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Just about from the primary time I drove a Lexus LC, I fell in love with the automotive (and most of us on staff have similar feelings). And having spent per week just lately in a 2022 LC 500h variant, I am nonetheless as keen on it as ever. It’s, in some ways, a close to good grand tourer. It is bought beautiful beauty (confirmed by numerous strangers asking about it) with particulars at residence on a concept car. I am going to by no means get bored with the infinity mirror taillights. The inside does the identical with leather-based and suede over almost each floor and much more styling aptitude from the grooves within the doorways to the floating handles. And at last, it is pretty to drive. Even with the hybrid engine, it is clean and pretty swift, and the trip and dealing with are simply on the sporty facet of snug: nice to commute in, and blissful being pushed just a little bit.
It is a automotive that is so good, that I discovered myself questioning, why aren’t there extra of them? And I am not simply speaking about LCs (though the LC is so good it actually deserves to be promoting in huge numbers). Why aren’t there extra private luxurious coupes and grand tourers?
It definitely wasn’t all the time that approach. The mid- to late-Twentieth century was the heyday of the luxurious coupe. America led the best way with huge Cadillac and Lincoln hardtops with as a lot sheet steel on both finish because it had within the center. However later within the century, as extra luxurious automakers jumped in, we bought extra svelte GT-style vehicles from BMW (8 Collection), Lexus (SC), Acura (Legend) and extra. Elegant two-door luxurious was a factor. However now the variety of high-end coupes are dwindling not simply in gross sales, however in choices. Mercedes killed its S-Class coupe a couple of years in the past, and it has been ages since we have seen something of the type from Cadillac, Lincoln and others.
Okay, so I actually know why they are not a lot of a factor anymore, at the very least to an extent. Coupes simply aren’t the favored physique fashion. That crown goes to SUVs. Simply take a look at BMW’s gross sales for proof. It offered round 1,400 8 Collection fashions within the first quarter of this 12 months, and that is together with convertibles, coupes and the Gran Coupe four-door hatchback. In distinction, it offered greater than 6,400 X7s, the efficient SUV equal to the 7 and eight Collection vehicles. And I’ve little question that there is extra occurring than the will for the large, truck-like form. There’s additionally the practicality of getting an SUV.
What I am getting at is that, a luxurious coupe looks as if a way more luxurious and particular machine for the cash than a type of high-end SUVs and even flagship sedans. And whereas I would not count on it to overhaul or change these different segments, the coupe class looks as if it needs to be a extra well-liked one with extra choices.
The primary huge facet is solely the appears to be like. The LC is the chief, right here, with every thing we have already talked about, however others are noteworthy, too. The 8 Collection coupe has a extra conventional form, however nonetheless is low, lengthy and glossy in a approach BMWs with extra doorways strive exhausting to emulate, however do not fairly match. The sadly discontinued S-Class coupe was much less sporty trying, however that was in step with its character, which was extra about consolation and refinement. It is clear curves and tall, stately form communicated this fantastically, and with extra character than the sedate sedan on which it was based mostly. Whereas all of those vehicles took barely totally different paths for the luxurious coupe form, all of them are or had been extra putting than something with extra doorways. And why would not you need one thing stunning and attention-grabbing while you’re spending six figures on a automotive? There’s something to be stated for not having one thing obnoxious, which could possibly be stated of some supercars, however these are trendy with out shouting about it.
The subsequent facet that is so fantastic about these coupes is that it is all about you as the motive force, be it your enjoyable and/or consolation. You are not paying for something that is not for you. And is not that what a luxury car is all about? Except you’ve a chauffeur, why would you like a long-wheelbase sedan or huge SUV to easily drive to work, the golf course or, um, artwork gallery opening? Should you’re shopping for a luxurious automotive, it needs to be about pampering your self, not different folks. Do your youngsters want 2 ft of legroom and reclining, massaging, temperature-controlled seats? Or are you actually that involved about that one time each six months you drive mates to dinner?
Even when the reply is “sure!” there’s a simple resolution that is in all probability already been taken care of: personal one other automotive that is extra sensible. Should you can afford a six-figure luxurious automotive, you possibly can certainly afford to have one thing extra sensible within the storage, too. It would not should be one other flagship if cash is “tight.” You possibly can have a BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Volvo XC90 or some other of the various luxurious SUVs available on the market. And because you’re simply utilizing it for occasions while you want the house, does it matter if it is not absolutely the pinnacle of luxurious, somewhat extra a penultimate luxurious automotive? And as for carrying stuff, you may not even actually need to put some issues in top-tier SUV. Should you’re doing a little yard work, you is likely to be happier having one thing barely much less fancy for filling with mulch or instruments. Or have you ever thought of a luxurious pickup, like a Sierra Denali Final or F-150 King Ranch? Perhaps you have already got one thing extra sensible that your important different drives. In that case, you positively do not want one other hauler. And if that important different additionally needs a cool coupe, nicely, wonderful. I believe we have established that you just’re in all probability ready that you might afford a number of vehicles, so three would not look like a large stretch. Heck, you might even simply lease one thing extra spacious on the odd days you want one thing.
What I am getting at is that, high-end luxurious coupes look like the perfect type of luxury vehicle. They’ll provide all of the gadgetry, consolation and refinement of their extra sensible siblings, however in a bundle that is far prettier and extra centered on you. And while you’re simply doing all your common commute or errands, why not select one thing that makes all these moments extra particular with a good looking, plush coupe? Spend the cash on the particular automotive you may drive essentially the most, and simply choose up one thing rather less extravagant for these occasions you want one thing with house. You could have the cash in spite of everything.
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