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Genesis G90 E-Supercharger VS Lexus LS500 F Sport: 2023 Battle of the Luxury Beasts

G90 vs LS500 Review and Comparison The Genesis G90 E-Supercharger and the Lexus LS 500 F Sport are both luxury sedans that offer a premium driving experience, but they have distinct features and characteristics that set them apart. We had the chance to test these two back to back. Be aware that the Genesis had a significantly higher price tag than the Lexus, so while this is apples to apples, it’s maybe a pink lady apple to Gala apple comparison. Performance The G90 E-Supercharger boasts a powerful electric supercharged 3.5-liter V6 twin turbo engine that delivers impressive acceleration and ample …

Sep 07, 2023 Read more

2019 Lexus LS500 F Sport – Review by Ben Lewis

We’ve always been fans of the Lexus luxury flagship. And when it’s the sporty F SPORT model, even more so. We enjoyed the previous-gen 2017 Lexus 460 F SPORT, and were enamored with its powerful V8 engine. And then we were seduced by the new 2018 Lexus LS500, especially with the reclining rear seats with massage function – pure luxury limo. But even then, we knew the hot ticket would be the LS500 F SPORT. Losing the 460’s V8 would be tough, but gaining 30 hp and 67 lb-ft of twin-turbo V6 muscle seemed like a pretty good deal. Add …

Jun 21, 2019 Read more

2018 Lexus LS500h – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

What does it feel like to drive $104,000 of prime quality Lexus beef on the hoof? It’s actually kind of unnerving. We’ve occasionally driven cars that cost even more, but the mission of the LS500h is daily luxury. Superb and supremely comfortable luxury, but daily nonetheless. And this one’s a hybrid. We tested the 416 horse, twin-turbo V6 LS500 sedan a while ago, and loved it. And a part of that love came from the big sedan’s ability to lift up its figurative skirt and haul like a bat out of hell when it needed to. But does a fuel-saving …

Oct 01, 2018 Read more

2018 Lexus LS500 RWD with LLS+A – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

$98,930. That’s the first question, isn’t it? So, if you had to ask, now you now. That’s if you know what it is. And frankly, a lot of people, didn’t. Oh, sure they knew it was a Lexus, but even in the premium rarefied air the previous LS model cruised, the new model looks so different, so more upscale and personal, they thought it was some new super-sedan from Toyota’s luxury division. Jaws Will Drop Based on the same chassis as the gorgeous LC coupe, the new LS as just as thrilling – if a bit more reserved, due to …

Mar 19, 2018 Read more

2018 Lexus LS500 F Sport – Air-Ride, Active 4WS + Live NYIAS Photos

There is some kerfuffle that the new LS500 F Sport sticks with the 415HP V6TT from the standard car – versus bringing extra ponies like a proper F model might. But that misses the point of F Sport entirely. Here is a style and handling upgrade that costs little and delivers big dividends. Outside, the unique look is dechromed and diipped in a sexy gloss black. More aggressive fascias, wheels and sill details complement the sharp new brakes. A BBK Big Brake Kit wishes it was as cool as these Lexus clamps. A true performance mod for F-Sport are …

Apr 12, 2017 Read more

Design Analysis: 2018 Lexus LS500 at Amelia Island Concours [23 Photos]

A car whose in-person effect was knee-weakening? This new LS500. So, so new and so revolutionary for the Lexus icon. Wait until you see this car’s unreal side sculpting and ultra-LWB, fastback-like proportions. Its nose wears a next-gen level of sculpting throughout the bumper and hood. The grille almost takes a back seat to the intensely low, long and muscular fenders and slim LED headlights. The new DRL’s little lashes are intriguing too. The LS and its ultra low new nose and long hood lead the eye to the windshield. Check out the rake angle! This is seriously streamlined and likely …

Mar 13, 2017 Read more

2018 Lexus LS500 Debuts All-New Flagship with 4.5s Turbo 10-Speed and Standard LWB

The new Lexus LS just debuted in Detroit with some shocking advancements in style, luxury and performance. First things first: the powertrain of the creamy cruiser is now a 3.5-liter twin-turb oV6 making 415 horsepower. Through the standard 10-speed automatic, the new LS promises a brisk flash t o60-mph in just 4.5-seconds. The machine is longer than before: its 123-inch wheelbase is up 1.3-inches versus even the LWB LS460L/LS600hL from the existing generation. A lower rear roofline but much more enveloping rear seating keeps legroom limo-huge. The design itself is also a big leap into the future. With a nose …

Jan 09, 2017 Read more

2023 Lexus LS 500 AWD F SPORT review by Ben Lewis

All manufacturers have what is called a “flagship” – the top-of-the-line model that shows off what the brand is all about. And for Lexus sedans, that means the LS 500. The LS has the longest history with the brand, it was the LS 400 that started the legend in 1990, taking on all comers from luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes and Cadillac. Yes, there was also an ES model, but that was a fancy Camry. So, 33 years later, does the Lexus still have the stuff to take on the high-end Europeans? Let’s take a look! Aging Passionately We recently …

Oct 25, 2023 Read more

2022 Volvo S90 B6 AWD R-Design review by Ben Lewis

Volvo used to be famous for sedans (and wagons). But if you ask today’s buyer, it’s probably all about the SUV XC models like the XC40, XC60 and XC90. They also have some gorgeous wagons if you are interested. And while they don’t always get the prime-time headlines, Volvo makes some very appealing sedans. Case in point, our 2022 S90 sedan. In fact, it may just be one our favorite Volvo’s! Big, Bold, Beautiful The first thing that grabs you is the sheer size of the Swedish sedan. It’s as long as many 3-row SUV’s and its sharp lines really …

Apr 30, 2022 Read more

2022 Lexus LS 500 Gains Subtle Updates, Minor Revisions To Game Winning Formula

Lexus is making a host of small changes to select members of its lineup for 2022 as it tries to keep some of its flagship models fresh for the new model year. That includes the Lexus LS 500 flagship sedan which slinks into 2022 with minimal changes that should still make a big impact with customers. Revised Suspension Sharpens Up Handling And Ride Comfort Performance for the 3.5 liter twin-turbocharged V6 carries over unchanged with the boosted mill still producing 416 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claims that engineers made three minor tweaks to help improve operation …

Nov 01, 2021 Read more

2021 Mercedes AMG GLE 53 Coupe Review by Ben Lewis

So, here’s a challenge to many manufacturers – with SUV’s being so popular, how do you keep things fresh? One trend we’ve seen are the “coupe-like” SUV’s, which trade off some of the utility (and headroom) for a racy profile. It’s especially popular with the Europeans, with everything from VW’s Atlas Cross Sport to BMW’s X4 and X6. Mercedes won’t be left out either, so we’re now enjoying GLE Coupe. But with a coupe, you’re driven by passion, so we were especially excited to get our grabby little hands on an AMG GLE 53 Coupe. Big vehicle, larger-than-life performance. This …

May 28, 2021 Read more

2021 Lexus ES250 AWD Review by Ben Lewis

We still remember when Lexus launched in the US in 1990. It was a bold move – the Toyota company creating an upstart to take on the biggest luxury names in the market, including Mercedes and Cadillac. And its success is legendary, where it seems like Honda’s Acura, and Nissan’s Infiniti have never been able to quite get that cache. Why the history lesson? Well, there were two models when Lexus debuted, the LS400 and ES250. And now the ES250 name is back! So, if you’ve been waiting, your wishes have been fulfilled. Even more interesting, the ES250 is unique …

Apr 04, 2021 Read more

2020 Lexus RC F – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

For a long time, Lexus has stood for really wonderful cars. Beautifully built, wonderfully smooth, but it’s been the rare Lexus model that could turn the heads of buyers who pony up serious dough for Mercedes’ AMG, BMW’s M Division, and Porsche. Well, there was the Lexus LFA. And it was sensational, but priced new at $400,000 and going for mid-400’s to 600’s (yes, thousands) now, it was always a halo car that was going to be out of reach of almost all of us. (We do still buy Lottery tickets and dream, though). For the rest of us, Lexus …

Jan 14, 2020 Read more

2019 Lexus ES350 Ultra Luxury – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

For 2019, Lexus introduced an all-new ES350, and it’s a radical step up from the previous model. Due in part to the all-new Camry which the ES shares a chassis, it was the last sedan to get some bona fide’s in terms of performance and pizzazz. There may some though, that kind of liked the previous models focus on the luxury and away from sport. What to do for them? Enter the ES350 Ultra Luxury. Sleek and Sexy Okay, there’s really not much difference exterior-wise between the Ultra Luxury and other ES350’s, but we don’t mind Lexus not being shouty …

Dec 02, 2019 Read more

2019 Kia K900 Luxury – Review by Ben Lewis

If you’re shopping for a super luxury sedan, you’re probably thinking about Mercedes, BMW and most certainly, Lexus. But don’t forget about Kia. No, we haven’t overdosed on the goodness of the new 2020 Kia Soul that we enjoyed so much. There’s a Kia sedan – all-new – that takes on the likes of the Lexus LS, and does it a fraction of the cost, too. Enter the 2019 Kia K900. The what? The K900. Let’s take a step back. Remember the wonderful Genesis G90 sedan we tested a little while ago? Well peek underneath the Kia’s sheet metal and …

Aug 06, 2019 Read more

2020 Kia Soul X-Line – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

First, a moment of silence. Today we mourn The Hamster. Well, not a real Hamster, but the special-FX rodents that came to be identified with the Kia Soul, thanks to their great commercials. For the all-new 2020 Soul, it looks like the furry funmakers have been tossed in the proverbial dustbin. (At least they could have been buried in the backyard, no?) Shed no tears, though, because this is an all-new Kia Soul, and while it keeps the, errr…Soul of the previous model, it sports a lot of great improvements that keep it one of the most enjoyable and endearing …

Jul 12, 2019 Read more

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0T AWD – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis

We’ve been into Sports lately: The Elantra Sport, the HR-V Sport and soon, the Civic Sport. So, in the growing enterprise of sporty vehicles, it’s interesting that for the all-new 2019, the model formerly known as Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has been simplified to just Santa Fe. Hey, the Santa Fe has been here for 32 years, and is the burgeoning brand’s best-selling SUV. Has Hyundai found a different path? Will it have lost the fun-to-drive and stylish vibe of the previous model? The question is… Do We Know the Way to Santa Fe? Well, it’s still pointed in a …

Apr 25, 2019 Read more

Top 20 Reviews in 2018 – RDX Whistler Trip and MB Pebble Concept Top List

Ranked by traffic and readership! 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec – First Drive Review – By Josh Seaman Pebble Beach 2018 – Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow Concept – By James Crabtree 2018 VW Passat SE 2.0T w/ Technology – Road Test Review 2019 Mazda6 Turbo – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis 2018 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Inscription – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis 2018 Lexus LS500h – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis 2018 Kia Stinger GT1 RWD V6TT – Road Test Review – By Ben Lewis 2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth …

Jan 09, 2019 Read more

2018 Genesis G90 5.0 V8 RWD – Road Test Review

Here’s the secret in full-size limos from the premium brands: they are all pretty splendid to drive and have in your life. The speed and road presence alone of driving a land-yacht of a vehicle is enough to earn serious respect on the road. And they all class up a driveway like nobody’s business. The new class is all turbocharged and uber-packed with tech — to the point where even the new LS500 crosses the $100k threshold in a huge hurry. Does the new G90 really run with the big dogs like the S550, 740i and A8L in the fastlanes …

Apr 29, 2018 Read more

NAIAS 2018 Debut – Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept – GS-Sized F-SUV of Future

One of the wildest concept debuts so far at Detroit? This freaky faced Lexus! Once you get over its beak, there is greatness to discover. Cab-backwards with a heavenly hood length and amazing proportions. This is the future high-performance Lexus SUV we’ve been dreaming of. The LF-1 badge is no joke. Imagine GS-F or hotter powertrains within. Likely the new V6TT from the new LS500!? Hot as the molten copper paint. Check out the Limitless in detail below. 2018 Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept

Jan 15, 2018 Read more

2018 Lexus LC500 – Supercar of the Year – Road Test Review

No test car here at CRD has created more of a stir than this Lexus LC500. Long-lost pals sought out rides. The Cars ‘n Coffee crowd was enchanted LC even stirred wild thumbs-ups from other drivers on the road. Nobody loved this next-generation Lexus supercar more than its driver, though. This all-new platform started life on a mission to sink the engine lower and much more mid-ship than any Lexus before. The results not only lighten the handling mood dramatically, but they also sharpen the turn-in radically. A new 10-speed automatic joins the thrilling 5.0-liter V8 from the GS-F and …

Dec 09, 2017 Read more

2017 Monterey Car Week REVEALS List – Pebble Beach, The Quail & Concorso Italiano

This is crunchtime for car writers and news junkies alike! America’s Goodwood, aka Pebble Beach, has gone from a concours to an all-out supercar auto show extravaganza. What we learned on a trip to the event in 2014 is that Monterey Car Week is actually a full week of performance joy! The classics and icons are peppered throughout the experience, of course, but mainly take center stage on the oceanfront fairway only on Concours Sunday. Until then, there are ride/drive events, VIP receptions, press events and media previews galore at the Quail, Concorso Italiano, RM Sotheby’s in downtown Monterey.. and …

Aug 16, 2017 Read more

2017 Lexus ES350 – HD Road Test Review w/ 2 Videos – By Tom Burkart

The Lexus ES was refreshed for the 2016 model-year to enhance its styling and luxury equipment, along with a new build location as the first Lexus to be made in the USA. Its upgrades are fairly skin-deep, however, so we worried this car would be left behind by all the new midsize luxury models. Vehicles like the Lincoln Continental or C-Class are all significantly fresher than the ES350 outside and in. The ES has a huge target on its back — even from upstarts like the latest Avalon, Acura TLX and even Kia Cadenza. These rivals often have the latest turbo …

Mar 24, 2017 Read more

Honda Unveils 2018 Odyssey Minivan [Live Images]

Honda has formally taken the wraps off of the 2018 Honda Odyssey at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in a bold effort to not only steal sales from the recently unveiled and highly popular Chrysler Pacifica minivan, but also allow it to stand out against the Nissan Quest and the Toyota Sienna. The exterior styling of the 2018 Odyssey is a tasteful evolution of the traits that made the previous generation Odyssey a hit with buyers. The bland front fascia that defined the old model has been pitched, and the 2018 version puts a renewed …

Jan 09, 2017 Read more