New and Improved? 2013 Lexus LS Arrives
Hmmm…
Four flavors of the Lexus LS will be available: the standard LS 460, stretched LS 460 L,
hybrid LS 600h and the more aggressive LS 460 Sport – the latter a nod to Euro-style
driving dynamics.
A quick glance shows the LS exterior following the new Lexus
design themes used on the recent GS and upcoming ES sedans. Unfortunately for Lexus, this means the sides
and rear of their cars are lightly edited from previous versions and the front
is plastered with the new spindle-grill, an overwrought attempt at brand design
identity. Did I mention I am not
impressed?
The interior however, has been redone much more successfully
with a fine blend of luxury, technology and good ergonomics with a bit more of
a driver-centric focus than in Lexus cabins of yore. All the latest pampering and technical
amenities are present and accounted for.
The dominating feature being an available 12.3 inch monitor with split-screen
capability that is sure to impress..!
If you were a previous Lexus fan, the new car should hit the
right buttons. Those of you that have
not been a fan might want to give the Sport version a try.
It really is a more buttoned-down drive than what Lexus has previously
provided.
It should be good enough to keep the current Lexus crowd in
the fold, but will it increase market share with other large luxo-barge owners –
the S-class and 7-series crowd. I don’t think
they have done enough here…
Certainly not the grill of my dreams…