[ZigmundUK]

How spot on are you guys. Although I think it should be in its own thread. But yes the Toyota (inc Lexus) controls are worst. Mercedes are pretty bad too. Bmw seems to be the only one that cares for ergonomics and safety and trying to keep the driver’s eyes on the road. Obviously there are some issues now and again but I’ve not been in another car that is better at this...

[en1gma]

And don't get me started on the foot-activated parking brakes in Mercedes...

Do they still have that in current cars? It was still present in the facelift E-Class I drove about 3 years ago... couldn't get used to it at all!

[en1gma]

Originally Posted by bimmer_335

Clearly they want you to pay up if you want med blue... its a gorgeous color

should be available on 530 as well as they are not cheap either.

I have a 530i in Med Blue, delivered in October in the UK... that combo not available where you are? Really? Wow...

[ArchJR]

Originally Posted by en1gma

I have a 530i in Med Blue, delivered in October in the UK... that combo not available where you are? Really? Wow...

Med Blue does not show up for the 530i in conjunction with MSport on BMW"s configurator. It is available sans MSport or with MSport on a 540i, which is how I ordered mine.

It could be a glitch. The dealer planned to submit the order anyway to see if BMW would make it, but I did not press the issue once I decided on the 540i. A G30 in a color other than white/black/gray/Bluestone is a rare sighting in my area, so I cannot even verify anecdotally.

[wknddrivr]

Originally Posted by ZigmundUK

Bmw seems to be the only one that cares for ergonomics and safety and trying to keep the driver’s eyes on the road.

Mazda does a pretty good job too. Honda used to, not sure if they do anymore as I haven't driven one in a few years.

Mercedes sucks but at least the interiors look good.

Lexus (i mean toyota) has the worst ergonomics and the worst design. The only people who buy them are morons who are too arrogant to drive a Toyota and thinkothers are impressed when they say they drive a "Lexus". I've cracked up laughing on a few occasions when people have bragged about their new "Lexus"

[babaikram]

Lexus is regarded as a Premium brand all over the world. For information, I have never owned one. Segment for segment they are usually more expensive than BMWs (though usually loaded as standard). The priority of people that buy Lexus is different to those that BMWs

[wknddrivr]

Originally Posted by babaikram

Lexus is regarded as a Premium brand all over the world. For information, I have never owned one. Segment for segment they are usually more expensive than BMWs (though usually loaded as standard). The priority of people that buy Lexus is different to those that BMWs

They market as premium, but when you take a Toyota Camry, throw in some upgraded leather, add sound deadening and a "Mark Levinson" audio system and call it a Lexus ES350, you're really just serving a hamburger and calling it a steak.

In the US Lexus is significantly cheaper than BMW/Merc/Audi. A 330i is about $2k more base price than the IS300, and the IS includes more standard features. If you bring the features on the BMW to the same level as the Lexus you're looking at roughly $5k more for the BMW.

In the UK you're probably paying more because of taxes, not because its a more premium car.

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by babaikram

Lexus is regarded as a Premium brand all over the world. For information, I have never owned one. Segment for segment they are usually more expensive than BMWs (though usually loaded as standard). The priority of people that buy Lexus is different to those that BMWs

I don't feel Lexus has been relevant as a luxury brand in the US in literally 12-13 years.

The 1998-2005 GS was the last real luxurious car I feel. Their styling became geared at old people real fast. I wouldn't be caught dead in one anymore (and I used to own an old SC400 coupe....loved the car). I feel Audi took Lexus' place in the luxury hierarchy starting in the early to mid 2000's. Kind of sad to see how far Lexus has fallen. I even wanted to get excited about the new LS and the LC....but the LC is selling like crap and the LS looks like a big Camry (not to mention their cars just are not fast).

[ArchJR]

Originally Posted by mjr24

Kind of sad to see how far Lexus has fallen. I even wanted to get excited about the new LS and the LC....but the LC is selling like crap and the LS looks like a big Camry (not to mention their cars just are not fast).

Way off topic by now, but here goes.

There are two classes of luxury brands, whether cars, jewelry, appliances, whatever: Those that evolve and those that reinvent. Lexus was in the former class for 20 years (with BMW, Audi, M-B), solidifying its image, design language, and resale values.

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by ArchJR

Way off topic by now, but here goes.

There are two classes of luxury brands, whether cars, jewelry, appliances, whatever: Those that evolve and those that reinvent. Lexus was in the former class for 20 years (with BMW, Audi, M-B), solidifying its image, design language, and resale values.

Maybe for old people....

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by mjr24

Maybe for old people....

I resemble that remark!

[ArchJR]

Originally Posted by mjr24

Maybe for old people....

True. I guess I would rather Lexus continue to make luxury vehicles for old people than chase a younger buyers with ridiculous styling moves and lackluster F-Sport models. Glad I'm not in product planning for such a competitive industry.

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by ArchJR

True. I guess I would rather Lexus continue to make luxury vehicles for old people than chase a younger buyers with ridiculous styling moves and lackluster F-Sport models. Glad I'm not in product planning for such a competitive industry.

I just am curious as to why they seemingly changed their demographic. Everyone knows a Lexus is going to be well-built and will last forever.....and their styling was on for a long time. They just seemingly quit after that....even on their models that seemed to be aimed at a younger demographic (GS namely...).