2018 Lexus LS 500 4-door Sedan

2018 Lexus LS 500 4-door Sedan

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Lexus LS 500 4-door Sedan. Wow!!! What a lovely state of the art luxury car for the fortunate few who can justify the price of admission. For most of us it would be a nice place to visit, but you wouldn’t want to live there!

This past week I had the opportunity to get an overview of 11 different models of cars with high tech devices found in most cars these days. The trend is going deeper and deeper into the weeds of complication. If you want knobs and buttons on your radio I suggest you buy a ‘classic car’ from the 20th Century. Don’t laugh. Most of you reading this were born and spent most of your life in that Century. The good news is that you surely know a pre-teen who you can call upon to show you how to use the controls on your $100,000 transportation vehicle. But if you don’t know a kid, the manufactures have huge manuals to reference, and classes to teach you to select channels on your radio. In the meantime, “Do NOT” attempt to use those features unless you are PARKED.

Opinion:

I believe Henry Ford would NOT have approved of the exclusivity of such luxury cars. He was “All Inclusive” in his production of cars so anyone could afford to have motorized transportation. And that marked the time when buggy whips became obsolete.

Conversely this LS 500 is designed for a select segment of automotive consumers.

I drive nearly every car made and it becomes clear, to me, that the main objective of the auto industry is transportation. But it also provides for satisfying our ego and self-image. This realization reminded me of my first career job at Price Waterhouse – Coopers. A partner at the firm drove an old, old Buick that seemed hardly a car that an important successful member of business would drive. It made an impression on me. He was making a statement to all who knew him that you didn’t go to a client in a flashy expensive car. I never checked to see if he drove a Ferrari on weekends.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Japan; Classification is- Midsize; Vehicles from Lexus- CT, ES,GS, GX, IS, LC, LS, LX, NX, RC, RX.

Handling & Performance:

Today’s cars, generally, make us better drivers. Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure warnings where you must use the turn signal or a warning sound is triggered, Cross Traffic alerts and crash avoidance technology make us more aware drivers. These driver-assist features are becoming more common and will eventually be cheaper so the cost will be easily justified by all.

Styling:

Some tell me they do not like the grill design, but I rather like the bold look. How ‘bout you?

Fit and Finish:

Careful attention to assembly is exceptional in this class of car. You’ll find perfection in seams, stitching and perfect fits when doors and trunk lid closes.

Cost:

Well….. when I get to the $100,000 price point, I begin to wonder if I get what I pay for. Hey, I’ve been looking at Motorhomes and the price of this car buys a great home on wheels.

Conveniences and comfort:

Most of the comforts of home except you wouldn’t want to spend the night.

Consumer Recommendations:

“Just think, by boy, think” – Richard’s grandpa.

Recognised Competition:

Good News:

Elegant classy look and feel, bold styling, top high tech capable, comfortable ride.

Bad News:

I found the controls (follow the pack) needlessly too complicated. (classes for using the features are available, which makes my point.)

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter twin turbo 416 horsepower V6 engine, continuously variable valve timing, direct cylinder injection system, 10-speed sequential automatic transmission, drive mode select ECO, Normal, Sport, Electronic power steering, 19” alloy wheels, 10 airbags, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, all speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with lane keep assist, intelligent high beam headlights, vehicle dynamic integrated management, stability control, brake assist and brake force distribution, traction control, ABS braking system, tire pressure monitoring system, electronic parking brake, smart stop technology, intuitive parking assist with auto stop, Blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, rain sensing wipers, Navigation with high resolution 12.3” screen with remote touchpad and backup camera, Lexus Enform Safety connect and service connect (10 years of ownership), Enform Wi-Fi (1-year included), Enform remote App and destination assist (1-year included), Enform App Suite 2.0, Enform dynamic Navigation (3-years included), SiriusXM satellite radio (3 months), Climate control, 16-way driver’s and front passenger power seats, leather trimmed interior, power rear sunshade, hands free power trunk open/close, keyless entry with push button start/stop, tilt and slide moonroof, 12-speakr sound system, multiple USB and AUX, single disc CD, Bluetooth and HD radio.

Gas Stats:

19 City and 30 Highway MPG

$3.69 / Gal avg. April 29, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $81,000; with the rest of the options $102,000.