NAIAS Live Coverage
This morning, the North American International Auto Show has opened its doors to the worldwide automotive press, including myself, and I will be bringing you a Lexus perspective to America’s autoshow.
I will be updating throughout the day as I go over every square inch of the Lexus exhibit, including the LFA supercar & the LF-Ch concept, and anything else that may hold interest to the Lexus enthusiast.
Updates after the jump.
8:10am:
Just arrived at COBO Hall, on my way to the Lexus display.
8:22am:
Here’s a first look at the Lexus exhibit. LFA is up on an angle—no interior shots today.
9:09am:
Like the look of the HS 250h modified by VIP Auto Salon:
12:25pm:
The LF-Ch display is surrounded by three cameras that you can use to email yourself photos of the concept:
3:19pm:
I took a break from taking photos to play with the LFA configurator, which works great with a touchscreen interface:
11:36pm
It wasn’t long after my last update when the battery in my iPhone died, meaning no more updates. I’m now back at the hotel now after dinner with Toyota Canada—before I call it a night, here’s a higher resolution photo of the Lexus display and just the tip of the photographic iceberg:
Tuesday, January 12th, 11:50pm: I’m now home after two days of automotive madness. I’ll be starting in tomorrow on the 700 photos I took, which I plan to post in photosets. More shortly.
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I wonder if it’s the same LF A that’s supposed to be in Europe?
@Stan: I don’t know, let me find out.
Krew - Thanks heaps for the photo’s
The HS250h does look good - for a HS250h ... HA, HA, HA !!
I really like the LF-Ch. The white LFA might be from Europe because my understanding is that North America has the matte black example - be interesting to find out.
Can you please take a photo / obtain information about thier intended direction with ‘F-Sport’ as i believe it will complement the ‘F-Series’ range ... injecting a pulse (and passion) into the Lexus brand is exciting.
A photo (if possible) of an IS350 F-sport would be great.
Thanking you heaps from the land down-under (Australia)
@Stan:
@krew:
@Shane T:
You guys can’t really see the spoiler, but the clear-coated, naked carbon fiber roof gives it away that it is the same LFA as the one shown in Tokyo and the LA Auto Show with the new, rectangular plaque on the engine cover. ...they really should offer a carbon fiber engine cover just for look’s sake.
One thing Lexus can do this year is update the LX, particularly on the inside. It might have a different direction in terms of design from the GX, but the GX is still obviously the ones that looks more expensive despite the wood and metal looking a bit flimsy.
If you see the new Audi A8 in person, you would think that it was designed with absolutely no compromises; the designers did what they thought was best for the car to look handsome (hope the glassy black bits in the interior are scratch and fingerprint resistant but boy… the wood looks solid and expensive although I would prefer chrome and brushed aluminum to what the A8 has on some parts):
Btw: I’ve been comparing the interior of the LS 460 L and LS 600h L even more lately, and I gotta say… the contrasting stitches, extra acres of semi-aniline leather, and the extra pieces of wood trim on the ceiling in the LS hybrid make a big difference!
This video… I’m in love
@Stan: Stan, the white LFA in Detroit is on loan by Lexus Japan and is the same one from the Tokyo auto show—Lexus USA owns the matte black LFA and the other white LFA in London is owned by Lexus Europe.
@Shane T: Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to wrangle any secrets from Lexus @ NAIAS and there isn’t a IS 350 F-Sport. There is a IS 350C F-Sport though, and I’ll be sure to take some photos of it tomorrow for you.
Has Lexus announced how the GX is going to be built? On the site it still has the 09…?
I don’t want to post another picture, but the facelifted Lincoln MKX looks great! and the interior… WOOOOWWWW! Not just wow for Lincoln, but a big wow for a luxury crossover. Leather slathered across the dashboard with beautiful wood trim, and boy, the center console is amazing! The updated MDX really embarrasses the heck out of the LS 460 L. I knew I should’ve invested in Ford just before Thanksgiving.
And oh I wonder how the production Cadillac XTS turns out.
With respect, I’m not quite seeing the MDX comparison. It’s a very techy interior but the real competition there is for an SUV interior, whereas the A8 vs. LS comparison makes more sense. Here, many had high expectations considering the gorgeous prior gen interior; the new A8 interior is a fine evolution, if less dramatic given such an approach; the ‘motorboat’ style shifter does seem a bit weird. IMO, the LS interior, especially with the update and the TFT display, remains a wonderful blend of easy-to-use technology and elegance. With Remote Touch it will probably simplify a lot more too, but I doubt we’ll see so many rotary knobs as on the Germans.
Krew - That would be fantastic, i look forward to it.
Thanks for the feed back about the LFA, interesting to note it’s source. I wonder what the black matte example is doing although i much prefer the beast in white.
Have they got any IS-F’s on show - probably a stupid question but i’ll ask any way.
And ... what examples of the GS do they have ??
Be sure to enjoy the show
Cheers
Dan - As with all Lexus vehicles, i find the interior build quality / fit-n-finish of the LS impeccable.
Infact, i find the LS a very appealing car - especially the new ‘Sports’ model.
What i find most attractive about Lexus at the moment ... the LFA, IS-F, F-Sport options and the LS460 Sport. Other likes include the IS350 and GS460.
After viewing some interior shots of the new GX460 of which us Aussies don’t get in Australia, i must say - i really like it.
I have been reading some local (Australian) automotive sites and learn’t a few things.
I am not sure how many readers might know this but concept Toyota’s are abbreviated with FT (Future Toyota) while concept Lexus’s are LF (Lexus Future).
The concept LF-Ch appreviates ‘Lexus Future-Compact Hybrid’ while the FT-Ch stands for ‘Future Toyota-Compact Hybrid’.
Cheers From Australia
While mentioning the LF-Ch, does anyone know what engine choices/options Lexus has planned for thier new compact entry model ??
oh crap. I messed up the quote with my own text. Well hope everybody understands what I meant
If it was going alphabetically then we would have seen LF-B long before now.
I can answer that for you.
Later this month, it returns to the Miami, Florida area for an F-Sport Driving Event akin to the one held in Fontana, California last November (see http://lexusenthusiast.com/2009/11/04/lexus-f-sport-event-in-california/ and http://lexusenthusiast.com/2009/11/16/lexus-f-sport-event-at-the-auto-club-speedway/ ). On the last weekend in January, it’ll appear at a wine auction (!) in Naples, Florida, then it’s on to the Chicago Auto Show in February.
The production version is expected to launch at the Geneva Auto Show this coming March with the 1.8-liter 4 from the Toyota Prius wearing the CT 200h badge. CT 300h and CT 400h trademark registrations, however, offer up clues for larger engine options in the future. For more, see http://my.is/forums/f41/lexus-c-premium-upmarket-small-car-gets-name-ct-200h-394367/
Meh, the new A8 looks like a bloated stretched A4 to me. I’d much rather have the unique S class or LS over it even if the interior is nicer in the A8 (who wants to have their $80K car confused for a $30K sport sedan…).
@(Cj): I agree, the A8 looks very similar to the A4. But that’s how all Audi’s are. They share the same grill, head lights, and tail lights. The last generation A8 looks just like the last generation A4. To me, Audi’s aren’t very unique. The little ones look like VW’s and the big ones look like streched out A4’s. I like Audi’s so i’m not trying to put them down or anything. But fact’s are fact’s, many Audi’s use the same platforms that many Volkswagens use and share some of the same characteristics (go compare an A4 and a Passat side by side).
I would much rather have a LS600h or an S-class. I like the looks of the A8, but there’s nothing about it that makes me really want one.
@Shane T: Yeah it doesn’t go alphebetically. The LF always means “Lexus Future” and the letter after it stands for what kind of car the concept is.
LF-Ch - Lexus Future Compact Hybrid
LF-S -Lexus Future Sedan
LF-Sh - Lexus Future Sedan Hybrid
LF-Xh - Lexus Future Crossover Hybrid
LF-X - Lexus Future Crossover
LF-C - Lexus Future Coupe/Convertible
By the way, does anybody know what the “A” means in LF-A? Lexus Future-what?
I’ve read various places that the A is for Advance. However, I also read that the F was for Fuji as well.
I seem to recall reading in one place that the “A” stands for Apex.
@Apples:
@jruhi4:
Lexus Future Advance? Lexus Future Apex? Neither one of those really fit in with what the concept name usually means. Most the time the letter following the “LF-” stands for the type of vehicle the concept is.
But the word Apex does mean “the highest point of something”. Maybe it’s supposed to represent the highest point of F-performance? After all, the LFA is the flagship of the F-series.
Recent articles indicate the production model is:
LFA = Lexus F-performance Apex
That exactly fits that the LFA supercar is the highest expression of the F-line. The earlier, hyphenated version was LF-A = Lexus Future-Advance for the concept.
James - Thanks heaps for the insight, much appreciated.
Cheers
@Dan: That makes more sense.
@Dan: I meant the MKS! Sorry
Also, Lexus themselves imitated a plane’s cockpit for the original LS. Additionally, the shifter is a little resting place when you “write” the letter on the A8’s MMI touch. Finally, for the patient owner, the new iDrive is more practical than the Remote Touch. It’s all a matter of short-term and long-term gains and losses.
@WorldofLuxury: What are you talking about? The LS looks so much better. It’s a joke to think that Lincoln’s actually came out with a serious S-class, LS-line, 7-series type of car. Besides, the MKS is only like $40k, so anybody considering a $90k S-class or LS isn’t going to look at something that cheap. I wouldn’t anyway.
I don’t know about the new XTS, however based on everything else Cadillac has done it’ll be a huge flop too. For some reason, I doubt that Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, and Audi see Lincoln and Cadillac as a big threat. Anybody who buys a Lexus, Mercedes, etc isn’t going to go down a level to buy a Lincoln or Caddilac.
I know people with Cadillac’s and Lincolns, they don’t ride as smooth, they don’t have as many features, and they’re always in the shop for some stupid reason. I’m talking about 2009 models, not old ones. They’ve even admitted to me that they like my LS much better.
@James: I don’t think the Escalade and CTS lineup were big flops. They just haven’t mastered some segments yet just as how Lexus hasn’t mastered the segment that the SC and GS compete in (and Cadillac has a boss who is in deep financial trouble).
What I was saying was that the new MKS has leather slathered all over the dash, which is better than no leather. The MyLincoln Touch is usable and has more features than you’ll ever need. All the other luxuries that the LS has have no need to be compared with the MKS because the entire auto industry has caught up. I know the LS is better, and I would go for the LS if I were having a cross country journey. The thing is that Lexus is kinda falling behind.
Also, I have had many LS, a few ES, and an LX. I’ve stayed with Lexus through its years, but I also leased Lincoln and Cadillac vehicles as part of my weekend joyride lineup because they offered cool vehicles that I really enjoyed. Instead of borrowing my neighbor’s IS F, I borrowed my friend’s CTS-V because it was bigger, had more power, and had more surprises than the IS F (mainly because I have high expectations for Lexus, but I try to be as unbiased as possible). The one brand I never drove is Mercedes-Benz because, as many know, I’m a stubborn Lexus fan. That’s right. I’m a Lexus fan who honestly believes that Lexus isn’t on par with where it is supposed to be. Is it Lexus’ job to satisfy its enthusiasts? to always WOW the critics? I don’t know, and I don’t care. I’m even more of a car guy than a Lexus guy, and I say that I’m tired of my Mercedes-obsessed friends, VW fanboys, and tuning high school geeks teasing me all the times.
@WorldofLuxury: I didn’t mean to call all Cadillac models “flops”. The Escalade and CTS weren’t the cars I was refering to. I meant the STS, DTS, and SRX. None of those cars really stand up to the competition very well. The LS460 trumps the STS, the GS460 beats the DTS, the RX450h and RX350 beat the SRX. I know that Lexus hasn’t exactly mastered the segments that the GS or SC compete in, however Lexus is still relatively new to the Auto Industry. The GS is only in it’s 3rd generation, compared to 9 generations of the Mercedes E-class or 6 generations of the BMW 5-series.
You know, when I saw my friends new CTS, I thought to myself, “wow! That’s a pretty nice car” But when I took a ride in it one day, I quickly realized that it wasn’t nice at all. The wood trim and leather looked cheap, the seats were uncomfortable and the ride quality wasn’t very good. I heard a lot of tire and wind noise and you could feel every little bump in the road. And what’s funny is, they said “I should’ve bought the Lexus”.
The industry is beginning to catch up to Lexus as far as technology and luxury features. The 2010 Lincoln MKS is even going to have a feature called “Ford Active Park Assist” that can paralell park the car just like the Lexus LS has since 2007. It even took Mercedes and BMW a little while to catch up to them. The 7-series is just now going to receive an 8-speed transmission and have a Hybrid counterpart. The S-class is just now getting a driver monitoring system.
I didn’t mean to put down Lincoln or Cadillac. I was just stating my opinion. I’m sorry if I offended you in any way. I don’t think that all Cadillacs or Lincolns are bad, but I don’t think they’re on the same level as Lexus, Mercedes, BMW or Jaguar.
Is the LS hybrid there? I want to see the facelift in a different light.
@Eddie: SOME DETAILED PICS PLEEZ!8-)
@James: aha. I didn’t feel offended. I’m just disappointed at Lexus. REALLY F’ing ANNOYED BY THEM! EVEN MORE, I took care of most of my Lexus vehicles and EVERY SINGLE ONE started having stupid problems after the warranty ended.
- The backlight clock on my LS broke, and the dealer said I had to pay a large sum because the the backlight of the clock was part of the unit that had something to do with the Nav display.
- The (then) new VSC system took over 5 visits and LOTS OF MONEY to repair. It kept coming on, and the car just didn’t want to move from a slightly hard turn.
- The Headlight Leveling comes on now and then even when the car is empty.
- The things that hold up the hood went bust, and the dealer wanted to charge me a large some for that too.
- The taillights always failed, and at the dealer, no one could fix it until I was gonna take the car home and a guy from the back ran out, opened my trunk, and fixed it.
- There never was a single time when the windshield wipers worked; I fit them with better ones from Sears, and apparently, the LA sun ruined those too.
- The DVD changer use to have some problems.
- The GPS had lots of its own problems too:
- weird directions/ canceled guidance when I failed to obey or when I kept pressing detore
- It was outdated when I got it, and it was the FIRST Navigation System Lexus had factory-installed in the US.
- And then there was another headlight problem.
Mind you, my dealer is the “almighty Longo Lexus,” and they constantly tried to rip me off. It was like purposely unplugging one of the switches in the car’s onboard computer, and the dealer would charge me for opening the hood, checking the computer with a gadget, claiming something else “might” be the problem, and then never get the problem fixed until the third visit. Also, I’m talking about my 1998 Lexus LS 400. That car just got its pretty facelift, got itself a Nav, and even though it was the “second-generation,” it was only a more problematic version of the first-generation LS.
Did I get a lemon? I don’t think so. Did I get ripped off? YES. Did Lexus provide me with any of the services they advertised and charged? Only when the economy was mediocre.
I went back to Lexus again in late 2002 for the facelifted second-generation LX 470 with the Nav and all only because most automakers at that time were worse. My LX had some annoying problems, such
- as a steering wheel that never went straight or was misaligned (I was charged a lot for that as well)
- a few warning lights that constantly came on
- and yada yada yada.
But the overall dealership experience was better when I drove to the dealer with it. The buying experience was better since they new I was a returning customer who has one of their flagships. And then, I noticed that the dealer was enjoying my car! The air conditioning was left on. Were they testing it, or did they just want to cool the car down for me? The radio was changed (accident?). Well, it was all better than taking my LS to the dealership and having a bad car wash or always being told that they “forgot.”
Oh, and it’s annoying how my LX GPS never takes me straight down a road for a few miles to my destination.
The new LS 600hL was there and I took plenty of photos trying to get the new grille in a “different light”.
I’ll post them tomorrow.
@WorldofLuxury: Let’s not get too far off topic—we can get back into this next time there’s a Cadillac/Lexus comparo.
The Lexus website has been updated with the 2010, if I’m following you right. The new GX is arriving in dealerships now in the US, and Canada will be selling them shortly.
@krew: aha Alrighty
@Dan: @James:
I can’t believe I corrected myself with the wrong correction. I was complimenting the new MDX crossover from Lincoln.
And about Lexus… um… thank goodness that the new G37 is so bland, and ugly, and bland… and ugly. To Lexus: THAT ISN’T A TICKET FOR YOU GUYS TO SLACK OFF ON THE GS!
NONONONONO! MKX! not MDX, not MKS… I am losing it.
The new A8 was probably my biggest disappointment at the show—it looked very garish with its massive grille and chrome wheels:
The previous generation was stately and impressive, I don’t know what to think of this one.
@WorldofLuxury: That’s amazing that you’ve had so many problems. I’ve had 5 Lexus so far(2 SC’s, 2 LS’s, and 1 GX) and have never had any issues with them. I’d be a little disapointed in them too if I’d had as many problems as you have.
@WorldofLuxury: You need to have your head checked. Or, maybe Lincoln needs to make their names easier to remember. MKS? MKX? MDX?
@krew: hehe I’m the bling bling, big, low riding Caddy with big rims sort of guy - tastefully done, of course. I like flashy things, and that’s why I didn’t understand the “Bimmer enthusiasts” at first; I loved Bangle’s designs right away.
@James: Thanks man.
@krew: I agree, the new A8 is too flashy. It’s screaming “Look at me! Look at me!” Well, not literally but if cars could talk that’s what’d be saying. That’s what I love about the LS-line and why some people hate it. It’s refined, yet unpretentious.
Wow, is this the fancy display stand Lexus was hyping about? What a yawn, it looks so unimaginative with very little square footage (at least in the pictures) & no decorative wood panelling. Every car except LF-Ch is a bland shade of grey, guess they were short of cash
. The LF-A looks like the one they displayed at Tokyo (with carbon fiber roof/wing) & the LS seems to have new wheels. Looking forward to more photos.
Why does Lexus have to display an aftermarket HS on their stand ? Isn’t this irregular for car makers, no matter how good a tricked out car may be. By the way that HS looks even uglier & there doesn’t seem to be a regular HS on show. Wonder how the Toyota stand looks…
@Krew : How was the dinner, any cost cutting there ?
@WorldofLuxury: I agree, the additional wood & leather in the LSh makes a real difference, worth the money.
Like the chocolate brown leather in the A8 interior picture…
...Aaarrgghh but I hate Audi !
@WorldofLuxury: Shocked at how unreliable your LS & LX have been. My ‘06 GS300 has been extremely reliable except for some niggles :-
) they’ve definitely lost the edge when it comes design, ergonomics & common sense (as evidenced by the cheapo show stand)
- Battery had multiple discharges (due to periods of non-usage) & had to be replaced at cost.(warranty expired)
- Center console sliding lid hinge broke off
- Offset steering wheel, was fixed after 2nd realignment
- Blow fuses.
That’s about it.
Anyway I agree with your rants about Lexus (seems like you’re losing it, Buddy
I expected great things from Lexus with the launch of the L-Finesse GS,IS & LS models. Since then they’ve gone downhill, but how long will this phase be?
Is someone deliberately trying to ruin Lexus’ image from within?
Great interior notwithstanding, what’s goin on with the A4’s exterior? whoops meant A8. The front is full of rectangular shapes - grotesquely large grille, air dam etc & then they go & add round foglamps. Have they even heard of the concept of geometry?
@LEXUSBOY:
I do think that the prior year’s 2 story exhibit was probably more expensive and more interesting…this year’s exhibit seems to be more open but also saves money. The vehicles are all color-coordinated silver. I would like to see Lexus bring in the Frankfurt exhibit style (also used in other Europe and Asia auto shows). Still this year Lexus has the cool new production LFA, waterfall fixture, etc. By contrast, Porsche, Infiniti, and other makes did not even show up this year.
Lexus has taken to featuring an aftermarket-modded car at each major-to-mid-sized auto show in the U.S. For example, Miami had the orange Artisan/Fox IS F from SEMA 2008 this past October. An attempt to show that Lexus isn’t all old and stodgy or the Japanese Buick for the 21st century, I suppose.
Speaking of the Toyota stand, did they bring over the FT-86 concept that predicts the so-called “Toyobaru coupe”? If so, I’d love to see some pictures of that…
KREW, it was good to meet you the other day at the Lexus booth!
As for LFA - Lexus Fuji Apex. That’s as official as it will get.
Regarding some comments that Lexus is going downhill ... i completely and whole- heartedly disagree. I am disappointed to even read such none-sense.
Truth be told, Lexus has evolved to become one the most recognised and respected luxury / prestige car company that can be found anywhere in the world today. What the brand achieved within their first 20 years is remarkable and i reserve no-doubt they will achieve even more during the next 20 years particuarly towards injecting performance into thier ever increasing range and ofcourse ongoing development of hybrid technology.
As for some commented faults ... every car in the world bar none have failures but the difference is some brands notoriously have more then others while others have more yet again and Lexus has undeniably proven to engineer amoung the highest quality, most reliable / dependable motor-vehicles in the world not to mention the most refined and technologically advanced.
In each and every Quality / Customer Satisfaction Survey i have studied wether it be from North America, Europe, Asia or even here in Australia - Lexus has consistantly and constantly ranked either No.1 or very close too which is an impeccable achievement. No other car company in exsistance has achieved such consistant quality returns in the modern automotive era.
As for automotive stands at shows, i couldn’t careless because i attend to enjoy the cars not some waterfall in the back ground or make-believe rocky rutts. Actually, i lied a wee bit - i also enjoy the sexy (female type) glamour ... HA, HA, HA !!
I say well done Lexus, keep up the great work and keep moving forward as they have been.
Cheers
@Shane T: Lexus achieved a lot, but they were also backed up by a lot of s support from the almighty Toyota.
All manufactures have fault. Lexus constantly advertises that it has none of that, and apparently, I had to face a lot of it, especially when the warranty ended - cost me lots of money. And because the spread of the Lexus’ years in existence is so small, we can only say they achieved a lot and nothing more.
Lexus’ display at the NAIAS is very important because marketing is everything. If it weren’t for marketing, most people wouldn’t know about Lexus. If it weren’t for marketing, then why would so many people remember the slogan “The Relentless Pursuit of Perfect” so well even though they have never experienced a Lexus in person - those who remember the LS and ES ads on TV and never sat in one somehow still think Lexus make cars of great value.
By any chance you know about how much Lexus suffered in the mid-90s? They were hanging on to the last bit of the life line. The thing is that the market is never stable, and I think we all know that. Lexus is still a little baby, and we gotten train her more to make sure that she stays on top of the game. Lexus deserves the image that Mercedes-Benz carries in the eyes of the public - the car company that is supposedly quite worthy and attractive.
WorldOfLuxury - Lexus does not promote it has no faults, they do however promote ‘Relentless Pursuit Of Perfection’ ... there is a difference so please, take it onboard.
If you believe some faults you endured with your Lexus ownership was expensive, generally speaking - ownership experiance of a BMW, Benz, Jaguar or an Audi probably would have costed you even more.
Please note, i use the statement ... ‘generally’
As for the Lexus stand at NAIAS, judging from the published pictures - it looks fine to me. Personally, I don’t really understand what some critism is about. Perhaps some individuals simply expect to much especially considering some brands failed to even attend because of the GFC.
As you for comment that Lexus is still a baby, i disagree.
As i stated earlier, Lexus evolved remarkedly during it’s first 20 years to become one of the most recognised and respected luxury brands in the world today not to mention has just achieved 10 consistant years as the No.1 seller of prestige motor vehicles in the North American market.
Besides ... being bigger does not necessarily mean being better.
I like Lexus for the company it is and i appreciate the ‘sportier’ direction they appear to be focused towards will maintaining the integrity that the brand become respected for in the first place.
As for Mercedez Benz, it has been along time sense i have witnessed a strong showing from them in any Quality / Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Lexus on the otherhand achieved 12 Consevative years as No.1 by JD Powers in North America supported by 8 consecative years (also by JD Powers) in the annual UK Quality / Customer Satisfaction Analysis.
While Lexus certainly has more maturing to achieve, so do their German counterparts especially when it comes to the questionable reliability of thier electronics and sometimes build quality considering the often astronomical purchase cost.
Each and every car company bar none have thier strenghths and weaknesses so don’t kid yourself believeing BMW, Benz, Jaguar and Audi don’t come without flaws either because believe me ... they most certainly do and plenty off.
Lexus has done a good job so credit were credit is due. Stop focusing on the negatives and highlight the many great things Lexus has achieved and has planned for the near future to further enhance the brand.
On a final note - yes ... Lexus has benefitted greatly being a fully owned subsidary of Toyota. Is that any different with Audi (including Lamborghini and Bugatti for that matter amoung others) and it’s ownership by the VW conglomerate, Jaguar when it was owned by the Ford Motor Company and so forth.
Enjoy Your Day
@Shane T.: aha I know what “pursuit” means. I know my Constitution. And I know how it’s like owning a BMW because I have owned a few. The brakes are good but sometimes a little flawed but not deadly. There are a few warning lights that worry me, but BMW clearly explains them to me at the dealership or through a letter and things get solved. I purchased my Bimmers before BMW’s free maintenance, but of course, the service were still great. My BMW dealership treats me better than my Longo Lexus dealer and doesn’t have silly things such as a “freshly baked pastry” sign next to doughnut holes and cookies.
Honestly, it sounds like you’re advertising Lexus.
I’m a Lexus enthusiast, mind you. I’m not a Lexus hater visiting this site. If you’re a salesman or someone from the corporates, please take my criticisms constructively.
@Shane T.:Compared to Mercedes-Benz, which was founded in 1886, Lexus is still relatively new to the auto industry. Now think about this, in the 20 years that Lexus has been around, they’ve already overtaken Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Jaguar. That’s amazing.
@WorldofLuxury: If you think the problems were bad in your Lexus, go buy a Mercedes and see what kind of problems they have. I hope you like not being able to roll up your windows when it’s raining or turn on your A/C when it’s 104 degrees out side.
@James: I would never buy a Mercedes. I’ve always felt awkward sitting in one because I’m such a big Lexus fan for reasons that I don’t find as reasonable anymore.
Btw, most Mercedes-Benz A/C suck! That’s not really a Mercedes-Benz thing; the Japs are just good at electronics.
The thing is that I’ve many Benz owners who complain that their cars were always having stupid problems (more than I had), but they always seemed to be more proud of their car than I am of mine. My LS and LX make me smile everyday only because of the fond memories I’ve had and the interesting expressions that their front fascias have. Other than that… I got nothing.
@WorldofLuxury: Isn’t funny how Mercedes and Lexus don’t mix? Most people who have a Lexus hate Mercedes and most people who have a Mercedes despise Lexus . Obviously, that’s not always the case, but it does happen quite a bit. The same way that you can’t love both BMW and Audi, I guess.
I agree, when it comes to technology and electronics, the Jap’s are #1. There isn’t many European cars that have a decent electrical system.
All I can say is, everyone has a range of different experiences, even at Lexus. None of the Lexus owners I’ve known have had serious problems, including some that are out of warranty. And most truly enjoy their ownership experience, and love their cars.
That being said, I’ve known heard better experiences outside Longo Lexus. Quite frankly, although Longo’s sales numbers are among the highest in California, if not the highest, and their facility has been upgraded and expanded, they seem to have such a large customer base and brisk business that their site feels rather impersonal. There are numerous Lexus dealerships in southern California that are more impressive, with more resplendent service areas, amenities, etc. If I were making a Lexus purchase or service appt in that part of the state I would shop around—a number of Lexus owners I’ve known have switched from Longo to elsewhere.
In the end, for some it may be a case of ‘the grass is greener over there’—Lexus can do better, and is trying, but in this economy it is a slower pace than it otherwise might have been. However, overall their service remains the benchmark, even though it has gotten difficult in the 2000s as their customer base has swollen, but recent years’ surveys have found them to be back to top form, and ahead of most everyone else.
On the whole though, between the mega-dealership upgrades, the expanded performance options, Remote Touch and other innovations, I think Lexus is solidly positioned for further growth. That being said, I think they could up the styling game, and also consider more info-tainment and related tech in addition to the engineering/drivetrain/safety stuff.
@James:
@Dan:
You guys pretty much brought the debate to an end. sigh… ahahhaaha
@Flipside909: Absolutely, Ryan—nice meeting you as well. Thanks for stopping by!
@krew: hmm… I can certainly imagine a closer, more powerful relationship among The Lexus Enthusiast, Club Lexus, Lexus Owner’s Club, and the owners themselves. And Sewell Lexus too! Man, I love them!
@James: Despite being a diehard Lexus enthusiast, I have to honestly say that my No.1 dream car is a Mercedes namely the CL600 as Lexus doesn’t make anything to compete with it since they killed off the lovely SC400. Otherwise the Merc range is too much of a mess with way too much models & variants. I drove the new E350 last month & didn’t like it one bit, the driver’s seat is less comfy than the previous E & many bits felt cheap. Ergonomics & quality is a definite step back from the previous E. But IMO BMW’s on a roll now, design & quality seems to be better than Lexus & Mercedes plus the new 7 & 5 series’ are exceptional designs.
Jaguar & Audi don’t count in my book, the former due to new Indian ownership & the latter cause they’re just plain insignificant.
@LEXUSBOY: The Merc range is too big, they’ve way to many models and variants, but that’s why their quality has gone down over the last 15 years or so. Before, they had fewer models and were considered to be the best cars on the road. Now, with dozens of different models, they’re unreliable and built to a lower standard.
I’m afraid Lexus is going to do make the same mistake. Instead of just having 5 simple cars and one or two SUV’s, they’ve a whole range of different models and variants, with many more to come in the future. Of course, Lexus has always wanted to be just like Mercedes-Benz. I just hope they don’t get into the same trouble that Merc did in the late 90’s and early 2000’s.
But you know what they say. If anybody can, Lexus can.
IMO, with a large parent company that knows how to field numerous models and do well with them, I think Lexus is well positioned to grow its lineup. Yes, it will be harder statistically to top those quality charts, but they can still do pretty well. IMO it was not just the large lineup that did in MB quality, it was that the engineers no longer ran the company, the accountants do and they cut costs to such a high degree. I hope also that Lexus doesn’t do what BMW and Audi have done of late, which is make their model variants basically the same design but in different sizes, not very unique.
Incidentally, while NAIAS is going on, the Tokyo Auto Salon is going on in Japan, and Lexus has just unveiled the IS-F CCS concept (what does CCS stand for? Carbon Club Sport??? speculating…)
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/01/tokyo-auto-salon-2010-is-f-ccs-concept.html
Also, Lexus Europe’s twitter feed has changed to ‘Lexus Europe (old)’ account…anyone have the address of their new listing?
@Dan: I’ve always felt that Lexus suffered from Toyota’s business-obsessed nature. Just recently, Toyota announced that they were lowering material costs and stuff in the midst of their biggest recall… more problems in the future, I bet.
AND… Dan, mate, I think you found that Lexus IS/R ...or Evo thing. And boy does that car look exciting. It has a funny mix of professional appearance with tuner ideas.
But boy, do I love naked carbon fiber with a clear coating on top. A decade ago, I would have never thought that I would ever want a car covered with materials that remind me of my woven bamboo stool.
Agreed on both counts.
Look at the all new models that Lexus has come up with - HS & CT. Both are positioned downmarket in price & image with lower kit levels than other models -the HS doesn’t even have seat back pockets ! Meanwhile they ignore the coupe market (LFA doesn’t count cause its limited production) & still no V12 LS. This will eventually devalue the brand prestige of owning a Lexus.
@LEXUSBOY: I know, That’s why i’m pushing for an LS F that will be priced to compete with the Mercedes S65 AMG. If they keep on making more cheaper models, owning a Lexus won’t be a big deal anymore.
I want to see more Lexus models in the $100k+ price range. Even if they’re low volume and maybe even not that profitable, it will help Lexus’ image and as a result, sell more cars.
I have a dream…
First I would like to see an ultra luxury V12 LS with over 500 bhp to rival the S600, 760Li & RR Ghost.
Next I want a luxury GT coupe ie SC to take on the 650i, Jag XK, Maser GranTurismo etc (A CL-class rival would be stretching it)
Lexus can easily make money on these two models provided they have the requisite design, luxury & power.