This is just my opinion but I always thought the mk1 IS/Altezza was a sharpened up version of the W202 Merc C-Class. Still think it's a great looking car, but no denying the Merc DNA, as with every other Lexus model of that era.
It's a bit of a shame as for a short while (sparked off by the mk2 IS) it looked as though Lexus were creating their own styling direction but now seems as though that's fallen down.
I don't know what it is but this started with the current RX and now this GS, every time I see these new Lexus models I immediately think of Hyundai and Kia - is it that those manufacturers are copying Lexus or vice versa?