Lexus (24)
Some cars just scream out their identity. You look at it, and you know what you’re going to get when you sit behind the wheel.
That’s very much the case with the Lexus GS F, a performance sedan with massive power numbers and a fully engaging ride that aims to tackle the biggest names in the exclusive luxury performance sedan segment.
I recently spent some time driving a 2018 Lexus GS F, and I’m back with a full report.
LOOKS
Looking like it would be very much at home racing around a track competitively, the 2018 GS F features a very large, intense spider-web design up front on the grille, which works well on the F sport
a considering its character. It’s also low to the ground and features some great curves in its exterior design.
Lexus is upping the stakes in the luxury sedan segment, with the unveiling of their seventh-generation Lexus ES sedan, which features an an all-new chassis, updated exterior design, and the introduction of the first ES F SPORT.
Lexus says the vehicle is more spacious and quieter than previous iterations, and also features sharpened performance, plus advanced safety and tech features.
Here are some key highlights:
Small SUVs are all the rage. And being green is also on the minds of many carbuyers.
If you’re in the luxury realm, and both these things are on your wish list, your choices are pretty limited, but Lexus has one impressive offering with its 2018 Lexus NX 300h hybrid.
I recently spent some time in one and here is a full report on what it offers and who might be interested in picking one up.
At the L.A. Auto Show this week, Lexus has unveiled a three-row version of its RX crossover, dubbed the RX L. The RX is an annual top seller among luxury SUVs, and this adds another option to the RX portfolio. Seating capacity in the RX L will be either 6 or 7 passengers, depending on the configuration. Two models will be offered: The 2018 RX 350L and RX 450hL (hybrid) models.
To achieve the third row option, the RX L is 4.3 inches longer in the rear, and the tailgate window uses a steeper angle. Third row can be accessed via a lever that slides and folds the second seat forward. The six-seat configuration features second-row captain’s chairs.
Also, in the 2018 RX L models, full-length side curtain airbags are installed for all three rows, and the Lexus Safety System+ remains standard.
Due to arrive at dealerships by year’s end, the 2018 RX 350L will start at $47,670 (FWD) and $49,070 (AWD).
Those considering their first foray into the world of luxury cars have a cornucopia of impressive options at the entry level -- with notables including the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-series and the Cadillac ATS. But there’s one entry from the Asian market that should also not be overlooked -- the Lexus IS.
I recently spent some time in a 2017 Lexus IS 200t, and I’m back with a full report on how it compares in this heavyweight segment.
LOOKS
One thing I can tell you with certainty: You won’t confuse the look of the Lexus IS with any of its competitors. Lexus’ bold front grille design is one of the most recognizable in the auto industry, and the brand has done a great job distinguish its look from the European models. It’s not trying to blend in, and that’s a good thing.
Is it a beautiful design? That’s up for debate. It won’t be to everyone, that’s for sure, and some people may downright dislike it. But no one will say Lexus is trying to follow the crowd. I’ve always been a fan of originality.
In this age of full-on plug-in EVs with extended range and autonomous cars edging closer to reality, talking about hybrids seems almost old-school. But there was a time when this technology was the one being hotly debated. Think back to when the Prius first came around two decades back and some people wondered if it would survive.
Nowadays, hybrids are accepted with little discussion, and recognized as one more option for the eco-friendly crowd or for those who just don’t like stopping to get gas (or paying for it.).
Most automakers now offer some hybrids, and a few reside in the luxury realm inhabited by Lexus.
That’s where my test vehicle, the 2017 Lexus ES 300h, comes in. This sedan aims to provide not only strong fuel economy but also an enjoyable driving experience. It’s a smaller hybrid sedan, with limited direct competition in the segment, but does it deliver enough to get the attention it seeks?
Lexus has unveiled its all-new, fifth-generation LS flagship sedan for 2018. Inside and out, the new LS reflects a strong, uniquely Japanese identity and approach to luxury and offers technology with a human touch. “Not only will the LS symbolize the Lexus brand, it will become the definitive new-generation luxury car embodying Japanese tradition and culture,” said LS Chief Engineer Toshio Asahi. “As such, this global pinnacle must go far beyond what the world expects from a luxury car.”
Longer, Lower, Wider
Longer and lower than the model it replaces, the all-new LS debuts a strikingly sleek and bold design with a coupe-like silhouette punctuated by the unique Lexus design language. A new driver-centric performance feel stems from building the LS on the company’s all-new global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA?L). This premium rear-wheel drive platform, an offers a more dynamic driving experience while further elevating renowned Lexus comfort.
The original Lexus LS won acclaim by anticipating what luxury customers would want, rather than by simply amplifying what established luxury automobile brands offered at the time. In that spirit, the 2018 LS sedan’s spacious cabin, unique appointments, and technology will once again surprise customers by resetting expectations for a global flagship sedan.
“We set previously unheard of targets and resolutely pushed ahead towards these ambitious goals,” said LS Chief Engineer Asahi. “The customers who are going to want to own a Lexus flagship are already surrounded by luxury on a daily basis — people who have a sharp eye for authenticity to begin with. We wouldn’t turn their heads with a conventional premium product.”
Lexus’ lineup has become increasingly bold-looking in recent years, particularly up front in their grille designs. But does the drive offer that same bold feel?
If you’re talking about the F Sport models they offer, absolutely. I recently tested a 2017 Lexus RX 350 F Sport, which isn’t your typical grocery-getter luxury midsize SUV, and I’m back with a full report.
LOOKS
Inside, the looks are typical for Lexus -- lots of refined, comfy, high-end materials, plus the extra wide, multi-paneled infotainment system screen to greet you.
Outside though is where things get interesting on the RX. It’s a bold and aggressive design for a luxury SUV, by any measure -- even moreso on the F Sport version -- and puts out a strong attitude before you even step in the vehicle. It’s a bold contrast against more stodgy SUV designs you’ll see from German automakers like Audi, Benz and BMW. And sales of the RX show that this type of bold design is a hit with the public.
Inside the RX is still cozy, with a heated leather steering wheel, but the seat itself was at times not comfortable due to its crunched sport setup.
The F Sport package is what stands out here too, including:
-- 20-inch F Sport aluminum alloy wheels
-- F Sport tuned suspension with front and rear performance dampers
-- F Sport exclusive aluminum pedals
-- F Sport unique exterior trim
-- Chrome dual exhaust
This package not only affects the looks, but makes for a more engaging drive.
Flair.
Personality.
Chutzpah.
Whatever you want to name it, any vehicle you put out in a luxury segment has to have it, if it’s going to put up a good fight.
With so much strong competition, even a company with as respected as name as Lexus has to always come with its A game and offer something different. That’s just reality when you’re battling Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz and others for every point of the luxury market share.
The segment at hand is the midsize luxury vehicles -- in which Lexus has offered the GS sedan to compete against heavyweights like the Audi A6, BMW 5-series and more.
And how do they do it? By being different of course. I tested out a 2017 Lexus GS 200t recently and here’s a full report on how it measures up.
Lexus aims for a home run with their 2017 RC 200t sport coupe. I had a chance to test the RC 200t recently, and I’m back with a report on five things you should know about it, and how many bases they were able to reach.
1. Simply beautiful
I’ll just come right out and say it: This is one of the most attractive sporty cars out there that’s within the financial grasp of mere mortal auto buyers. The front end and its sprawling black grille, along with its uniquely shaped headlights, are downright artistic in design. This model is a perfect fit for Lexus’ efforts to use bolder designs in the grille.
In the rear, there are other highlights on the design that make the car shine, including the notches in the rear that won’t go unnoticed.
The F Sport package gets you an even sportier look inside and out, plus an adaptive sport-tuned suspension.
More...
Lexus has long captured the allegiance of many luxury car buyers in the United States … folks who probably will be loyal to the brand for years to come.
When they expanded their lineup in 2015 with a new model, the NX compact SUV, the question was whether the brand could duplicate the success it has seen with other models -- namely its midsize RX crossover -- in this segment.
In short, they’ve done quite well in very quick time -- selling more than 60,000 units in 2016 between the U.S. and Canada.
I recently spent some time in a 2017 Lexus NX 200t, and I’m back with a full report on what all the fuss is about, and how this luxury SUV measures up to the competition.
Lexus has announced the refreshed NX luxury compact crossover will make its global debut at the upcoming Auto Shanghai 2017.
As the nimble, urban crossover of the Lexus lineup, NX has exceeded customers’ expectations globally since the model’s launch three years ago. With its blend of expressive styling, a spacious package that offers comfort and safety, along with a superior dynamic driving experience, NX succeeded in helping Lexus grow globally. Now, with an updated exterior design, and interior enhancements that add convenience and functionality, the NX is poised to meet the needs of global luxury consumers.
The Lexus press conference will take place on April 19 in Hall 6.1, National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).
-- Press release courtesy of Lexus
Lexus has been ranked highest in customer satisfaction among luxury brands in the J.D. Power 2017 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study, marking the 17th time the brand has claimed the top spot. Overall, Lexus achieved a CSI score of 874 on a 1,000-point scale, 15 points above the segment average and the highest numerical score in the study, regardless of segment.
“At Lexus, we aim to create amazing experiences for our customers by anticipating their needs both at the time of purchase and years down the road,“ said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “Customer service is at the heart of our brand, and we’re proud of the continuous efforts by our dealers to exceed our buyers’ expectations.”
The 2017 CSI Study measures customer satisfaction with service at a franchised dealer or independent service facility for maintenance or repair work among owners and lessees of 1-to 5-year-old vehicles. The study was fielded between October and December 2016. It is based Lexus previously ranked highest in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service (CSI) Study from 1991-1995, 1997-2001, 2006, and 2009-2013.
-- Press release courtesy of Lexus
A brand like Lexus is mostly going to be known for its speedy, sporty sedans and smaller SUVs. That’s the nature of the business, as those are the high-volume segments that more people can afford.
But don’t forget about the big guys. In the Lexus camp, that would be the LX570, aka Lexus’ large-and-in-charge model.
Sales numbers of this mammoth people-mover will pale in comparison to something like the popular RX line, but it’s still out there competing with vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade and Range Rover for buyers who want that full-size SUV experience in their luxury ride.
I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2016 LX570, and I’m back with a full report on just how big and bad this SUV really is.
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