2013 Luxury Crossovers: Best Picks

When discussing 2013 luxury crossovers, the best picks offer style, utility, and fuel efficiency. It seems like crossovers recently burst on the scene but automotive manufacturers have worked to develop the concept since the 1950s. Current models boast improved performance alongside premier passenger comforts.

Crossover Definition

Since 2007, the crossover concept became a hot topic among consumers. According to Cars.Com, crossovers feature popular aspects of SUVs like storage and roomier seating, while driving dynamics similar to a traditional car. Modifying the vehicle undercarriage or the chassis and drivetrain, delivers greater internal cabin space and creates a smoother ride.

Top Picks for 2013

Here is a rundown of the top five luxury crossover picks according to U.S. News and World Report, RoadandTrack.Com and Edmunds.Com. All information is current as of February 2013.

1. 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK models feature a six-cylinder engine for true driving power. A stop / start feature allows the vehicle to conserve gas while idling. Available options include front or all-wheel drive capabilities and BlueTEC diesel engines.

Five passengers fit comfortably inside the GLK cabin. Heated seats and entertainment features make road trips an enjoyable adventure. COMAND central control system allows drivers to access radio stations and temperature settings from their steering wheel. Vehicle pricing starts at $37,090 United States dollars (USD).

2013 Mercedes GLK Dallas

2. 2013 Porsche Cayenne received rave reviews from U.S. News and World Report regarding performance and passenger comforts. Engine options include traditional six or eight-cylinder units and a diesel powered six-cylinder model. All-wheel drive comes standard.

Five-passenger leather seating swaddles occupants in extreme comfort. A 10-speaker entertainment system offers crisp surround sound. The vibrant seven-inch touch screen panel easily controls internal mechanisms. Upgrades include Bose sound systems, navigation systems and additional passenger entertainment centers. Vehicle pricing starts at $49,600 USD.

2013 Porsche Cayenne

3. 2013 Lexus RX350 like its predecessors, retains its role as the vehicle that can do it all for those who do it all. And you can’t help but feel keyed up every moment you spend with it. The most popular and well-rounded crossover wins many fans with its well-crafted chic interior, intuitive technology and supreme power with best in class fuel economy. The technology, especially, will thrill both novice and tech-savvy drivers.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides greater fuel efficiency and produces 270 horsepower using regular unleaded fuel, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with intelligent shift control. Vehicle pricing starts at approximately $39,660 USD.

RX350 Dallas

4. 2013 Volvo XC60 vehicles embody a chic, sensible vibe. A six-cylinder engine comes naturally aspirated or turbocharged for additional power. Front-wheel drive comes standard but all-wheel drive is available as a model upgrade. Reviewers gave the XC60 favorable marks for driving acceleration and strong engine performance.

The five-seat interior features high-definition radio transmission and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional upgrades include a rear passenger entertainment package and navigation system. Ample cargo space makes transporting larger items a simple task. Base models start at $33,042 USD.

2013 Volvo XC60 Dallas

The concept is not new, but crossover vehicles meet the needs of modern society. Families and single drivers alike do not want to sacrifice style for practicality.  These luxury crossover models get the job done with a little finesse along the way. Click here to see the 2013 luxury crossovers available now at Park Place Dealerships!

2013 Lexus LS: Design, Entertainment, and Interface

2013 Lexus LS 460 Dallas

Each year, as a new Lexus LS is rolled-out, there is always something that manages to rouse those who have come to love the feel and effortless overall experience the flagship Lexus model has provided since the sedan’s initial offering in 1989. With the announcement of a significantly updated 2013 Lexus LS model, Lexus enthusiasts in the DFW area are in for a big treat.

Jordan Case, president of Park Place Lexus in Plano and Grapevine, had little problem getting to the core of what he felt was in need most for Lexus’ most prime of products.

“The design for the 2013 LS is exciting,” he said. “We wanted a younger, fresher feel and style, and that’s certainly what we have here throughout the entire line of LS cars.”

2013 Lexus LS DFW

The considered contours of the car’s exterior will have those who are loyal to other luxury brands giving the new LS a second and a third look as they park next to one or pull up to its side at stop light. The body lines flow seamlessly into the striking new front spindle grill, which gives the LS a new, even more attractive face.
Those who have driven the LS sedan for years expect and deserve the elements many would term as luxuries. The LS was the world’s first prestige luxury hybrid, so it shouldn’t come as a shock to know the intelligent 438-hp Lexus Hybrid Drive comes through in an efficient and reliably smooth manner. Adding to the grand, sustainable standards the LS hybrid has set for itself; the 2013 model boasts an environmentally friendly bamboo-trimmed steering wheel and interior which functions in ways well beyond the aesthetic value it provides.

2013 Lexus LS Dallas TX Black Interior

A modern, forward-moving design, and responsibly progressive components certainly make for an enjoyable driving experience. Add to those fundamentals, the optional Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System, and this marvel of engineering isn’t only enjoyable, but downright remarkable. With 19 speakers and 450 watts of power, this concert-quality system will make Puccini more theatrical and shouting talk-show hosts far less shrill.

The better-than-most-home-stereos system only hints at the tech-savvy personality of the LS. In many cases, people help define themselves by the car they drive and the technology they use. The Lexus Enform App Suite takes wireless gadgetry to a level so new, it had to be custom-created by the folks at Lexus. Using a pristine 12.3-inch dashboard screen, one can enjoy their favorite Pandora station more easily than ever before. The same goes for many other popular apps such as OpenTable for making dining reservations for dinner in Plano, or MovieTickets.com to skip the line when you want to catch a show.

2013 Lexus LS 460 Tan Interior Dallas

With so many one-of-a-kind features, the 2013 Lexus LS has proven that luxury standards, like technology, are always adapting and improving. Read more about the new LS in our 2013 Lexus LS model guide, or visit us at Park Place Lexus in Plano and Grapevine to see the new LS for yourself.

Park Place Dealerships Recognized As Winners Of Prestigious Manufacturer Awards

At Park Place Dealerships, we pride ourselves on being Experts in Excellence. That statement extends throughout our organization, and multiple dealerships, with the lofty goal of providing an extraordinary automotive purchase and ownership experience. As a result of that goal, we are proud to announce that several of our dealerships have received awards from their respective manufacturers for maintaining the integrity and excellent client service that should be expected from a luxury automotive dealership.

Park Place Dealerships Awards

2012-BestoftheBest-Full_lg

Park Place Motorcars Dallas, Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth, and Park Place Motorcars Grapevine have received the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Best of the Best Dealership Recognition Award based on outstanding performance in 2012. This award, presented annually, goes to the top performing Mercedes-Benz dealerships for demonstrating superior performance in various areas of their business.

“These dealers are exemplary representative of the Mercedes-Benz brand: an entrepreneurial spirit fueled by a commitment to excellence and strengthened by a total focus on customer satisfaction,” said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.

porsche-premier

Park Place Porsche Dallas was once again recognized for the 17th consecutive year in 2013 through the Porsche Premier Dealership Program, which identifies the top 25 Porsche Dealers in North America. The Porsche Premier Dealer designation recognizes and rewards those Porsche Dealerships that best embrace the Porsche Business Model – achieving the highest performance among their peers in Brand utilization, product representation and the development of key Porsche business drivers; and in doing so, succeed as independent entrepreneurs who routinely exceed the expectations of their Porsche customers.

Recognition as a Porsche Premier Dealer bestows the pride and prestige of being named one of the most highly regarded Porsche dealerships in North America, ad Park Place Porsche Dallas is driven to continue our commitment to excellence that gained us this distinction.

Pride of Jaguar

Park Place Jaguar Plano has been awarded the Pride of Jaguar Retailer Excellence Award. The award is the highest honor a Jaguar dealer can receive, and is only bestowed on dealers who take the ideals of excellence and turn them into a way of doing business for every customer, every day. Earning the Pride of Jaguar requires that all areas of a Jaguar dealership’s business are focused on the customer. There are three key components to achieving Pride of Jaguar: providing an exceptional customer experience; exemplary sales satisfaction performance; and excellence in service quality.

“The Pride of Jaguar award annually honors those select dealers who exceeded expectations in customer satisfaction, sales performance, and overall business excellence. These dealers are key elements in Jaguar’s continued success,” says Andy Goss, President, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC.

Elite of Lexus

The Elite of Lexus award is reserved for those dealers who excel at everything they do. From sales and service to the overall ownership experience, these dealerships are truly in a class all their own. Lexus bestows this honor on only a very select group of dealerships, based on customer ratings and a rigorous series of operational and certification requirements. We are honored to say that Park Place Lexus Plano has earned this prestigious award 19 times and Park Place Lexus Grapevine earned it the past 11 consecutive years.

Choosing the Best New Luxury SUV: The Lexus GX

Best Luxury SUV Lexus GX

There are very few automobiles that can handle being tough and luxurious at the same time, but the Lexus GX has managed to pull this off as it has time and time again. The latest sports utility vehicle offers supreme talent in both avenues. The Lexus GX offers a smooth ride and the ability to power through a rugged trail.

The GX manages this complex ability thanks to capable hardware living beneath soft leather and polished wood. Not only are there stabilizer bars, but also an adaptive suspension for all kinds of terrain. Also, Crawl control endows the GX with additional control when heading off-road, automatically braking and throttling to create outstanding uphill and downhill performance.

For an all-purpose mover that can keep a family in tow off the main road, that is just as comfortable as a quick trip into the city, one cannot go wrong with the Lexus GX.

Housing seven passengers, the Lexus GX comes in the base and premium flavors. The standard features include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-folding third row seats, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a sunroof, heated front seats with eight way adjustment, driver memory settings, a power lumbar support, heated side mirrors, 18 inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, running boards and wipers that can sense the rain. Other features include a camera for backing up safely and an audio speaker with an auxiliary audio jack, iPod connectivity, six CD changer, satellite radio, Bluetooth phone and audio and more across nine speakers.

Best Luxury SUV Lexus GX

The premium package allows drivers to add rear air conditioning, heated second row seats, a wood trimmed heated steering wheel, automatically dimming side view mirrors, adaptive xenon lights, adaptive variable suspension and better upholstery for the leather interior. Many of these can be added as options on the base model.

Other options that a user may pick up include power folding exterior mirrors, a lane departure warning system, a navigation system, front and rear parking sensors, surround sound audio and a rear seat entertainment system. Premium options include the crawl control and more.

As far as performance goes, a 4.6-liter V8 engine introduces 329 pound-feet of torque and 301 horsepower to the Lexus GX, and it sports a six speed automatic transmission that powers all four wheels through the dual range transfer case. With the right equipment, the GX is capable of towing upwards of 6,500 pounds. Testing shows it takes 7.2 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour. The Lexus GX achieves 15 miles per gallon in the city, 20 miles per gallon on the highway, and 17 miles per gallon when combined.

The standard safety features for the Lexus GX include front passenger knee airbags, front side airbags, rear side airbags, hill start assist, hill descent control, antilock brakes and traction and stability control. Brake testing shows the GX can screech to a halt from 60 miles per hour in 127 feet.

Interior

The level of precision in the Lexus GX is top notch. While the number of features available in the model means there are quite a few buttons, the buttons are positioned in an intuitive manner, allowing for ease of use. It is easy to read the gauges and the navigation system as well.

Lexus GX interior

There are 92 cubic feet of cargo space with the lowered third-row seats, and the front row seats are very comfortable and convenient. Additionally, there is a swinging cargo door on the passenger side rather than the liftgate that is standard on other luxury SUVs, and it is easy to stow small packages with a flip up rear window.

Take a look at the outstanding 7-passenger Lexus GX at Park Place Lexus in Plano and Grapevine, or visit the Park Place Lexus website to see our current Lexus GX sales inventory.

Park Place Lexus Technology Specialists: Helping You Learn Exactly What Your New Lexus Is Capable Of

At Park Place Lexus in Plano and Grapevine, TX you will find an elite group of Lexus Technology Specialists available to help you feel comfortable with the technology included in your Lexus vehicle. As cars become more advanced, it’s perfectly natural to have questions about the plethora of new features available. That is where your Lexus Technology Specialist comes in. When you purchase a new Lexus, a Lexus Technology Specialist will be there to guide you through the new technology until you get the hang of it, but your relationship doesn’t end there. If you ever have any questions on how to use the technology in your Lexus to its greatest advantage, simply give our Lexus Technology Specialists a call, or drop by Park Place Lexus to gain hands on experience in navigating the technological marvel that is your Lexus.


To get in touch with your Lexus Technology Specialist, give us a call at 877-753-5747, and you will be routed to the Park Place Lexus Technology Center of your choice at Park Place Lexus Plano or Park Place Lexus Grapevine.

If you are looking for a quick online help to connect your smartphone with your new Lexus, or navigating the Lexus Enform App Suite, take a look  at our Lexus How-To library below!

2013 Lexus Technology: Advanced Features Available In The New Model Year

Lexus prides itself on giving its customers the best of the best. This is certainly true when it comes to technology. For instance, the 12.3-inch, split-screen multimedia display is an important attribute of the Lexus line. This useful screen is from four to seven inches bigger than most console screens. While it’s true that many car companies are offering Bluetooth, Lexus offers an enhanced system which not only allows hands free phone calling, but also allows drivers to access their mobile contacts through voice command. In addition, the Bluetooth system allows the contacts to be viewed on the Navigation system display. Lexus drivers can use the touchscreen or voice command with the Lexus full navigation system, multiple audio/stereo choices, and the Lexus Enform App suite.

 


The typical Lexus features a premium sound system. These high tech electronics come with a digital sound processor, automatic sound leveler, a six-CD changer and 10 speakers. Lexus offers iPod connectivity, iTunes tagging, HD Radio, and complimentary SiriusXM satellite radio. HD radio and SiriusXM give you access to a wide range of music, news and sports. iTunes tagging makes it easy to find a new favorite again. If you want more speakers and surround sound, you can opt for the Lexus line’s Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound Audio System. This 450-watt, 20-20,000 Hz system comes with 19 speakers and a 7.1 channel architecture. You won’t find sound like this anywhere but the most excellent concert venues. For the back seat, Lexus offers a DVD player with dual screens, wireless headphones and a wireless remote. One package offers rear seat audio controls, allowing a VIP in the back seat to control the stereo.

To help you make decisions and keep in touch, Lexus includes the Enform App Suite. This system, displayed on your multimedia screen, uses Bing for easy searching. Pre-loaded apps include Facebook Places, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, and Yelp. You also get Pandora and iHeartRadio for more music choices. Most apps can be controlled by voice via pre-installed voice-recognition software or through a compatible smartphone. In the event of a breakdown or accident, SafetyConnect, which is available with Enform, can connect you directly to help 24/7.

2013 Lexus GS Dashboard

The Navigation System includes a hard disk drive, where maps and data are stored for future use, with accommodation for up to 8 million points of interest like stores, eateries, parks, theaters and more. Display maps are easy to see on the large screen, and turn-by-turn directions get you where you want to go. The system responds to 100 voice commands, and it functions in English, Spanish or French. With the navigation system and SiriusXM, you can also get XM NavTraffic and XM NavWeather, which provide up-to-date information for any area on your route. You can also enjoy XM Sports and Stocks.

Also, Lexus technologies work to keep you comfortable. An enhanced heater can create heat faster to help cope with cold weather. A heated steering wheel, heated seats, and cooled seats are favorite options. A dual climate system, including a rear climate concierge, are also possibilities. The executive class seating package, for instance, offers a four-zone system with infrared rear passenger temperature sensor and rear overhead ducts, allowing rear-seat passengers the same comfort as the driiver. Some packages now offer cool boxes in the front or rear, making it easy to reach for a cold drink whenever you need it.

However, Luxus technology possibilities aren’t limited to the dashboard of course. There are all kinds of tech features flowing through the veins of the exceptional Lexus line. The smart key system is a multi-function remote, keyless entry and push-button start all rolled into one easy-to-use, fun-to-play-with technology.

In Lexus braking technology, Brake Assist boosts braking power, Smart Stop Assist reduces throttle, and Electronic Brake Distribution moves braking pressure to the tires that need it. Some Lexus vehicles take advantage of track proven technology by including Brembo brakes for the fastest stop outside of NASCAR. Other safety electronic features include Electronic Stability Control to balance the vehicle on tight curves or sharp turns, and Traction Control to stop skidding on slick or icy roads.

Lexus recognizes that humans don’t have eyes in the back of their heads. It also recognizes that cars invariably create blind spots. To remedy these problems, it offers some wonderful advanced technology. Parking distance sensors, back-up cameras, wide and side view cameras, and a blind spot monitor are all options to help the driver park, change lanes and even turn safely. A dual-swivel front headlight can turn with the steering wheel, allowing the driver to see what’s next on the road ahead. With all of the technology on a 2013 Lexus, it’s top of its class as usual.

See the latest advances in Lexus technology yourself by visiting Park Place Lexus in Plano and Grapevine.

Lexus Stealth Swap: Park Place Lexus Helps Customer With A Spectacular Surprise

2013 Lexus IS 250C

(This guest blog was written by one of our amazing clients at Park Place Lexus Plano, Robert Lee, who did an incredible job of providing a special Christmas surprise for his wife. It’s such a great story, that we thought you would like to read it too!)

Stealth Swap

It was one week before Christmas and I got a text message.  The text message (to paraphrase) asked if I would be interested in trading in my wife’s 2010 Lexus IS250-C with a 2013 model.  It was from a sales associate I’ve worked with before at Park Place Lexus of Plano.  While this may seem like a sales pitch, it was not.  The associate knew my wife and I were huge car enthusiasts.  No, we’re not made of infinite means and my wife’s car is in perfect working condition (it had less than 8,500 miles on it).  However, with the revised IS coming out next year and the “December to Remember” event at Lexus – he thought we could have an opportunity to get a great deal on a new car.  So a plan was hatched (BTW, this article is not about patting me on the back – more about the dedication Lexus puts into customer relations).

2013 Lexus IS 250C

I am a firm believer that life is about experiences.  In front of me was a perfect opportunity to create an everlasting memory for my wife.  The plan went like this:  I would swap out her 2010 IS250-C with a 2013 IS350-C.  I knew that besides some very minor visual cues (day time running LEDs, GPS antenna shape change, telematics system) the cars would look identical.  Stephen Wedderburn (the sales associate) searched high and low and was able to locate for me an updated version of my wife’s car.  The cars were the same in every way – color outside, inside, options, wheels.

A little white lie later, I was able to take my wife’s old car and drove it to the dealership for the swap.  Having both cars parked side by side, I replicated the cabins.  I moved all her personal belongings from old to new.  I adjusted the seats, mirrors, radio stations.  Then I had to race home so I can program the home-link garage door opener before she returned home.

So the trap was set.  She returned home and didn’t notice a single thing.  Like a predator waiting for its kill, I patiently watched as she went about her day knowing that she will use her car again in the very near future.  And then it happened, she needed to leave the house.  She got in her car and was about to start it.  After a slight pause, she hopped out of the car and ran to the rear and noticed that it was an IS350-C (i.e. NOT her car).  Needless to say, the cat was out of the bag at that time.  Struck with shock and glee, she ran to me and thanked me for the amazing surprise.

While I had hoped that she would have driven away and then noticed it, it was great to be there to see her reaction.  I later asked what gave it away.  Her response was the “new car” smell.  For a flash of a second, she thought I had taken her car and gotten it detailed.  So she glanced at the touchscreen and noticed it squeaky clean.  Then lower she went on the center console and that’s when she noticed.  Her knowledge of Lexus cars is staggering.  She noticed that the air recirculation button now has an “Auto” setting (that was an IS350-C exclusive even back in 2010).  Go figure – the car was too perfect – that’s what gave it away.

In short, it was a surprise I could not have pulled off without the aid of Stephen and the amazing staff at Park Place Lexus of Plano.  His dedication to his job is evident in everything he does.  Considering that it was the dealership’s busiest time of the year (i.e. time when he can be making more sales if he was on the showroom floor), he took the time and effort in making this happen for me.  Don’t let his youth and dashing smile mislead you, he is a professional thru and thru.  We’ve purchased our last four cars from Park Place Lexus of Plano.  We have no reason to go anywhere else.  If what you want is a great car and to be treated with respect – please go visit Stephen at Park Place Lexus.  You will not be disappointed.  Kudos to the entire staff at the dealership.  They are all second to none.

Lexus Magazine: Top Ten Coolest Lexus Features Of All Time

8. Wide-view Front and Side Monitor

Lexus Magazine recently took on the task of digging through the plethora of innovative features that Lexus has introduced over the years to rank the top ten “Coolest Lexus Features Of All Time”, and we believe they did an incredible job laying out these ground breaking features that have been found in Lexus vehicles over the years.

Here’s a list of the top ten, but you can find more information about each individual feature in the original article at the Lexus Magazine website.

Last Lexus LFA Rolls Out Of Production With The 500 Badge

Originally slated for a run of 500, the final Lexus LFA has completed production in the LFA workshop, and will be on it’s way soon to it’s new owner, proudly wearing the LFA 500 badge.

The LFA marked a major shift in direction for Lexus, but the end of production does not mean the end of innovation. 2013 has shown many brilliant updates to the Lexus model line, and you can expect them to keep coming. Take quick look at concepts like the LF-LC and the LF-CC, and anyone can see that the future of innovation in Lexus cars is going to continue at an exciting pace.

According to Lexus, “Future Lexus vehicles will reflect the technological skills gained during the development and production of the LFA—in particular manufacturing know-how for carbon fiber reinforced plastic parts—as well as a philosophy of car design for delivering exhilarating and stimulating driving performance.”

Dallas come check out the all new 2013 Lexus LS

With its dynamic handling, bold new design and superior craftsmanship, the 2013 LS flagship models hail the future of the Lexus brand as it embarks on its third decade in the premium luxury category.

2013 Lexus LS

Overview

While retaining many of the qualities that have defined Lexus for more than 20 years, the LS reaches new heights with an exciting blend of beautiful design, modern refinement and advanced technology.

The 2013 LS line-up includes the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600hL hybrid, and the first-ever LS 460 F SPORT. LS 460 and LS 460L are available in RWD and AWD. The LS Hybrid is available with a full-time AWD system.

The all-new LS 460 F SPORT combines a more aggressive exterior with a unique sport interior featuring F SPORT seats with larger bolsters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters and genuine aluminum trim. With a sport tuned air suspension that has been lowered 0.4 inches, a Torsen® limited slip rear differential (RWD model), Brembo six-piston caliper brakes, and 19” forged wheels with summer or all-season tires, the LS F SPORT promises to be the most engaging LS ever.

The entire 2013 LS lineup is refined with dynamic, fresh styling that reflects the bold new face of Lexus. The aggressive spindle grille gives the new LS a greater road presence and stronger brand identity while heralding a significant improvement in driving dynamics, responsiveness and handling.

Increased body rigidity enhances stability, and allows for a more comfortable ride. Pitch and bounce control has been enhanced by adopting new frequency dependent shock absorbers, resulting in an even flatter, road-hugging ride. Revised steering offers improvements in accuracy and turn-in response. The braking system has been adjusted for more immediate power and greater pedal feel.

Available safety enhancements include the industry’s most advanced Pre-Collision Safety (A-PCS) system with Collision Avoidance Assist. This system is designed to assist the driver in avoiding or mitigating collisions with vehicles and pedestrians under a wide range of city and highway speeds. At speeds lower than 24 miles per hour, this technology helps the LS to avoid accidents by automatically bringing the LS to a full stop.

The driver-focused interior integrates modern refinement with intuitive technology. The Advanced Illumination System (AIS), an all-LED interior lighting system, illuminates to greet the approaching occupants and then fades in sequence with the vehicle starting procedure.

2013 Lexus LS Rear
The new, available Lexus Climate Concierge offers maximum comfort for every LS occupant. The customizable system uses multiple sensors to automatically regulate not only the temperature of the cabin, but also the climate control seats and the heated steering wheel, quickly bringing each occupant to their preferred temperature.

The standard navigation system is displayed on a 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multi-media display which is large enough to support simultaneous viewing of a large map display and other vehicle functions.

A next-generation Remote Touch, with one-push confirmation, is standard on all models and enables smooth, intuitive control of many vehicle systems. The Remote Touch allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with a controller conveniently located within easy reach on the center console. A number of well-placed buttons on the steering wheel and instrument panel enable the direct control of frequently used functions (e.g. temperature setting, fan speed, preset audio stations, etc.)

Lexus Enform® with App Suite leverages the customers’ mobile phone technology to provide a new level of connectivity and information management. Users can conduct local searches through Bing™, utilize voice-enabled apps to make restaurant reservations through OpenTable®, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com, tap into internet radio, including Pandora® or iHeartRadio, search business reviews on Yelp and check in on Facebook places. A one-year trial subscription is included for the App Suite.

Cnet.com writes, “With this generation of Lexus, the automaker has managed to inject the LS with quite a bit of style and technology, which adds quite a bit to this model’s (and this brand’s) desirability.” Furthermore, Time listed the Lexus LS 460 as one of the “Top New Cars of 2013.” Check out Lexus flagship’s revolutionary, bold-defining new design at Park Place Lexus Plano or Park Place Lexus Grapevine.

Interior

This is a sampling of some of the interior features you’ll find in the 2013 Lexus LS.

2013 Lexus LS Interior
Interior colors: Colors vary based on trim. Available interior colors include Parchment Leather, Light Gray Leather, Flaxen Leather, Black Leather, Black / Saddle Tan Leather, Black with White Perforations.

Interior trim: Trim availability depends on model and options. Available trims include Dark Brown Walnut, Matte Bamboo, Shimamoku Espresso Wood, Matte Dark Brown Ash Burl, Genuine Aluminum.

Seating: Rear seats include four-zone climate control, power-adjustable outboard seats, power rear and rear-door sunshades, and wood-trimmed climate and audio controls.

Navigation system: The voice-activated Navigation System — recognizes over 100 voice commands — uses a hard drive to store maps and data. On its high-resolution 12.3-inch color display, the system can map over 8 million points of interest and display information in French and Spanish

Lexus Enform and Safety Connect: The available Lexus Enform and Safety Connect provide live, 24-hour navigation assistance that can be requested at the press of a button. With the new App Suite, you can make dinner reservations and order movie tickets from within the 2013 Lexus LS. The LS includes a one-year trial subscription of Lexus Enform App Suite with Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, Pandora, Yelp and Facebook Places.

Bluetooth: With a Bluetooth-compatible phone, you can access your address book contacts on the Navigation System display or by voice command.

Multimedia: Multimedia includes the Navigation System with a Remote Touch device, 12.3-inch multimedia center-console display with integrated backup camera and Enhanced Bluetooth technology. The sound system is a Lexus 10-speaker Premium Sound System with Digital Sound Processor, Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), HD Radio with iTunes tagging and DVD/CD player. SiriusXM Satellite Radio is available with a subscription. A 90-day trial subscription is included. The available 19-speaker 450-watt Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System rivals the finest concert halls.

Exterior

This is sampling of some of the exterior features you’ll find in the 2013 Lexus LS.

2013 Lexus LS 460
Exterior colors: These are some of the colors available as they vary based on trims. Starfire Pearl, Liquid Platinum, Nebula Gray Pearl, Obsidian, Matador Red Mica, Satin Cashmere Metallic, Fire Agate Pearl, Deep Sea Mica, Ultra White.

High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps: High and low beams use HID technology lamps, standard in Lexus LS, to help the driver with perception, clarity and contrast when driving at night.

Adaptive Front Lighting System: Adaptive Front Lighting System turns the headlights in the direction you’re steering.

Acoustic glass windshield: The windshield isn’t just a window. It also contributes to providing the quiet ride, even at highway speeds.

Wheels: The Lexus LS has 18-inch cast alloy wheels precisely offset to fit flash with the flared fenders. 19-inch allow wheels are available. The 19-inch split 10-spoke forged wheel is standard in the LF SPORT.

Spindle grill: This styling presents a more aerodynamic, functional and distinctive look for the new Lexus LS.

Safety

This is sampling of some of the safety features in the 2013 Lexus LS.

2013 Lexus LS Safety
LED Lamps: The new LS is the first Lexus to offer energy-efficient LEDs for all exterior lamps, including available headlamps, foglamps, rear combination lamps, and the puddle lamps under the side mirrors. They light up faster than conventional bulbs, making it easier for others to see your car when you hit the brakes.

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD): This computer-controlled system adapts the amount of pressure to the brakes to help enhance control during braking.

Smart Stop Technology: Smart Stop Technology automatically reduces engine power when the brake pedal is firmly applied, even if the accelerator pedal is fully pressed.

Intuitive Park Assist: For help with parking tasks like parallel parking, this uses sensors to detect surrounding objects and alert the driver of a detect object’s location and proximity.

Vehicle Stability Control: Detects sideslip of the wheels during cornering, and helps to control it using engine power modulation and selective application of individual brakes. It works with anti-lock braking and traction control to help improve driver control under certain conditions.

Brake Assist: Brake Assist senses a panic-stop scenario by analyzing how quickly and forcefully the driver hits the brake pedal. It automatically applies increased braking boost until the driver releases pedal pressure.

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: When you’re backing out of a parking spot, the available Rear Cross-Traffic Alert notifies you of approaching vehicles that might be out of camera view.

Performance

2013 Lexus LS 460. The direct-injected 4.6-liter, 386-hp ULEV II V8 engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This produces low emissions and Lexus-renowned smooth and quiet ride. The rear-wheel-drive model gets 367 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100.

2013 Lexus LS F SPORT. The direct-injected 4.6-liter, 386-hp V8 engine pairs with an eight-speed sequential-shift automatic and Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT-i). It also includes paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching for more precise shifting. The F SPORT features Brembo Front Brakes clamped down by six-piston front calipers.

2013 Lexus LS Performance
On rear-wheel drive models, the F SPORT’s torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential distributes power to the right and left wheels to help improve traction and stability in corners without interrupting power output. The rear-wheel-drive F SPORT gets 367 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100.

2013 Lexus LS 600h Hybrid. The 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine is mated to hybrid technology to generate a total of 438 hp. The hybrid transmission is an Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with two-speed reduction and Snow mode. Fuel economy is 19 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.