Latest news with #LexusLC500
Forbes
18-04-2025
- Forbes
These Fine Hotels Offer Guests A Fine Vehicle With Their Stay
Many upscale hotels, seeking to lure travelers fond of cruising, stepping out or joyriding, are increasingly offering fine sets of wheels to guests booking certain packages. Some are seasonal cars, some are offered for a limited time only to coincide with a promotion or event, and some are yours year-round. Here are some notable properties, and the wheels they offer. The stately, one-of-a-kind Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs offers a 2025 electric Cadillac Lyric to guests. The only problem is you really aren't going to want to go anywhere once your bags are set down. You walk outside and take deep, satisfying breaths beside a placid lake, witness a swan or two dipping a beak here and there, and behold the always-majestic mountains. But should you wish to experience the lovely backroads of Colorado Springs, the Cadillac is there for you. The Broadmoor Josh Max Dogs are welcome whether purebred or mutt, mastiff or Chihuahua. The fare is first-rate, particularly the high-end Ristorante Del Lago and the lower-key Natural Epicurean. The property itself is comprised of a series of solid, hallowed dwellings originally put up in 1918 and aimed at heads of state, celebrities, professional sports stars and businesspeople, or all of them at once - there are 779 rooms, after all. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica has been a coastal icon since 1921, originally the private estate of a wealthy heiress before becoming a luxury hotel. They've now partnered with Lucid, offering a Lucid Air as the official house car for adventure-seeking guests. Guests can embark on adventures beyond the hotel grounds up to 3 miles from the oceanfront hotel, ranging from a day trip to the idyllic beaches of Malibu, strolls & carnival rides along the Santa Monica Pier or shopping on the famed Montana Avenue. Lucid at the Fairmont Josh Max The hotel itself is tucked right up against the Pacific and its flavor is 'unfussy class.' Stroll around and behold the sprawling gardens, luxurious poolside accommodations, spectacular ocean views and the fresh sea air and let the stress drain from your soul. As the only beachside hotel with bungalows, the Fairmont Miramar gets its share of celebs, politicians and notable figures, too, enjoying the property's Lobby Lounge & Library, FIG Restaurant, and Soko. Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, the Texas icon located in Uptown Dallas, partners with Lexus to offer guests a unique driving experience, Lexus Experience Amazing Drive Opportunity. Rosewood Mansion Turtle Creek Rosewood Mansion Through the partnership guests can enjoy test drives in a variety of Lexus vehicles, including the Lexus LC 500 and the Lexus 450H, while they stay at the newly renovated hotel. Additionally, the hotel offers guests complimentary Lexus sedan service within a five-mile radius of the property so one can experience the surrounding area like a local, ya'll. Both of these experiences are based on availability and can be booked with the guest services team prior to arrival or during the stay. Provence, France is widely known for its fairytale kingdom-like land consisting of colorful fields of lavender, rolling vineyards, and historic stone architecture. While walking, hiking and cycling are popular, there are other unique ways to discover the the rural landscape and heritage of Provence. Hotel Crillon Le Brave, a Maisons Pariente property, is the ultimate hideaway for travelers to stay with, providing a 'home away from home' in true Provencal style. Crillon Le Brave Crillon The concierge at the hotel can assist in arranging and a vintage car outing to relive the charm of times gone by in the country via old and classic vehicles. Guests can have their pick between a Mehari, Mini Moke, Fiat 500, 2CV, Triumph or Mustang. After a day of exploring Provence, guests can enjoy the hotel's dramatic spa set in a former 18th century vaulted stone sable, meal celebrating local cuisine in one of the two gourmet restaurants, private tastings in the hotel's private cellar, or catching up on some reading in the tranquil garden. They also offer a selection of electric and pedal bicycles. Rosewood Miramar Beach, Southern California's most luxurious oceanfront retreat, offers three masterfully crafted and custom-designed 'Jollys' that turn outings into nearby Montecito into pure delight. Rosewood Jolly Antoine Pancakes With vibrant pink, turquoise, and yellow exteriors, open-air sides, polished wicker seats and sporty striped canopy roofs, the 'Jollys' were built with obvious affection and exquisite care as a tribute to the Capri taxis and the rare Fiat 600. These (chauffeured!) cars come with thoughtful and indulgent touches like a picnic basket ready to be filled with wine, champagne, and hors d'oeuvres, plus Bluetooth connectivity for music. Available not just for daily use, the whimsical fleet also enhances special events like weddings and off-site picnics. The property also hosts some A-list celebs here and there. Aspen is a snowlover's paradise with its mountains, majestic gorges and winding roads, but in summer and fall, too, you'll be drawn to their outdoor activities, arts and culture and celeb sightings. At the Limelight hotel, guests are offered the use of an Audi Q7 and Q8 e-tron. Limelight Aspen Limelight The arrangement is simple – you show up, check in, reserve the Audi when it suits you, sign a liability waiver and off you go, to destinations in or out of town, as long it takes two hours or less. Recommended: the glorious, scenic route of Hwy 82 with its panoramic views of mountains and wildlife. Otherwise, Independence Pass is a 'can't miss.'
Khaleej Times
21-03-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Auto Review: The LC500 was created to prove that Lexus' wild side can't be tamed
George Kuruvilla S pawned from the stunning 2012 LF-LC concept and built on the light, stiff 'GA-L' rear-drive platform, the Lexus LC500 was created to prove that Lexus' wild side, as seen in the LFA supercar, wasn't a one-time affair. We got behind the wheel of the Japanese luxury automaker's flagship sports car to shed light on how it performs in the real world. DESIGN & AESTHETICS Ever imagined an alien craft for the road or the personal transport of a sci-fi hero? That's the vibe the Lexus LC evokes. It has an imposing presence, measuring 4,770 mm—about the size of a mid-size sedan. The spearhead-motif bodywork, emerging from the signature spindle grille, appears pulled back by the wind even when standing still. The multi-contoured fuselage rises towards the rear, featuring triangulated 3D tail lamps with adjacent chrome trims. Flush door handles enhance the seamless surface, while oversized 21-inch forged aluminium wheels make it look like a concept car brought to life. It's so sleek that its 0.33 drag coefficient is surprising — this thing looks like it could slice through anything. And thanks to its rarity, it makes other sports cars look mainstream. The Lexus LC500 has that something special! The LC500 boasts a unique, intricately styled interior with echoes of the LFA supercar. Its futuristic theme feels less post-apocalyptic and more like something from the high point of an advanced future civilisation — sophisticated and clean. For the driver, there's a sporty, leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, aluminium pedals, and a short stick lever for the transmission. It also features a Head-Up Display. A standout detail is the physical bezel around the digital instrument dial, which moves when you switch drive modes, adding a tactile, almost magical charm — though the green warning light slightly spoil the aesthetics. The hazard button is easy to access, and the drive mode selector is conveniently placed on a short stalk on the instrument binnacle. Despite its age, it remains technologically abreast with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen — now an industry-standard size. The cabin maintains a premium feel, thanks to soft leather-upholstered seats, Alcantara, and high-quality plastics. The damped buttons also add an extra touch of luxury. Design cues, like the sculpted metal door handle that feels like a piece of art and the distinctive divider separating the driver's side from the passenger's, keep things unique. While rear seats are present, they're as tight as an ill-fitting corset — but at least they come with ISOFIX points for child seats. POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE As svelte and sophisticated as it looks, the LC500 packs a big, burly naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8. It delivers 478 metric horsepower and 540 Nm of torque to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. While the intention is 'grand touring', the LC's engine loves to rev high and is far more refined than sloppy American V8s. From a standstill, it hits 100kmph in just under five seconds with some drama, and every time the needle sweeps past 5,000 rpm, the engine delivers an extra kick. The V8's glorious noise alone is reason enough to own one—you want all your senses engaged, after all. Magnesium paddles are on hand when auto mode feels too tame, responding in just a split second — they're quick. Despite its 2,870mm wheelbase, the chassis is playful, adding character to its drive. If it falls away from the racing line, you can tuck it back in with subtle throttle adjustments — without fearing for your life. And if things get too blurry, the large, ventilated discs are ready to reel you back to safety. For city driving, the ride is comfortable and the cabin keeps you isolated from the noise of the traffic-stricken roads. It returned a fuel economy of 13.8L/100km — not bad for a car that's built for the autobahn. FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY The trunk is small, as expected in a car like this, and finding the button to open it isn't easy. Inside, there are two separated cup holders for convenience. The LC500 has a strong air-conditioning system with good cooling and airflow, complemented by effective seat ventilation. It also includes a remote engine starter for those sunny days ahead. The 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system is outstanding, as we've experienced in other Lexus models. While the infotainment graphics are decent, the system can be temperamental at times. Music playback, however, is seamless, and it supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, the centre cubby is small but has a sliding cover and includes both USB-C and USB-A ports. Voice control is surprisingly good and is said to get smarter with time. Furthermore, the 360-degree camera view activates automatically when navigating tight corners, helping prevent scrapes. VERDICT The Lexus LC500 isn't brand new or overrun with tech, but a fresh perspective reveals its charm. It stands apart, almost unaware that it's here to compete. What it is, is a rare and beautifully-styled grand tourer, blending cues from spaceships and sports cars. The interior is futuristic yet clean and sophisticated, with unique details that keep your curiosity piqued. And finally, the kicker is that old-school-yet-refined 5.0-litre V8 that delivers power on demand and a symphony of sounds, which is complemented by a playful chassis. Lexus also ensures long-lasting reliability. Sure, the infotainment isn't flawless, the rear seats are cramped, and it's not for everybody. But then again, would you rather be somebody or 'everybody'?
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2 New Luxury Cars That Most Likely Aren't Worth the Expensive Upkeep
Luxury cars are, by virtue of being what they are, expensive. The average luxury car price hovers at about $75,000, but you can easily find ones that go for six figures. And when you tack on taxes, maintenance, repairs, depreciation rates, and possible financing charges, you're looking at potentially spending thousands or tens of thousands more than the sticker price. Trending Now: Check Out: 4 Low-Risk Ways To Build Your Savings in 2025 But worth is very subjective. For some, the concept of spending more than $20,000 on a car seems overkill. For others, spending $100,000 is perfectly acceptable — even with the potentially expensive upkeep. Still, if you're thinking about buying a luxury car this year and want to know which ones might not be worth the upkeep, and which are, here are some options. According to Joe Giranda, a car expert and director of sales and marketing at CFR Classic, the Maserati Grecale might not be worth the cost. This luxury SUV costs about $75,000, but can feel 'underwhelming for the cost.' 'While it carries the prestigious Maserati badge, its interior quality and tech features don't measure up to competitors like the Porsche Macan,' he said. 'For a similar price, you can get more refined craftsmanship and technology elsewhere.' Maseratis are also notoriously expensive to maintain. According to ConsumerAffairs, they cost an average of $1,600 a year in preventive maintenance alone. The typical vehicle costs closer to $650 in both maintenance and repairs. Read Next: The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is luxurious with a futuristic design. It's even got a solid electric range of about 305 miles. It also costs around $105,000 at base. According to Giranda, this vehicle doesn't quite measure up to its competitors in terms of price or quality of the interior materials. 'At this price, there are other luxury EVs that deliver better value,' he said. While this particular electric SUV hasn't been out long, Mercedes-Benz tends to have high upkeep costs. In the first decade of service alone, some models cost about $14,175. This is higher than similar luxury brands by nearly $1,100. While the Maserati Grecale and the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV might not be worth the expensive upkeep, the following vehicles might be, according to Giranda: Genesis GV80: 'Genesis has built a reputation for blending luxury with practicality, making it an excellent choice,' he said. This particular SUV has the advanced tech, sleek design and high-quality materials you'd expect in such a vehicle — but the starting price is only about $57,000. That's lower than you'd get with other luxury SUV brands. Lexus LC 500: The Lexus LC 500 has a starting price of about $99,000, making it one of the more expensive options on this list. That said, Giranda pointed out that it has a stunning design and offers a luxe driving experience. Lexus is also known to be a reliable brand, meaning less frequent trips to the auto shop. When it comes to any vehicle, luxury or otherwise, one person's experience will very likely differ from the next. You could end up with a Maserati Grecale, for example, and find it's worth the upkeep and associated costs. Or you might purchase a Lexus LC 500 and find that it isn't. It's ultimately about what you're looking for, what you're willing to deal with, and your financial situation. That said, here are some tips to making shopping for a luxury car a bit easier: Do your research. Before making the investment, compare different luxury cars to see what's available, the various price points and which ones have what you need. Set a price point and a budget. No matter how tempting that upgrade might be, try to stick to a budget you're happy with. Make sure your budget also accounts for any other upfront and ongoing expenses so you don't end up in a sticky spot. Test drive some cars. Online research is one thing, but nothing beats a good test drive. After you've created a shortlist of vehicles, take the time to test drive them. Compare dealerships. Don't go with the first dealership you find that sells the car you want — unless it's truly the perfect fit. Compare several places, look for any current incentives or promotions, and narrow down your list until you find the right one for you. More From GOBankingRates 4 Subtly Genius Moves All Wealthy People Make With Their Money 4 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money That Actually Work This article originally appeared on 2 New Luxury Cars That Most Likely Aren't Worth the Expensive Upkeep Sign in to access your portfolio
