Tests and Features

When we set afoot in the redesigned Lexus IS compact sedan three years ago, we were generally amazed at how close the Japanese brand came to rivalling the sportiness and refinement of the segment benchmark BMW 3 Series. Especially the IS 350, which had the performance and the handling to …

As the head of a car company, particularly in the case of the crown jewel division of the family business founded two generations back, and especially when you’re a car nut like Akio Toyoda, you can’t remain idle for very long when your products are deemed bland. Oh, Lexus vehicles …

My first contact with the 2016 Lexus LX 570 was at the 2016 Montreal International Auto Show. There sat a bit hulking SUV of incredible size offering incredible luxury to its occupants while overshadowing (literally) other cars in its immediate vicinity. In fact, during my show review, this SUV was …

The ES is the elegant midsized sedan in the Lexus lineup, slotting in between the compact IS and the larger GS. When I say “elegant sedan” I mean it literally as that’s what the letters ES stand for. It’s nice that Lexus chose letters that have a minutia of meaning …

A few short years ago, Lexus products were well-made, comfortable and pretty reliable. However, their styling was bland and they were as fun behind the wheel as filing your tax return. If they wanted to reach a younger crowd and driving enthusiasts, Lexus needed to inject some personality into their …

What is going on at Lexus? The brand affectionately referred to as the “Mercedes-Benz of Japan” no longer has anything to learn from its German rivals. It’s not that Lexus was far behind in the past. In fact, the nickname was meant as a compliment. However, you can’t deny that …

BAIE-SAINT-PAUL, Quebec – You'd be hard pressed to find two vehicles more dissimilar than the Lexus IS 300 AWD and the LX 570, which has been the top dog of the utility vehicle lineup for Toyota's luxury and prestige division for 20 years. The first is a svelte compact luxury …

Yours truly is heading east this week to drive the 2016 edition of all-wheel-drive Lexus models. Which ones, exactly? No idea yet, as Lexus’ invitation doesn’t specify. For now, it’s a mystery. Actually, Toyota’s luxury and prestige brand has plenty of choices with 11 models in its current line-up that …