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A recent report indicates that Lexus is planning to enhance the rigidity of its vehicles to compete more effectively with German brands and to establish a uniform “driving experience” throughout its collection. My immediate reaction to this news was, “Why bother?”
According to Automotive News, Lexus project manager Toshinori Ito stated, “We are striving for the same driving feel, regardless of which Lexus model you choose.” While Lexus has been observing competitors like Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi for several years, it has determined that its cars still fall short, especially in terms of body rigidity.
Previously, Lexus engineers concentrated on reinforcing the rear modules of their vehicles, but they now recognize the need to enhance rigidity at the front as well. This is somewhat humorous when considering that Toyota is the world’s second-largest car manufacturer—it’s akin to McDonald’s just now discovering that salt and fat are the key ingredients for tasty food. As a result, added supports will be implemented in “the front module and the front and rear tunnel segments” across all Lexus models. The electric RZ was reportedly launched with these modifications, and they have also been included in the updates for the NX over the past two years.
“We didn’t fully grasp the four body positions,” Ito explained. “We learned about it through our studies of the competition. When we came to this understanding, we wanted it to be integrated into all Lexus models.”
While I appreciate a well-handling luxury vehicle like any car enthusiast, I can’t help but notice that in 2024, it seems like every brand is pursuing a sportier profile. Lexuses are getting sportier. Toyotas are getting sportier. Cadillacs are getting sportier. Mercedes-Benzes are getting sportier. Even electric Hyundais are now marketed as sporty. With everyone tightening up their suspensions and vying to become the next BMW, is there still a market for cars that cater to those who prefer a relaxed driving experience?
Having driven many of Lexus’s contemporary models as well as those from German competitors, I can confidently say that Lexus has made significant strides, and their vehicles perform adequately. Although Lexus acknowledges that its offerings might not possess the same sharpness as the higher-end M8 or M340i models, this is part of their unique charm.
These vehicles are known for their softer ride and a more welcoming, fluid character that I appreciate during long road trips or a calm Monday commute. I might feel differently if Lexus were only stiffening its sport-oriented models, but that’s not the case. Do buyers of the RX really want a firmer version? I’m not convinced they do.
That said, who am I to judge? If Lexus’s engineers can enhance driving enjoyment without significantly compromising ride comfort or increasing costs, then more power to them. However, I often wonder how much more could be achieved in other aspects of vehicle design if manufacturers didn’t prioritize on-road performance so heavily. The overwhelming trend of making every luxury car feel as if driving to work is a high-stakes sport has led to some exciting cars, but it may also become a dated notion as consumer preferences evolve.
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