LEXUS LS

The Lexus LS Blends Limousine Qualities With Green Technology

January 22, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

The 2020 Lexus LS comes in gas and hybrid configurations.

Limousines take us there in style, whether to the airport, a wedding venue, or chaperoning us to a sad graveside farewell. These days, what we call a limousine is just as likely to be a large utility vehicle as it is a full-size sedan. The trend to SUVs continues unabated, with even livery services using them.

Lexus, like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, still offers a full-size sedan model. Although not quite as large, the Cadillac CT6 and Lincoln Continental are also counted. Add the Genesis G90 and Kia K900 to the mix and you’ll still find an assortment of large four-door models with all the luxury trappings included.

Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of reviewing the Lexus LS 500h, a hybrid version of this marque’s flagship sedan. Choose the standard model and you’ll find a potent twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood. Opt for the hybrid, and the engine loses its turbos and operates in the efficient Atkinson cycle. But this model also gains a pair of electric motors, ensuring that propulsion remains strong with its combined 354 horsepower.

Gas and Hybrid Choices

Lexus offers both the LS 500 and 500h in rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Power travels to the wheels utilizing an automatic transmission. The gas model has 10 forward shift points; the hybrid comes with four.

The 2020 Lexus LS 500 with rear-wheel drive is available in LS 500 ($75,450), LS 500 F Sport ($81,450), and LS 500h ($80,010) trims. Choose all-wheel drive and you’ll add $3,220 to your cost. All models incur a $1,025 destination charge; taxes, tags, and the title are extra. Just so you know, a fully-equipped model can cost you more than $100,000. That’s still cheaper than comparable Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series models, but closer to the Audi Q8L.

Quilted leather, fine woods, and metallic trim are among the LS’ cabin features. Photo: Lexus.

Styling Matters

If you like Lexus’ styling, then the LS should meet your expectations. Its elongated body is marked by beautiful character lines and deep sculpting. The front end features the brand’s distinctive spindle (hourglass) grille with deep cutouts at the corners and sleek headlamps imparting luxury and sportiness.

The same theme brings up the rear with its bright lighting and embedded exhaust outlets two features of note. Chrome touches abound, although they’re not overwhelming. Handsome exterior color choices and attractive wheel options supply flair.

Inside, the LS is a showcase of comfort and opulence. We found the cabin one of the roomiest, quietest, and most luxurious in its class. Beautiful choice leathers cover many surfaces, including the seats, door inlays, and dashboard. The fit and finish is spot-on; the look is exquisite.

Whether you’re considering the gas or the hybrid model, Lexus supplies package options that only increase the luxury offerings. All models have full LED lighting, alloy wheels, a moonroof, a power hands-free trunk, and keyless entry with push-button start. You’ll also find heated and ventilated front seats, 16-way power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Package Choices

For a limousine-quality experience, the four available package offerings are worth exploring.
For $3,730, the Interior Upgrade package includes such features as semi-aniline leather upholstery, a 28-way power-adjustable and massaging driver’s seat with cushion extender, ultra-suede headliner and sun visors, and heated rear seats.

Building on the first choice is a $12,290 Luxury Package. Here, you’ll gain a 28-way power-adjustable and massaging passenger seat, four-zone automatic climate control, 18-way power-adjustable and reclining rear seats, power side window sunshades, and a rear-seat center console with a seven-inch touch screen display.

Combining the features of the first two packages, the $17,790 Executive Package pulls out all the stops. Here, you’ll find such features as power-retractable front headrests, a front passenger seat extender, a right rear passenger power ottoman, 22-way power-adjustable massaging rear seats, and additional wood and leather touches. The final upgrade brings in Kiriko glass trim, a $23,100 all-inclusive package.

Individual items are also available and include a panoramic glass roof ($1,000) and a 23-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound stereo system ($1,940).

Among the LS’ top features are premium audio systems and driver-assist technologies. Photo: Lexus.

Tech & Safety

Lexus has long been known for its cutting-edge tech and safety features. But it’s much more successful with the latter than the former, and for reasons we’ll discuss here.

On the tech front, the Remote Tech controller manages most functions. It is a “scratchpad” type arrangement, where the driver runs his finger on the pad to control the screen. You may find it difficult to use, at least at first, with a long learning curve as you get used to positioning your finger just right without taking your eye off the road. And that’s the rub – you can hardly avoid distraction until you get used to this arrangement. When you do, you should find that it works as touted. The oversized display screen is easy to read and highly useful.

As for the standard tech features, the LS comes with a 12.3-inch display, a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, a 12-speaker audio package, navigation, and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility. Android Auto is not yet a part of the smartphone integration for the LS, although it is beginning to appear in other Toyota/Lexus models.

Safety is one Lexus’ core strengths and that quickly becomes evident when reviewing the standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 found with the LS. This system includes such features as forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane tracing assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors.

Also available is a surround-view parking camera system, automatic lane change assist, front cross-traffic alert, and a 24-inch head-up display. Our test model included each of the features, but we were especially impressed by the head-up display.

On the Road

We made several short trips with the LS, but it was one extended excursion topping 300 miles roundtrip that revealed the full competencies of our test model. The hybrid is an engineering marvel, as it uses the gas engine sparingly and the electric motors generously. Under full throttle, the two systems combine to heighten step-off acceleration and passing power. But the emphasis here is efficiency, something we witnessed.

Indeed, the LS 500h averaged 27.4 mpg, which was slightly above the EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined fuel economy. That’s excellent for a big sedan with more than three tons of weight and payload onboard.

The LS won’t win awards for steering feel or handling acumen, although when shifted to Sport mode, steering weight increases. But that comes at some sacrifice to fuel economy; you’ll want to operate this sedan in Eco mode for optimum efficiency.

As for the ride, the LS is soft, yet very comfortable. Some reports say the ride is bouncy, but the available adaptive suspension system should make a difference.

The front seats are wonderfully plush and supportive, but the same can be said for the rear seat. Yes, rear-seat legroom trails most competitors, but it is still quite comfortable. The right rear passenger has the best seat in the house, as local controls enable movement of the front seat to supply ample room for the ottoman and for reclining. This is where the LS truly serves as a limousine, although it is entirely useful for your personal needs.

The LS is Lexus’ flagship sedan. Photo: Lexus

Parting Thoughts

The market for luxury sedans, especially of the flagship kind, has been falling for years. The demand just isn’t there, but manufacturers seem hesitant to abandon the segment. Indeed, not previously mentioned with this cohort are the Jaguar XJ and Volvo S90, each designed with executives and royals in mind. Thus, consumers have a choice of 10 or so models that bring some of the attributes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley to the masses.

As for the LS, we’d go with the hybrid, for the simple reason it still manages to supply robust power, while delivering excellent fuel economy. It’s at the top-of-the-segment in this department, building on its luxury, tech, and safety credentials to deliver a wonderful model.

2020 Lexus LS Specifications

Lexus	2020 LS
Segment	Fullsize Sedan
Price Range	$75,450 to $84,670
Destination Charge	$1,025
Engine No. 1	3.5-liter, twin turbo V6
Horsepower	416 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	442 @ 1,600-4,800 rpm
Transmission	10-speed automatic
Engine No. 2	3.5-liter, V6
Horsepower	295 @ 6,600 rpm
Total System Performance	354 horsepower
Transmission	Multi-stage hybrid
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	4,740 to 5,247
Wheelbase (inches)	123.0
Length (inches)	206.1
Width (inches)	74.8
Height (inches)	57.1
Headroom (f,r…inches)	37.3, 37.3
Legroom (f,r…inches)	41.0, 38.9
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	58.8, 56.4
Hip room (f,r…inches)	55.5, 55.1
Storage (cubic feet)	16.95
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	6,020 to 6,205
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	22.2
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	18/27/21 (turbo; AWD); 25/33/28 (hybrid; RWD); 23/31/26 (hybrid; AWD)
Manufacturing Plant	Aichi, Japan

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

Generation Five: 2018 Lexus LS

July 13, 2018 by admin 3 Comments

Flagship LS sedan begins its fifth generation.

2018 Lexus LS 500 — The all-new Lexus LS delivers a forceful presentation.

When Lexus launched in 1990, the automaker brought to the market two sedans targeting America’s luxury makes — the full-size LS and the midsize ES. The LS served as the flagship model, bringing its own V8 power and rear-wheel drive to the segment, much in the same way as the Lincoln Town Car and the Cadillac DeVille had done.

Meanwhile, the ES took aim at the big Buick, Oldsmobile and Mercury models of the day. Although it probably can’t take full credit with contributing to the end of the second and third brands, its presence in the market didn’t help.

As the market turned, the big Lincoln and Cadillac models went away, giving Lexus a clear shot at the American consumer. But even the LS has to change with the times. This year, Lexus replaced the sedan’s V8 with a twin-turbo V6 engine. For 2018, the Lexus LS is an all-new sedan, launching the fifth generation of this venerable nameplate.

2018 Lexus LS 500

2018 Lexus LS Overview

For 2018, the big Lexus is officially known as the LS 500, replacing the previous LS 460. Until now, the numerical designation in the model name represented the engine size, as in 4.6 liters for the 460. Today, the 500 doesn’t correspond to the engine size, rather it signifies a more powerful, yet smaller engine.

Lexus offers the 2018 LS 500 in four arrangements or two trims: LS 500 RWD ($76,025), LS 500 AWD ($79,245), LS 500 F Sport RWD ($82,085) and LS 500 F Sport AWD ($83,775). These prices include a $1,025 destination charge.

The difference between the two is that the F Sport offers certain embellishments, such as a mesh grille. The suspension system is specially tuned and works with large 20-inch wheels riding on run-flat tires. It is also a better steering and handling model, although it doesn’t rise to the enhanced performance level of Lexus’ “F” line.

And lest you forget, Lexus is big on hybrids. This means the 500h is another choice, starting at $80,535 for rear-wheel drive and $83,755 for all-wheel drive. It comes with a naturally aspirated V6 engine, an electronically controlled variable transmission and electric motors. As for our review, this one covers the 2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport, the model supplied to Auto Trends Magazine for a week of driving.

2018 Lexus LS 500

Exterior Highlights

In recent years, Lexus’ design language has taken on a more evocative (some say provocative) look, as the brand moves away from any semblance of blandness. The changes have raised the brand’s visibility in perhaps ways it could have never reached before. Loyalists may decry the new look, but then Lexus is also trying to reach a new breed of customer, including Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners.

Front to back, the LS’ expressive lines are marked by an abundance of sculpting. The front fascia features the brand’s recognizable spindle (hourglass) grille flanked by zig-zag headlamps and honed in by deep embrasures housing the fog lamps. It follows with a long hood and an extended beltline that rises at the rear pillar. The raised rear deck sits short and wide, and offers its own expressive design featuring twin bisecting boomerang lights.

Size matters and the LS certainly is big. The previous model had standard and stretched wheelbases on tap, but the new one has 123 inches between the wheels and is just over an inch longer overall.

Among the standard items you’ll find LED headlamps with cornering lights, LED tail lamps and turn signals, power-folding and heated side mirrors with puddle lamps, a power moonroof, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The list of options include adaptive front lights and 20-inch wheels.

The F Sport Package delivers its own look, including a special grille, a rear diffuser, a unique wheel design and large brake calipers.

2018 Lexus LS 500

Interior Highlights

Sumptuous doesn’t accurately define the LS’ interior. Palatial, lavish and opulent are a few other adjectives that come to mind.

Slip behind the wheel of the LS and immediately your senses are elevated. The look, feel, smell and sound are intensified.

You can almost taste the luxury, although I don’t recommend licking anything. The cabin is quiet, even serene with strategically placed controls, quilted leather touchpoints, wood trim, and ambient lighting setting the mood. Even a section of etched glass is present, placed on the dashboard facing the front passengers. Is this merely eye-catching decor or does it hint at some future screen? Time will most certainly tell.

Five fit in full comfort in the Lexus LS with the available Executive Package making this a four-seat sedan. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an LS in livery service, but the capability is there. Consider it the ultimate executive car for the presidential suite, a fitting way to impress clients when family members aren’t the ones enjoying it.

The list of standard features is lengthy and goes well beyond the expected full power accessories, leather interior, automatic climate control and power tilt-and-telescopic steering column. The steering wheel is wrapped in thick leather and heated, the front seats are heated and cooled, the driver’s seat is power operated and supplies lumbar support, even the front headrests are power controlled. All models come with a power rear sunshade.

Upgrades include a leather-wrapped wood steering wheel, various wood trim choices, more exquisite leather, four-zone climate control, and power side-window sunshades. Additional upgrades are included in the Executive and Luxury packages.

2018 Lexus LS 500

Technology & Safety

Lexus equips the 2018 LS with a 12-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports. A 12.3-inch color navigation display is also standard. Upgrades include a 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, which delivers concert-hall quality sound throughout the cabin.

Standard safety technologies include Lexus Safety System, which represents a pre-collision system. This system includes pedestrian detection, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, lane keep assist and automatic high beam control.

Other features include a now mandatory rearview camera, a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision braking and intuitive parking assist with automatic stop. There are two individual options available as well — a 24-inch heads-up display and a panoramic view monitor.

2018 Lexus LS 500

Performance Matters

A 3.5-liter V6 engine powers the 2018 Lexus LS, but it isn’t what you might expect. This one is completely different from the 3.5-liter engine you find in other Toyota and Lexus products. Indeed, it measures 3444cc to the 3456cc of the traditional engine. Some sources (such as the EPA) call it a 3.4-liter engine, but we’ll use the sizing identification shared by Lexus.

The new engine has an aluminum head and blocks along with a pair of turbos consolidated into the exhaust manifolds. With its unusually long stroke — 100.0 inches to 85.5 inches bore, Lexus claims the turbo achieves high levels of thermal efficiency. Importantly, it has an output of 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Lexus pairs this engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Fully loaded, the LS weighs about 5,000 pounds. The new engine, however, is up to the task of moving this large sedan. Step on the accelerator and the LS begins to move forward confidently. Floor the pedal and the turbos spool up after a momentary hesitation, rocketing this big sedan forward.

The steering wheel is nicely weighted with small inputs moving this sedan with ease. Take the LS on twisty roads and it stays poised, hanging the lines quite well. On corners, the sedan leans ever so slightly. With all-wheel drive you can expect an extra measure of control as you pull out of corners or when navigating wet roads.

2018 Lexus LS 500

Cost Factor

At $75,000, this is a reasonable starting point for the 2018 LS. But most shoppers won’t stop there, with a significant number opting for all-wheel, the F Sport trim or both. Our model was so new that it didn’t come with a Monroney (sticker price and details), but we could deduce a few things and peg the price around $87,000 as equipped.

An Interior Upgrade Package ($3,730) kicks things off, adding a 28-way power driver’s seat with multi-function massage, semi-aniline perforated leather-trimmed seats, an ultra suede headliner and heated rear seats. Opting for this package required upgrading to the art wood organic, herringbone or laser special premium wood trims ($800). You also have to upgrade to the heated wood and leather steering wheel ($410), the 20-inch split-10-spoke wheels ($1,200) and choose one of four no extra charge interior colors.

Choose the Lexus Safety System+ A Package ($3,000) and this brings in Lexus CoDrive with all-speed dynamic cruise control and lane trace assist, automatic emergency braking, a head-up display, intuitive pedestrian detection alert, front cross-traffic alert and road sign assist. Opt for this package and you must also choose an adaptive variable air suspension system with rapid height function ($1,500) and three additional options: a 24-inch heads-up display ($1,220), premium LED headlamps with adaptive front lighting ($300) and a panoramic view monitor ($800).

The Top Three Packages

There are three additional packages, which build on the base and subsequent packages, including a Luxury Package ($12,290), Executive Package ($17,100) and an Executive Package with Kiriko Glass ($23,100). Without going into full detail, these packages bring in such items as driver and front passenger massage, a right-rear power recliner, wood and leather trim, a rear center console touch-screen display and four-zone concierge climate control. A Cold Weather Package ($220) adds such items as a windshield wiper deicer, headlamp washer and an enhanced interior heater for faster heat output in cold weather. Individual options include a panorama glass roof ($1,000).

Thus, the standard model with all-wheel drive can easily top $115,000. You can’t dress the F Sport as handsomely as the standard model with those prices maxing around $98,000, which was about $11,000 more than our test model.

Parting Thoughts

The 2018 LS is new, exciting and delivers a performance improvement over the previous model. That Lexus remains committed to sedans demonstrates that this automaker intends to keep the segment fully covered. As the car pie shrinks, Lexus intends to have new models in place, in an effort to secure a larger piece of said pie. That strategy may work and could position Lexus to gain marketshare as competitors leave cars behind or if the market suddenly shifts away from crossovers and back to cars.

All in all, the 2018 Lexus LS has what shoppers in this segment want — a big, cushy sedan with the performance and luxury credentials to match. Lexus met the challenge and it shows.

2018 Lexus LS 500

2018 Lexus LS Specifications

Lexus	2018 LS
Segment	Full-size luxury sedan
Base Sticker Price	$75,000 (plus a $1,025 destination charge)
Price as tested	$87,500 (estimated)
Standard Engine	3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6
Horsepower	416 @ 6,000 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	442 @ 1,600 to 4,800 RPMs
Transmission	10-speed automatic
Seating	2+3
Curb Weight (pounds)	4,707 (RWD) to 5,093 (AWD with Executive Package)
Wheelbase (inches)	123.0
Length (inches)	206.1
Width (inches)	74.8
Height (inches)	57.1 to 57.9
Head room (f,r — inches)	37.3, 37.3
Leg room (f,r — inches)	41.0, 38.9
Shoulder room (f,r — inches)	58.8, 56.4
Hip room (f,r — inches)	55.5, 55.1
Storage (cubic feet)	16.95
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	5,920 (RWD); 6,095 (AWD)
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	premium
Fuel Tank (gallons)	21.7
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	19/30 (RWD), 18/27 (AWD)
Manufacturing Plant	Georgetown, Kentucky

See Also — First Look: 2019 Lexus ES

The Top-of-the-Range Kia K900

October 10, 2014 by admin 9 Comments

If you haven’t glanced Kia’s way in a few years, you may want to look at what this Korean manufacturer is currently offering. Over the past six or seven years, Kia has been working diligently to overhaul its line up, eliminating older and much less reliable models and replacing these with new, innovative and higher quality vehicles.

2015 Kia K900

Kia has been selling cars in the United States since 1994 and with the help of its Hyundai cousin, it has been rapidly updating and expanding its product line. Although it is still considered a value-oriented brand, Kia now brings that value to the upper echelon of the market in its all-new, full-size Kia K900 sedan.

The Kia K900 takes the brand far beyond its ordinary roots to deliver a model that is in the size range of a BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8 and the Lexus LS. Its 5.0-liter V-8 engine, rear-wheel drive layout and riot of high-end materials and technologies lifts this Kia into another realm.

If the Kia K900 looks familiar, you probably have seen its design language on its Optima and Cadenza sedans. Moreover, the sedan’s size roughly parallels the Hyundai Equus, its close cousin with which it shares its platform, engine, transmission and other components. Call it “badge engineering” if you will, but there are some distinctives present to include: unique headlamps and daytime running lights, decorative fender vents, special tail light treatments and aluminum alloy wheels.

Where Hyundai tries to “hide” the fact that the Equus is a Hyundai, in the K900 Kia badging is found in all the usual places including on the hood, the trunk and on the wheels. I sensed in the K900 that Kia wants to change brand perceptions and isn’t worried that consumers will be confused or show resistance. In any case, expect that Kia will sell only a few thousand K900 sedans per year — September’s sales came in at just 56 units delivered.

2015 Kia K900.

Standard V-8 Engine

Introduced last winter as a 2015 model, the Kia K900 is powered by a 420-horsepower V-8 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It has a starting price of $59,500 and provides a $6,000 VIP package. As equipped, the 2015 Kia K900 cost $66,400 — or at least $10,000 less than its European and Lexus competitors.

Unlike the Hyundai Equus, Kia plans to introduce a V-6 Premium edition within the coming months. That move will push the K900’s price point lower, but it won’t mean you’ll get a stripped sedan: Kia has promised luxury and technology packages to burnish your sedan. Expect that the “budget” K900’s appeal to extend to current Lincoln Town Car and Cadillac DTS owners — more about that later.

2015 Kia K900

View manufacturer details and pricing

Generous Room for Five

Inside, the Kia K900 provides generous seating for five adults. The interior is covered in leather on the seats, across the dashboard and on the door panels. Wood inlays, brightwork trim and a felt headliner add to the high-end feel of this luxury sedan. Wherever cheaper materials are used, Kia took pains to ensure that they blend in without much notice.

The front seats are supportive, comfortable and are adjusted by buttons placed on the doors next to the handles. It takes some getting used to, but it reduces the usual confusion driver’s may experience when adjusting their seats. Heating and cooling controls are also on the door; the driver’s lumbar support is the lone switch on the seat.

Kia provides an electronic tilt and telescopic steering wheel, what allows the driver to find the precise position when taking to the road. Cruise and secondary controls are on the steering wheel; the lights and wipers are controlled by column-mounted switches. Buttons for parking assist, traction control, trunk release and lane departure warning are to the left of the steering wheel, located on the instrument panel.

2015 Kia K900.

Technologies and Cabin Layout

Kia makes use of an electronic instrument panel with analog-looking speedometer and tachometer read outs. A large, bright digital driver’s information display is centered between the two meters.

The center console offers a clean layout marked by a 9.2-inch color display. That display is controlled by a dial found between the transmission stick and the deep center storage. Once you get used to the dial, you can flick it to whatever setting you want without taking your eyes off the road. A head up display, incidentally, provides your speed, tells you when you’re leaving your lane and warns you when a car approaches your blind spots.

The transmission shifter is different from what you may be used to using — you push it forward to go into reverse and pull it toward you when you are in drive. Place it in park by pressing the “P” button at the top of the stick. I’ve operated these type sticks before, overcoming the initial confusion that this layout causes.

Below the center display are switches and knobs for climate control and the audio system. A covered compartment at the base of the console is large enough to hold your smartphone. It comes with a 12-volt outlet, an auxiliary port and a USB port. A covered cup holder compartment for two drinks is to the right of the transmission stick.

2015 Kia K900.

Limousine-Like Rear Compartment

The rear seat is a bench layout, offering excellent room for three, but best enjoyed by two. The center and outboard right side seat are controlled by two switches on the door, moving the seat forward and back or up and down. A similar switch arrangement on the left side controls the other passenger seat.

I’m all for riding comfort in big sedans — Kia K900 customers will appreciate the fold down arm rest compartment that takes away the center seat position. When opened, you get the arm rest, a storage compartment and access to additional seat controls to include: lumbar support, seat adjustment, heating and cooling. You can even control the front passenger seat when you’re ready to stretch out and take a nap: limousine drivers take note!

Driven: 2015 Kia K900

On the road, the Kia K900 behaves a lot like a traditional American sedan. Its ride is soft, feedback virtually nonexistent and handling is fair, at best. You’re not getting a European sedan as the steering and suspension are calibrated to deliver uninvolved handling and soft-as-a-pillow ride. Kia is aiming the K900 squarely at buyers who place a quiet cabin, numb handling and a cushy ride over sport sedan characteristics. You do have three drive modes to select — the sport mode tightens the suspension dampers.

The V-8 is more than sufficient for this sedan, providing generous amounts of power as needed. The transmission shifts smoothly through all forward gears — you’ll hardly notice its presence. The sedan accelerates quickly and moves its 4,500+ pound bulk with ease. “Charles, take me to the Metropolitan — we have no time to lose!”

Trunk Space, VIP Package

Trunk space comes in slightly smaller than other cars in this class, providing space equal to what you would find in most midsize sedans. Still, at 15.9 cubic feet, you should have enough room to bring luggage for five for a long weekend. There is no passthrough from the trunk to the passenger compartment.

With a lengthy list of standard items, including a panoramic sunroof, you might overlook the $6,000 VIP package. That package is worth the price, bringing in such amenities as: head-up display, an updated instrument panel, advanced cruise control, a surround view monitor, an extendable driver’s seat cushion, power adjustable front headrests, and multiple rear seat upgrades — lumbar support, recline control, adjustable headrests and ventilation.

It’s a Wrap

If you are looking for a fully loaded, luxury sedan and labels mean little to you, then the Kia K900 should be on your list. The sedan doesn’t provide the driving feedback or handling of the European models, but like the Lexus LS it takes direct aim at Cadillac and Lincoln owners who no longer have access to a traditional, full-size luxury barge.

2015 Kia K900

Sticker price from $59,500
Price as tested: from $66,400
Seats 5 occupants
5.0-liter 32-valve V-8 gasoline engine
420 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
376 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,000 rpm
3.78 inches bore by 3.43 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 11.5-to-1
8-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 119.9 inches
Length: 200.6 inches
Width: 74.8 inches
Height: 58.7 inches
Passenger volume: 110.8 cubic feet
Storage volume: 15.9 cubic feet
Towing capacity: NR
EPA: 15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway
Regular grade gasoline
Fuel tank: 19.8 gallons
Curb weight: From 4,555 pounds
IIHS safety rating: NR
Limited vehicle warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/60,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 7 years/Unlimited miles
Vehicle assembly: Korea

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GM Scores Big in Latest J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

June 20, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

The results of the J.D. Power 2013 Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) are in and the General Motors Company has received some very good news. Of the 26 segments or categories tracked, GM landed in first place eight times. Moreover, nearly 50 percent of its vehicles finished in the top three for their respective segments.

The study also revealed that the Porsche brand has the highest quality levels across its vehicle line up. And once again the Lexus LS had the highest initial quality of all models.

Buick Encore: Sub-Compact CUV Segment Winner.

Initial Quality Study

Now in its 27th year, the initial quality study was redesigned for 2013. It is now conducted online, providing improved opportunities for more thorough new car buyer feedback. The Initial Quality Study noted that most problems consumers reported was related to the vehicle’s design. Design, of course, cannot be changed although if the problem is with technology, dealer staff can explain how to work a complicated navigation system, demonstrate various drive modes or make Bluetooth connectivity happen.

Still, unlike cell phones which are typically changed out every two years, most consumers are likely to keep their cars at least five years. That means a consumer that is frustrated with his automotive purchase may have to endure several years of an unhappy driving experience. That’s a warning sign manufacturers need to heed and correct before follow-up studies are conducted.

David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power, noted that “…automakers are trying to design vehicles that appeal to a broad array of consumers, and what works for the majority may not work for all.” Finding a way to deliver the technologies consumers want while making it easier to understand them is a challenge for all manufacturers. That’s something the Ford Motor Company is learning as it updates its Ford MyTouch system to include the knobs and switches that it currently lacks and consumers seem to prefer. Ford, incidentally, finished with a brand score of 131 PP100, well below the 113 PP100 industry average. The score represents the number of complaints per 100 vehicles studied.

Porsche is the world’s best automotive brand.

Porsche, Lexus Excel

Porsche topped all brands with a score of 80 PP100 followed by GMC at 90 and Lexus at 94. The top 10 also included Infiniti, Chevrolet, Acura, Toyota, Honda, Jaguar, Hyundai, Kia and Mercedes-Benz. The last three brands tied for the tenth spot.

Finishing last was Scion, Toyota’s youth-oriented brand with a score of 161 PP100. Fiat at 154 and Mitsubishi at 148 also performed well below average.

The Kia Soul is the best compact MPV.

Study Changes

With the initial quality study changed for 2013, J.D. Power noted that it cannot be compared with previous year studies. That removes a bragging point for some manufacturers, while making it difficult for others to compare year-over-year changes. Still, the updated study does make it easier for manufacturers to identify problems immediately, make corrections and offer an improved product going forward.

Immediately following the study’s release, GM’s Alicia Boler-Davis, vice president Global Quality and U.S. Customer Experience, issued a statement. “Nothing energizes us more than receiving the verification of quality from our customers.” Boler-Davis went on to note that GM customers are buying products with innovative technologies with both the initial and long-term quality levels “they can rely on.”

Best minivan: Chrysler Town & Country

Plant Assembly Line Award

The J.D. Power initial quality study also identified the top assembly plants in the world that supply vehicles to the U.S. market. Garnering its top platinum award was the Toyota Motor Corporation — Lafayette B plant in Indiana. That plant, which produces the best-selling Toyota Camry, scored 14 PP100. Another Toyota plant in Yoshiwara, Japan, followed with a score of 18, where the Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser are built.

The study also recognized GM and Honda plants in Ontario, Canada, additional plants in Japan that produce Toyota and Nissan models, and Audi and Daimler plants in Germany and South Africa.