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.
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