Elite Traveler July-August 2018

Lexus’s LC500 makes a major splash during a Black Panther car chase in the streets of Busan, South Korea. To collaborate with the filmmakers, Lexus donated six early hand-built prototypes nearly two years ago, an unusual move for the typically conservative company

INSPIRE TOP CARS

Lexus LC 500 BEST CONCEPT CAR TURNED PRODUCTION VEHICLE Lexus is swinging for the luxury fences. A concept car/production vehicle, the LC 500 is a series of contradictions. Pricing begins in the high five figures, certainly enough to turn heads, but Lexus is aiming for the six-figure consumer, having tested opposite AstonMartin’s DB11. The deep rumble that belches from the exhaust is unlike anything successfully Lexus-branded — ever — and that’s a good thing. Choosing natural aspiration means big-engine business, but it’s a bit of a head-scratcher too, considering that Lexus also released a V6 hybrid version with 117 less horsepower and multistage transmission that costs nearly $5,000 more than the V8. The Nagoya, Japan–headquartered brand executes bells and whistles extraordinarily well: from the flush door handles to the windshield wiper de-icer and infinity-mirror taillights, this could be the making of a standout. Although absolutely in the realm of a daily driver, exotic yet manageable, the LC’s trunk is petite and the back seats aren’t for anyone over the age of six. Its massive spindle grille is the focal point, leading the eye up the long, low and fat hood, through the tucked midsection and out the flared, angular backside. There’s an unmistakable curiosity, a pull that urges passersby to give the LC a double take. Price from $92,000 Engine 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 Power 471 hp

Mercedes-Maybach S650 BEST SEATS

Intentionally settling in for a drive, behind the wheel or not, is a particular pleasure. The Mercedes-Maybach S650 ensures its passengers experience maximum comfort via seats so carefully constructed that the perforations in the leather never overlap with the stitching. The Stuttgart-based company is taking de rigueur climate control, audio and massage options a step further with “energizing comfort control,” a list of settings that rival most spas in terms of services. Ambient lighting, music, even fragrance can all be adjusted while you sink into the 12-way power front seats. Moving to the rear of the automobile, the “executive rear seats” are also heated and ventilated, and have power reclining and numerous massage settings. Rear calf rests and folding tables are optional, in addition to the diamond-quilted, button-tufted nappa or semi-aniline leather. Naturally, each seat comes with a matching throw pillow. A bonus is the semi-autonomous driving technology, which includes mapping data, sensors and cameras working together to forecast the car’s route. It’s miles ahead of its competitors, so it’s advisable to really burrow into those seats. Price from $198,700 Engine 6.0-liter AMG biturbo V12 Power 621 hp

No conventional light bulbs here! Roughly 300 LED lights illuminate the entire cabin, including the storage

areas, footwells and instrument displays

Photo Mercedes-Benz