connections, particularly in their more recent designs.

oneSentinel

9z4xzb3

Indeed.

I can only assume that sometimes some of the designers draw inspiration from one another, either as a nudge or to appreciate each other's work.

9z4xzb3

I like this model. Just thought sharing.

Here's a brief bio:

The 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL was indeed a two-seater convertible sports car that was part of the R107 generation of the SL-series. It featured a 3.8-liter V8 engine, but the power output and performance figures need correction:

Engine displacement: 3839 cc / 234.3 cu-in
Horsepower: 201 HP / 204 PS / 150 kW at 5250 rpm
Torque: 315 Nm / 232 lb-ft at 3250 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Acceleration (0-100 km/h / 0-62 mph): 9.8 seconds
Top speed: 205 km/h / 127 mph

oneSentinel

9z4xzb3 That's Bellevue.