‘LEX’URIOUS LOVE
It’s the weekend after Valentine’s Day and everyone is likely spending their time expressing their affection to those they care about most.
Some may be taking their lover see a movie (if that’s still a thing in this era of Netflix). Meanwhile, others may be taking their parents and loved ones out for a sumptuous dinner at a fancy restaurant.
One brand that undoubtedly earned the love of Filipinos is Lexus – last year, the Japanese upstart successfully wrestled the crown of the country’s number-one luxury automaker from European powerhouses like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. This further reinforced the dominance of parent company Toyota Motor Philippines in 2024.
Lexus’ success is down to its unbeatable amalgamation of innovative and fuel-efficient technology and truly unburstable reliability, the latter often eluding offerings from Europe after just a few years. Here are just some Lexus models that won over those who enjoy the finer things in life.
Ultimate urban runabout
The LBX subcompact crossover may be the cheapest in the Lexus Philippines lineup as of press time, but it is by no means a pared-down volume seller.
You enjoy a cabin lined with leather and Ultrasuede, along with goodies like a 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and a 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for when you’re hit with “last song syndrome” or LSS for love ballads.
Another LSS you’d enjoy is the Lexus Safety Sense advanced driver-assistance system that includes Pre-Collision System, Adaptive High Beam System, Lane Tracing Assist and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. These add a layer of active protection to the standard front, side, curtain and knee airbags.
The LBX is powered by a 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 12-valve inline-3 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor for a combined output of 134 horsepower. It also uses the same acclaimed Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform as the truly breathtaking Toyota GR Yaris, so expect a smooth and planted ride.
At P2,558,000, the little hybrid LBX is in a class of its own because it has no major rivals from Europe.
Refinement in every journey
The Lexus UX, on the other hand, goes head-to-head with pricier competition like the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Range Rover Evoque.
This luxury crossover is available in three variants – the UX 300h, the UX 300h F Sport and the UX 300e. The first two are powered by a 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor for a combined output of 196 horsepower.
Meanwhile, the all-electric UX 300e mates a 72.82-kWh battery pack to a single electric motor for a total of 204 horsepower and an instant 300 Newton-meters of torque. Lexus Philippines claims a maximum range of 560 kilometers on a full charge.
And being larger than the LBX, the UX offers even more space for passengers and cargo alike. All models get leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electrically adjustable front seats, an electrically adjustable steering column and the life-saving LSS.
The range starts at just P2,938,000 for the UX 300h.
Executive-class crossover
If you’re not yet fully committed to joining the electric revolution, Lexus Philippines may have just the right car for you.
The top-of-the-line NX 350 F Sport crossover packs a turbocharged 2.4-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine producing a hearty 275 horsepower and 430 Newton-meters of torque. This is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels for a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 7 seconds.
Keeping all that performance in check are 20-inch alloy wheels with 235/50 series tires and Adaptive Variable Suspension. The capacious, leather-lined cabin includes electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats, an electrically adjustable steering column, a heads-up display and dual-zone climate control.
The NX 350 F Sport also gets luxury items like an electrically operated tailgate with kick sensor, a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and updated LSS with Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
This P4,878,000 rocket promises greater value for money than rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Large and in-charge
The Lexus that started it all in 1989 – the mighty LS sedan.
It showed Europe that it didn’t have the monopoly on luxury cars, with buyers flocking to the Japanese upstart for its unparalleled value for money, superior refinement and dependability that made its continental rivals look fragile and anachronistic.
This fine tradition continues 35 years later in the LS 500 Premier. Built to offer the pinnacle in Japanese luxury, this fabulous four-door gets semi-aniline leather, handcrafted wood veneer, four-zone climate control, 28-way electrically adjustable front seats and 22-way electrically adjustable rear seats that promise unrivalled comfort.
Audiophiles will also love the 23-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system that is paired to the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And captains of industry can travel in total safety in their LS, especially with 14 airbags and the highly intelligent LSS.
This big Lexus also gets a mighty powerplant – a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter, twin-cam, 24-valve V6 gasoline engine packing 423 horsepower and 600 Newton-meters of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Even at P10,508,000, the LS 500 Premier continues to undercut and over-deliver against Europe’s finest like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the rather unsightly BMW 7 Series.
So if you haven’t found the love of your life yet, one of these fine vehicles might just be your Valentine. Cars are generally more dependable than people, you know, especially when it’s a Lexus.
