Seats also play a role in occasionally fooling the senses into believing you're piloting a large luxury car. The design of SC 430's leather-clad seats blends sport and luxury, with luxury getting the upper hand. Seats are cushy, especially the seating portion, and lateral bolstering moderate. The rear will accommodate adults, but it's not a fun place for claustrophobics. Glossy woodgrain cuts a wide swath across the dashboard and dips to sheath a massive center console.
Wood also adorns door panels, steering wheel and floor shifter grip.
Bands of wood can be interrupted by taps on buttons that slowly open doors covering both the metal-faced stereo unit and optional navigation system monitor. This effect is part of a design mission to offer the comfort of a living room with inspiration drawn from custom TV and stereo cabinets. SC 430's most outstanding piece of gadgetry is its power-retractable hardtop. It conveniently opens to invite in the elements, but quickly closes to provide a well-insulated, serene world expected of a smooth Lexus product.