QUIET SUCCESSION

The first Lexus meets one the latest. Do things really remain the same the more they change?

- Kurt Morris

Perfectionism is woven into the fabric of Japanese culture. From the meticulous artistry of geisha to the world–renowned quality of their automobiles, a relentless pursuit of excellence defines the Japanese spirit. This dedication extends far beyond the realm of traditional arts. Japanese whiskeys now rival their Scottish counterparts, while a pizzeria in Tokyo has been crowned one of the best on the globe.

This meticulous approach is perfectly captured in the documentary ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi,’ which delves into the life of a legendary sushi chef whose unwavering commitment to his craft is nothing short of awe–inspiring. Japan’s obsession with precision extends to the realm of technology as well. Their camera brands, like Canon and Nikon, are synonymous with cutting–edge innovation, and their reputation for mechanical reliability is unmatched. Every stunning image you see in a magazine, every technological marvel in your pocket, most likely owes a debt to Japanese ingenuity. It’s within this context of relentless pursuit of excellence that we explore the latest offerings from Lexus, a brand that embodies the Japanese spirit of perfection.

Toyota’s unwavering pursuit of perfection led to the birth of Lexus, a brand conceived as the ideal luxury export for the United States. However, Lexus didn’t settle for a gentle climb to the top. They set their sights on dethroning the reigning champion – the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Fueled by a staggering near–billion–dollar investment in research and development, Lexus boldly challenged the established German luxury giants. Today, we have a unique opportunity to experience both ends of the Lexus spectrum. We’ll be taking a close look at the Lexus LS 400, a nearly 30–year–old flagship sedan that’s weathered the Indian roads since 1995. This automotive veteran will stand toe–to–toe with its modern–day hybrid counterpart, the Lexus ES 300h.