Sunday, March 17, 2013

2013 Lexus LS460


I’ve always been a Lexus fan—always have, and always will be. The reason? One simple word sums it up—quality. With the new LS flagship, Lexus has taken the word and placed it at unimaginably sky-high levels. 
·             Design & Engineering:
The previous LS series and the new version, though somewhat similar in base, are actually miles apart in terms of refinement, power, and comfort. From the outside, Lexus has touched the vehicle with its L-finesse treatment, and has even added the F-sport treatment to the flagship as well. The result? A sportier, more youth-appealing vehicle, which should hit off with the growing number of wealthy youths in expanding markets. From the front, the new spindle grill now takes its stance on the nose, coupled with aerodynamic body tweaks, in order to provide a more gripping and modern design. Measuring 5090mm in length, the LS definitely dominates hotel lobbies (bar the fleet of Rollers) and makes older rivals such as the S-Class, cringe. However, note that Mercedes aims to take back its trophy by introducing the new S-Class (with a Coupé version to replace the CL-Class as well) in 2014. The rear however, is another one of those love it or hate it situations. I find that the previous (’11, ’12) LS squared the bum off rather nicely. Disappointing. Still, angular chrome exhausts do make for a sportier feel, along with the redesigned tail lamps.
·            Interior:
Take this bit here with a bit of bias. To me, the LS has always been the epitome of “luxury on the inside”. Yes, one may argue that the A8 feels more solid, and is also swathed with oodles and oodles of luxury goodies. The same may be said for the face lifted 7-Series, the Panamera, and the aging S-Class. BUT, put all four luxury barges against say, a Bentley Continental Flying Spur, and that is when the flaws start to appear. With the 7, one immediately notices how the use of mass-production has really affected its interior finish. The S-Class seems unrefined, and rather old-fashioned with its Plain-Jane tech. Perhaps the A8 and the Panamera may face up to the Brit’s traditional use of hand-built interiors. Barely though. With the LS, it takes 38 days to complete their signature Shimamoku wood trim. The leather steering wheel takes countless hours of refinement and perfection as well—all via human touch, and not through a German-built machine. Now compare that against a Conti GT, and be  proud. With the 2013 LS, the same infotainment has been taken from the GS, and has been tweaked to include a larger 12.3-inch LED screen, via Lexus’s Remote Control function. Coupled with a superb Mark Levinson surround system, the LS excels in long-haul trips, where business partners to children will be entertained through the high definition television screens. Once more, attention to detail prevails, with completely leather wrapped side panels—all stitched in contrasting colours. At the rear, space is another area where the LS excels. For the past twenty years, the LS has always ensured that rear occupants remain comfortable and well-padded, so that they emerge prim and proper to any business conference. If I’m not wrong, the top leaders in Iceland choose LS’s as their state vehicles! Individual seating configurations can be made, via the center console, where the infotainment system, climate zone control, and massage system (for the extended wheelbase variant) can be configured. For the ladies, vanity mirrors even come as standard, blending in perfectly with the suede headlining. Now this might sound weird. I enjoy the leather wrapped handlebars by the side—good to the touch, they simply define perfection and detail. If looking for oodles of boot space, don’t be fooled. Due to the rear-seat massage systems, it is the short wheelbase variant that enjoys 510 liters, while the long wheelbase variant holds 440 liters, and the hybrid variant 370 liters. Still, more than enough space for a round to the country club.
·            Ride & Handlings
The 2013 LS also sports a redesigned 4.6-liter V8 VVT-i engine, mated to a creamy and seamless 8-speed auto box, churning out 342 BHP—plenty for the lightweight body of the vehicle. With the F-sport package, Brembo brakes come along with the vehicle, allowing for quick and easy stops, due to the LS’s ability to reach the century mark by a mere 5.7 seconds. As with all other vehicles from the Lexus lineup, noise levels are kept to a minimal, with an unrivalled suspension setup to soak up all sorts of road conditions. However, the 2013 still does not provide as much of an entertaining drive as a Panamera, or a twin-turbo 740i. Instead, it gives a suppler and less dramatic drive—perfect for the tired businessman (or his driver per say).

·            Verdict
Love-or-hate bum, sporty new front, unrivalled interior, punchy power plant. I’d buy one.

o    Pictures from:
http://www.parkplacetexas.com/Images/News/ParkPlace-LexusPlano%5C2013%20Lexus%20LS/2013%20Lexus%20LS%20Interior.jpg

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