2018 Lexus LS – Flagship Sedan Redux
Lexus vehicles have long been perceived as luxurious and reliable, but possessing high degrees of solemnity in driving behavior and design.
Zzzzzz…
In recent years, the Lexus folks have been working to rid
the public of this perception, first with the rather ghastly “spindle grille”,
and now the infusion of sportiness in driving dynamics and overall design. You see it showing up in their RC-F coupe or GS-F sedan, not to mention the
upcoming LC uber-coupe. Now it’s time for a total redux of the
stately LS sedan, and
fortunately the designers and engineers at Lexus managed to go in the (mostly) right
direction.
Debuting at this year’s NAIAS
in Detroit, the LS now presents itself with a lower, sportier and almost
aggressive stance, which should imbue the car with substantially more road
presence, lacking in previous generations.
Even the interior has been well thought-out, as the design queues now
show some cohesiveness and direction compared with recent Lexus cockpits. Judges
at the Detroit show were impressed as well, bestowing the EyesOn Design Award
for Interior Design Excellence…!A quick scan of the tech bits reveal a 200 lb. diet in overall vehicle weight, a 415 horsepower turbo V6 and a 10-speed transmission. The interior sports 28-way power front thrones with the requisite massage capability, all the better to relax while scanning the 12.3” infotainment screen. Tech and safety features will be comparable to other entrants in the luxury yacht class.
Due in showrooms this fall, pricing has not been officially announced. Of course you can expect a premium over the current generations $72,520.00 starting price.
A step in the right direction, the new LS should add some
needed excitement to the lineup. That Lexus automotive solemnity may yet ebb into the past. A
job well-done...
Marty Feldmann, The Connoisseur, is the
highly sought after consultant who assists businesses and individual clients
with the acquisition of the finer things life has to offer. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway to
wine country, selecting audio equipment to outfit your home, planning your
dream vacation or purchasing your ultimate transportation, Marty is your
personal connection to the good life…
Marty can be contacted at: 916.952.9529 Marty@ConnoisseurCorner.com