The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Anewattitude for Lexus’ flagship
The instrument panel shows a lot of attention to both design and detail. I particularly liked that the heads-up display, which projects itself on the windshield, is interesting in that rather than seeing its information as a reflection in the glass, it appears to be floating three meters in front of you
There is a four-zone climate control system with one zone for each place a passenger would probably sit. Seats are heated and cooled and clad in delightfully soft leather. The touchscreen on the dashboard is 12.3 in. across. It’s used to show not only navigation and temperature information, but what either the Pioneer or Mark Levinson audio systems are doing. The Mark Levinson system is 2900-watts of power being pushed through the cabin’s 23 speakers.
Underneath the body, the focus is clearly on impacting what their research calls the “Lexus is boring to drive” impression among some buyers. For that reason, this Lexus gets active steering and the F-Sport model is somewhat aggressive in its handling for a large luxury car. These are worthwhile goals, since the brand is targeting men in their late 50s with at least $200,000 in household income.
All of this begins with a much stiffer – and safer – body. Highstrength steel toughens the space around passengers and crush zones in the front and rear collapse to consume and redirect energy away from passengers. Electronic management of the powertrain and suspension also add safety and have been tweaked to add more fun to that equation.
Eschewing the V-8 which was the premier powerplant for this car for the first four generations, this new version sticks with six cylinders, although they produce effectively more power and performance that the V-8s.
The LS500 is powered by a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V- 6, which produces 416 hp. and 442 lb.-ft. of peak torque. In this trim, fuel economy is 19 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for the rear-wheel drive and 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for allwheel-drive versions.
The LS 500h uses a the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine without the turbos andmore fuel-efficient engine management software allowing it to generate 295 hp. When combined with the electric motor, the total power output is 354 hp. It’s fuel rating is 25 mpg city and 33 mpg on the highway. Both the gasoline and hybrid versions use a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The chassis is completely new, which lets the engineers and designers do a lot. The car also has the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, which is one of the better suspension and handling integration packages
That suspension is a multilink both in front and in the rear. Both are newly designed for this new generation of the big sedan. There is an optional air suspension for more comfort, giving the car a softer ride. Onthe other side of that equation, there are also an optional active-stability systemas well as a dynamic handling system, which improves the vehicle’s handling and agility when added to the F-Sport version.
The LS 500 comeswith run-flat tires standard in both 19- and 20in. wheels and there are five different choices. The Lexus Safety SystemPlus series of active safety features is standard on this car
The models we drove were actually what are called “late prototypes. Despite that, I thought for a car that costs this much there was too much wind noise at high- way speeds.
Another issue revolved around trim coming loose. Lexus gave us the option of being driven back to San Francisco instead of driving, so that we could “evaluate the riding experience.” During the drive the rear shelf came unattached and rattled. How were we supposed to concentrate on our fantasy that we deserved to be treated this way under those circumstances?
One presumes that these were one-off problems to be addressed prior to going into full production. But baring that, this Lexus certainly does earn its spot at the top of the Lexus food chain. Luxury cars are not allowed to have faults – they must be perceived as the best possible.
Because of that, what is perceived from the driver’s seat is really important. And that may be doubly so from the passenger seat. That perception of the car is half reality of what it is, and half the person’s emotional response.
Lexus is very good at managing both. The feel of the car is exceptional. It fits the bill for almost anyone who is able to shop for sedans in this category. Even the ultimate car guy – one who is going to end up buying a BMW – will clearly see and feel what makes this car what it is.
It may not be aggressive enough a driver for him, but it is certainly up to his standard of what makes a car luxurious.
The car will be on sale in February of next year. Prices haven’t been announced but the car will probably hit the showrooms with a starting price of around $75,000.