Switching from a Lexus to a Tesla? “That’s unheard of”, because “Lexus is all about luxury, dynamics, comfort and a sporty driving experience”, while Tesla is “fast maybe, but crude and black inside”, we hear online. Well, we checked it out. One of our Readers, Mr Arthur, is giving up his Lexus for a Tesla Model S. We decided to ask him how he justifies his choice.
The following text comes from a Reader and has been lightly edited by the editors of the sister editorial.
Why I am switching from a Lexus to a Tesla
Generally I am a very conscious consumer and before I chose a [specific] car, I watched videos, compared specs, ranges etc. So far I have bought as new: a Lexus IS 300h in the Prestige variant (2014) and a Lexus GS 450 in the F-Sport variant (2016), in addition to which my brother-in-law bought a Lexus RC F, also in the F-Sport variant (2015). Always with top spec features.
Service at Lexus has always been OK, I get winter tyres free of charge, and I can also count on a 12 per cent discount. Except that I have a heat pump at home, recuperation, photovoltaics and a pulled power cable in the garage, so I wanted an electric as my next car. There is only a UX 300e in the Lexus range, a drama.
I have generally been happy with Lexuses, but the new range is just lame with performance. I did a test drive of the new LS – zero difference in ride to my GS. I drove the ES – performance like the IS, a misunderstanding. That’s why I reviewed the electric car segment for myself. I have the comfort that financially I can even afford a Porsche Taycan Turbo S. I wanted a sedan or liftback that would be the most technologically advanced.
I looked at the Audi e-tron, but the car didn’t appeal to me from the outside. Well, and it has inferior performance. I want a model that’s faster than the Lexus, otherwise the change wouldn’t make sense. I also considered the Porsche Taycan, I was discouraged by the smaller range. I’m counting on the Tesla to do those 400 kilometres in normal driving though. I’m moving in normal conditions, not on the track, so I need a large comfortable limousine.
That’s right:
I decided on a Tesla
I ordered a Tesla Model S. In fact, the only downside of the Tesla is the interior finish, which is where the Lexus beats it – I’ll come back to that in a moment. I opted for black paint, white interior and 21-inch wheels. In general, a light interior in a black car is the perfect combination for me, and in the Lexus they now give some browns like for a senior citizen….
I already know I won’t be picking up the car this year, so I went for a test drive. On the one hand, it was a consolation in view of the postponed pick-up dates; on the other hand, all my doubts were dispelled. The Tesla’s acceleration is fabulous, the seats very comfortable, the handling amazing. No Lexus has ever driven so sensationally!
Tesla Model S Performance, the generation before the Tesla Model S Plaid
In the GS or RC F when pressing the accelerator pedal hard (rear drive) the rear end was flying and you had to hold it so you didn’t hit something. Nothing of the sort here. Of course, in normal driving the Lexus literally floats in comparison to other cars, but the Tesla beats it. And their rubbish about the new “self-charging hybrid” – makes a mockery of the customer. They’ve always charged themselves while braking.
Today, in view of the postponed Tesla pickup date, the Lexus…. I miss a bit. I had already sold it in August, the Tesla was expected at the end of the year, but the car will not be there for now. After driving the Tesla, I think that when the electric finally reaches me, the Lexus is unlikely to be mentioned again. It was a no-compromise choice, although I admit that from Japanese cars I will miss the quality of the interior, more soft leather on the dashboard, more of that kind of luxury, even at a higher price. Such a “wow” effect when you get inside, so that it is compatible with the modernity of the car.
Well, and seat ventilation should also be the norm.
However, Tesla is all about driving, driving and more driving. I’ve tested the Model S on Ludicrous+, it dents the seat and is too aggressive for the city, but the Sport is already safe. Besides, I also like the car to flow and be quiet. I’m of the generation that doesn’t get excited by the whirr and howl of the motor. Finally, what I like about the Tesla is the cabin space. My 8-year-old daughter can’t get enough of it either 🙂
And no, I’m not a Musk devotee, for me he’s just like any other man. You have to give him credit for pushing the world forward. I appreciate him for his commitment to clean energy and his desire to conquer the Cosmos. But on the street I would sooner pay attention to a pretty blonde than to him 🙂
All photos included in the content are illustrative
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