Courtesy of Lexus
Sustainability does not have to come at the cost of luxury and quality
In the 80s, avid American television fans knew who Alexis Carrington was. Played by Joan Collins, she was the opulent and enigmatic woman at the center of Dynasty, a primetime soap opera that ran throughout the decade. The name that saw an endless discussion on her antics on the show was almost what could’ve been the namesake for a luxury car.
From over 200 prospective names suggested by New York-based imaging firm Lippincott & Margulies, Alexis became the frontrunner of Toyota’s premium flagship. It was, however, the close association with the television show’s anti-hero that the company decided to go in a different direction.
With just a few changes in its spelling, its origin name was morphed into Lexus, a cognomen eventually chosen by the Japanese industrial company to represent luxury and high-end technology.
Since its launch in 1989, Eiji Toyoda’s brainchild has become a well-recognized figure in the world with its debut sedan, the Lexus LS 400h. It was the first-mass produced luxury city cruiser of Lexus that boasted aerodynamics and speed. Its dabble on upscale automotive technology birthed its evolution into hybrid cars, a venture that they have successfully made a name in the last 15 years.
High breed theory
When Lexus started developing more car variants in the 90s, it didn’t take long for the luxury automobile company to become known for its focus on the environment. In 2005, Lexus released the RX 400h, the world’s first hybrid luxury car. It was a game-changer for serious eco-consciousness, popular enough that it helped push other automakers in their segment to produce their own.
This year, with an effort to reduce its carbon footprint further, Lexus has expanded its hybrid models by introducing the ES lineup, offering new options for those who want more comfort, convenience, and embody a sustainable lifestyle.
With three variants, the saloon boasts a semi-aniline leather interior and an open-pore walnut trim backrest, ensuring you’ll have a luxurious ride on your hands. It’s also heated, ventilated, and designed to provide even more support for long drives out of the city.
The ES drives like a true Lexus: responsive and confident on the road, but not overly sporty or stiff. The steering is precise, but not overly weighted. The ES is comfortable enough for long trips but agile enough for everyday driving around town.
Designed with an eco-friendly ethos, the fourth-generation Self-Charging Hybrid Technology operates approximately 50 percent of the time in EV mode on a mixed course. The result? A gleaming ride with incredible performance capabilities that could also help lessen fuel consumption and emissions.
With options like hybrid cars, electric vehicles, and biofuel systems, accessibility to car options that lessen your carbon footprint has been made easier than ever before.
But what does it mean to live more sustainably? For Lexus, it’s about reducing the impact you have on the environment through all aspects of your life—from your home to your car to how you get around town.
To learn more about luxury hybrid cars, visit the Lexus website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
