Some couples match their watches or colour co-ordinate their outfits. Others take it a bit further and match their cars which, surprisingly, may make good financial sense. Sticking within a car brand family means you only have to liaise with one dealership, so you could potentially negotiate a better rate for two cars rather than just one, and it’s easier to remember which side of the car the fuel tank is on. So with that in mind, we went looking for luxurious rides for him and her – or whatever pronouns you and your partner go by – we settled on the Lexus marque.
Whether you and Bae want a matching set of identical cars, the same vehicle in different colours and trim, or two cars that look similar but offer you versatility – say, a sedan for weekday commutes and a coupé for weekend jaunts – there’s a Lexus for you.
Lexus ES range
Lexus has produced six generations of medium-sized sedans but is taking a new direction with its new seventh-generation Lexus ES. The new ES, built on the all-new Lexus Global Architecture (GA-K) platform, promises to be more spacious, quieter and safer than its predecessors. Lexus says the new chassis allows for a more dynamic exterior design and even better driving performance.
The ES range includes the ES 250 petrol engine model and the ES 300h, powered by a new self-charging hybrid system. The petrol version is powered by a direct-injection 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission.
Both cars feature the iconic Lexus spindle grill, plus far bolder design than previous generations Lexus has produced. The ES 250 produces 152kW at 6600rpm and 243Nm at 4 000 to 5 000rpm, while the ES 300h combines a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol engine with a compact electric motor, with total system power of 160kW and a combined cycle fuel economy of just 4.6l/100km.
Both ES models offer three different drive modes, adaptive suspension and a host of safety features, including 10 airbags and the Pre-Crash System (PCS), capable of detecting oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.
The Lexus ES 250 EX retails at R593 300*, while the ES 300h SE model sells for R843 800*. Both are available with a seven-year/105 000km warranty and full maintenance plan.
A sleek sporty two-seater car won’t work when the bride has a big puffy dress, and trying to park a Ferrari where only a Range Rover can go is a bad idea.
The LS 500 is the flagship Lexus sedan, built for ultimate comfort offering some impressive new extras, including massage functions for driver and passengers, as well as a Mark Levinson audio system.
It’s arguably more attractive than earlier iterations too, with a sleek coupé-like shape and that spindle grill. Pick from 11 different exterior paint finishes, including a new Manganese Luster shade, Black Titanium, Sonic Agate and the new Sonic Titanium.
The LS comes with adaptable air suspension for a smooth ride, but also for ease of getting in and out of the vehicle – it raises itself by 40mm when you unlock it. It even has three pre-set rear seat positions: Business (the default), Entertain (reclines the seat to enjoy the entertainment monitor) and Relax (extends the leg ottoman).
Really, the car has every feature imaginable, from driver-aid tech to the way the seatbelt holder extends by 50mm when the front doors are opened, ready for use.
The LS also marks the first use of a 10-speed automatic transmission in a luxury sedan. The car is powered by an all-new 3.5-litre V6 engine, which produces 310kW and 600Nm of torque at 6000rpm. Despite its two-tonne bulk, the LS can do zero to 100 km/h in just five seconds, thanks to its twin turbos.
The Lexus LS 500 retails for R2 141 400* and is available with a seven-year/105 000km warranty and full maintenance plan.
The LS 500 is the flagship Lexus sedan, built for ultimate comfort.
RC F and RC F Track Edition
Arguably the sexiest Lexus siblings, the RC F and RC F Track Edition are naturally aspirated five-litre V8 coupés that deliver on looks and performance capability without compromising on comfort.
Both cars produce a maximum power of 351kW at 7100rpm and peak torque of 530Nm is delivered between 4 800rpm and 5 600rpm.
According to Lexus, the design team used extensive aerodynamic knowledge garnered from the RC F GT500 and RC F GT3 racecars to improve the exterior of the RC F models.
Despite their racy looks, the RC F cars offer all the safety features and the vast majority of comfort features of any other Lexus vehicle, including the Lexus Safety System+ suite of driving aids.
The RC F is available in a choice of six colours: White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Solar Storm Red, Poseidon Blue, Naples Yellow and Graphite Black. The Track Edition comes in a choice of four: White Nova, Sonic Titanium, Mercury Grey Metallic and Graphite Black.
The Lexus RC F retails for R1 318 300*, while the Track Edition sells for R2 098 200*. Both vehicles come standard with a seven-year/105 000km warranty and full maintenance plan.
NEED A SPECIAL CAR FOR YOUR BIG DAY?
Hiring a classic or luxury vehicle can make for fantastic wedding photos and add a special touch to your arrival. Plus, you can indulge your dreams for the day with the car of your fantasies.
We spoke to the motoring boffs over at Status Luxury Vehicles, who warn that it’s important to be practical and think your choice through. They caution that “a sleek sporty two-seater car won’t work when the bride has a big puffy dress and trying to park a Ferrari where only a Range Rover can go is a bad idea”.
Other things to consider are how many people you need to transport (will only the wedding couple need to be transported, or do you need cars for the rest of the wedding party, too?), location and duration. Often, three to four hours is all you need for car hire, which can cover getting to the wedding venue and photos after the service.
They also advise:
- Using a reputable company.
- Opting for a chauffeur for the sake of minimising stress, but also for insurance reasons.
- Negotiating for a package deal if you need more than one car.
- Asking the hire company to help decorate the vehicle. You don’t want to be held liable for scratching a car with the wrong kind of ribbon or decoration.
- Supplying the company with all the correct addresses and times when the cars are needed to avoid any confusion or costs.
- Keeping the car company informed of any and all changes
As a rough guide, expect to pay somewhere between R3 950* to hire a Mercedes C Class, and R35 000* for a Rolls Royce drop-top.
According to Lexus, the design team used extensive aerodynamic knowledge garnered from the RC F GT500 and RC F GT3 racecars to improve the exterior of the RC F models.
*Prices approximate and correct at time of going to press
Author: Tamara Oberholster
