Introduction
Lexus interior luxury focuses on the experience of the driver in the car as much as the look of it.While other brands may put emphasis on a fancy looking dashboard or big screen display, Lexus pays attention to what the customer feels like during daily use. They work with materials, seat design, sound proofing, climate and audio quality to present a tranquil and very put together atmosphere in the cabin. This has in turn created a very solid reputation for the brand in the luxury car market.
Lexus does what is different from many of the German luxury car companies. While BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi tend to put forth cars which perform best, have the latest tech, or are designed to be works of art on the inside, Lexus is all about relaxation and long distance comfort. The result is a cabin which may not be the trendiest in terms of design in its class but which can also be very comfortable and thoughtfully put together.
Lexus Interior Materials and Craftsmanship
Lexus, which is very much into using premium materials for different models and trims, does so with leather, semi-aniline leather, NuLuxe upholstery, wood, metallic accents, and soft touch surfaces. What quality is in this case is not only in the materials used but also in how they are put together. We see that in the stitching, the switches, the door controls, and the dashboard surfaces which all are put together to present a very consistent premium feel. In the higher end models you see even more detailed finishes and special materials which in turn gives the cabin a more sophisticated look.
Craftsman-like work is a feature in the Lexus range which includes the LS and LC. These cars present a very unique take on Japanese design with in depth finish and top quality upholstery. Also Lexus has put an emphasis on craft in the make of certain interior parts. This gives the cars a more thought out feel within the cabin instead of just using expensive materials. Details like the feel of the switches and how various surfaces come together play a role in making the interior a premium experience over time.
Seat Comfort and Passenger Experience
Seat comfort is a top feature in luxury vehicles which is true for every ride. At Lexus we focus on seat support and comfort which is achieved via a variety of features like power adjustment, heating, ventilation, memory settings, and lumbar support. In the higher trims we go above and beyond to include premium upholstery for that extra bit of comfort on long trips.
Lexus also focuses on passenger comfort which is a big issue in their bigger models. In the LS and LX we see they have put in large rear seat spaces and other comfort features. For those that are into family use or are frequent carriers of passengers these features can be as important as what is offered in the driver’s seat. A luxury cabin is for all passengers’ comfort not just the one behind the wheel, also at issue is how well it does that over the long road trips.
Mark Levinson Audio
Premium audio is a key element of the Lexus experience. We have developed the Mark Levinson audio systems for our Lexus vehicles which we design to fit the acoustics of each individual cabin. What you see in each model is a unique set out of speakers, amplifiers and advanced sound processing technology. Also we are able to present a more integrated audio entertainment package which is greater than just putting in high end speakers.
The benefit is in the more immersive experience which we see in the quiet Lexus cabin. We have road and wind noise under control which in turn makes the music and other audio content play out better. For those that put many miles on their car, a high quality audio system is a great touch which really adds to the luxurious feel. Also it is very much so when you pair it with the brand’s focus on a quiet and comfortable cabin.
Noise Insulation and Cabin Quietness
A quiet interior is what Lexus is known for in their luxury vehicles. They use insulation, acoustic glass, aerodynamic design, fine tuning of the suspension, and other methods which minimize road, wind and mechanical noise. This results in a calmer environment which in turn allows for easier conversation between passengers and better enjoyment of music at lower volumes.
Quietness also adds to the overall quality picture. We see that when outside noise is cut out a little more of the interior details come through for the passengers. This is what makes Lexus very appealing to those that prefer relaxed highway driving and long distance comfort. Rather than to make the cabin feel disconnected from its environment in a negative way the aim is to reduce disturbing sounds yet at the same time preserve that refined feel of the drive.
Climate Concierge and Comfort Technology
Lexus Climate Concierge which we have designed to take care of many of the climate and comfort features instead of the passengers having to go through and turn each one on or off which is what we see in most vehicles. What you will see is that based on the model this system works with things like cabin temperature, heated seats, ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Also this approach we have taken with the climate control makes for a more relaxed feel in the vehicle.
Lexus presents a range of modern tech features which include large infotainment screens, smartphone integration, wireless charging, navigation, voice control, and head up displays. We aim to introduce useful technology which at the same time doesn’t overdo the screen presence in the car. This balance Lexus has achieved preserves the comfort focused character of the brand but at the same time we give our customers what they expect from a premium modern vehicle in terms of connectivity and convenience.
Cabin Technology and Ease of Use
Technology in the luxury car space has grown to be a very large element which Lexus has been very much a part of through the introduction of their advanced infotainment and connectivity systems. What we see in terms of models and years the features range from touch screen displays, digital instrument panels, phone integration, nav systems, voice commands, wireless charging and more in the connected features. Also these systems which are designed for the daily driver put at your disposal entertainment, navigation, communication and vehicle info at the tip of your fingers.
Lexus luxury isn’t in the quantity of screens you put in. It’s about what tech you put in and how it fits with the rest of the cabin. In a great luxury interior you should be able to access what you need info wise without it distracting you. When tech works well with comfortable seats, quiet operation, and well thought out controls it becomes an element of the total luxury experience not the star of the show.
Lexus vs. Rival Luxury Brands
Lexus goes head to head with the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi which each have their own take on luxury. German brands tend to put great stock in digital tech, sporty design, and layout that is very much driver oriented. At Lexus we see a different approach which is more about quietness, comfort, craftsmanship and that relaxed driving experience. These differences really play out over the course of a long drive which you may not notice in a short showroom visit.
Neither is one approach automatically better. buyers which go for sporty or very digital features may go for a German luxury brand, but at the same time which value comfortable seats, a quiet ride, top notch materials, and a tranquil ambience may go in for Lexus. What is best is based on the use case. a person who does a few long commutes weekly may see more of what Lexus has to offer in terms of a comfortable experience as opposed to a buyer which is mostly into performance oriented interiors.
What Buyers Should Look For
When buying a Lexus what you should do is compare trims as interior features may be very different from one model to another. Look into aspects like how the seats feel, quality of the upholstery, sound system, navigation and entertainment technology, air conditioning, rear seat space, types of materials used in construction of car’s interior and luxury packages that are available. Also see what the factory included with regards to options like Mark Levinson audio, heated/ventilated seats, head up display, or top shelf climate systems which ones are standard and which are an add on for that particular car you are looking at.
A test drive is very important as luxury is very personal. Buyers should put in the time to be inside the vehicle which includes evaluation of the seats, controls, cabin noise, technology, visibility, and overall comfort. What may look best on paper does not always translate to the best in real life. Getting in the car and taking it out for a long spin brings to light issues that photos or online specs may not show.
Conclusion
Lexus’ interior luxury goes beyond the brand image. We have comfortable seating, top quality materials, expert craftsmanship, advanced noise proofing, premium Mark Levinson audio, climate control technology, and the latest infotainment. While each feature stands out on its own, it is their synergy which gives the interior that unique character.
Lexus sets itself apart from the competition in that they put great focus on relaxation and everyday comfort. May not have the most glamorous designs in the game, but what they do have are interiors that play up to a quiet, smooth ride which in turn is very enjoyable. For those of us that prefer long term durability, luxurious without being over the top, quality materials, and a quiet cabin, that is where they excel.
