In Japan, there is a deep-rooted culture called omotenashi, used to describe what the Japanese believe to be a unique approach to hospitality, meaning to look after guests wholeheartedly. Lexus values omotenashi as a means of ensuring that their vehicles exceed expectations. The aim is to create a refined luxury interior which places customers at the center of the Lexus experience.
I was lucky enough to experience omotenashi first hand while driving the all-New Lexus LC 500 (part of Lexus’ Flagship collection) through Napa Valley for three days. Shady Oaks and world-class vineyards set the stage for the perfect driving experience. The Napa Valley roadways dip and curve along the beautiful foothills and offer gorgeous views of the vineyard and mountains, making the LC’s engine come to life. Napa Valley is the perfect place to experience the LC 500 in all its glory. I drove the LC500 in mostly Sports+ mode and loved hearing the roar from the 471 HP, V8 engine.
Now, on to the interior! Stepping into the LC 500 makes you feel like you’ve checked into a five-star luxury resort. Lexus has crafted a sophisticated cabin with obsessive attention to detail, such as hand-stitched features that are almost too beautiful to touch. Some of my favorite cabin features are the glass roof, ambient lighting, and the heated leather-trimmed steering wheel.
I can’t talk about Lexus and not touch on the safety features of LC 500. It comes with standard safety features including eight airbag system, pre-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a backup camera.
While driving this beauty, I noticed just how much it commands attention and sparks conversation with those who see it. Wherever it was parked, a cluster of bystanders gathered to admire and ask me questions about it. I drive a lot every day and sometimes dread driving, but I didn’t want to stop driving the LC 500. I can’t think of another car I’d rather take a road trip in. This is the car you want to buy to get the emotional response you would expect from your dream car. My experience with the LC 500 defined omotenashi for me, leaving me with a lingering feeling of leisure and luxury.
Visit your local Lexus Dealer to take a test drive the LC 500 or the other vehicles in their Flagship line. If you already own a Lexus, I would love to hear your thoughts and see your photos.
LC 500 FEATURES AT A GLANCE:
- 354HORSEPOWER
- 10-SPEEDMULTISTAGE TRANSMISSION
- 35HWY MPG RATING
- V8ENGINE
- 4.7-SECOND 0-TO-60 TIME
NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH 10.3-INCH SPLIT SCREEN MULTIMEDIA DISPLAY
Provides immediate, simultaneous access to audio or climate controls and various systems including Navigation. It displays the current speed limit and can automatically identify nearby gas stations if you begin to run low on fuel.
ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM
As you approach, exterior lights illuminate to help prevent you from stepping in puddles or other potential hazards. And, to welcome you inside, the interior features white LED illumination.
STANDARD ON: LC 500, LC 500h
12-SPEAKER LEXUS PREMIUM SOUND SYSTEM
This 12-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System offers an immersive surround-sound experience courtesy of optimized speaker placement throughout the cabin, including a front-center speaker and a woofer in the rear.
BACKUP CAMERA
The available backup camera uses an inconspicuous lens mounted above the license plate to enable the driver to view more objects in the vehicle’s path when driving in reverse.
STANDARD ON: LC 500, LC 500h
10-AIRBAG SYSTEM
The front passenger seat is designed to detect whether the seat is occupied by an adult or a child, or is vacant. In case the system detects a child or empty passenger seat, the system prevents the passenger’s front, side and knee airbags from being deployed. The front passenger’s airbag features two chambers, creating an indentation in the center impact area that helps to provide occupant protection in a severe frontal collision.
PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM* WITH PEDESTRIAN DETECTION
The Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection is engineered to detect vehicles in the path of your Lexus under certain conditions. Should the system detect a pedestrian or determine a frontal collision is imminent, it’s designed to automatically prepare Brake Assist* for increased brake force and is even designed to automatically begin braking before impact.
STANDARD ON: LC 500, LC 500h
HEATED LEATHER-TRIMMED STEERING WHEEL
Combining exquisite craftsmanship with exceptional comfort, the interior features a leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel trimmed in hand-selected leather. For added indulgence, the steering wheel also includes a heating element that covers the entire diameter of the leather-trimmed steering wheel, warming the driver’s hands regardless of their placement. The system also continually monitors and adjusts the heating level to maintain a set temperature.
THE FIRST-EVER LEXUS MULTISTAGE HYBRID (LC 500h Model )
Experience the breakthrough that recasts the entire concept of hybrid performance. Beyond efficient, the LC 500h is our most responsive, fastest and highest-performance hybrid yet. This is innovation you can feel.
LEXUS FLAGSHIP EXPERIENCE IN NAPA VALLEY
Discover the finest hotels, restaurants, and wineries to re-create my tour through the Napa Valley.