Page 33 - Motor Trend (April 2020)
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We wish the BMW i8 followed in the i3’s
path with recycled textiles, open-pore
wood, and hemp cloth. As it sits, the
i8’s cabin looks pretty boring.
BMW i8
We find no fault with the Polestar 1’s
interior design or quality, but it doesn’t
feel like it’s worth $150,000; you can get
almost the same cabin on a $50,000 S90.
Polestar 1
On the face of it, the LC 500h, Lexus’ online editor Stefan Ogbac said. “I’d its design. One of two traditional hybrids
flagship hybrid, has a lot to offer. For even argue that it deserves to be a pricier here, the Lexus uses a Hybrid Synergy
starters, its classic long-hood, short-deck, car.” Featuring a beautiful mix of colors, Drive–derived system that works like
rear-drive coupe profile is absolutely textures, and materials—and ignoring this: Power from the corporate 3.5-liter
stunning. Even in our tester’s dull Atomic its dumpster fire (but finally CarPlay- V-6 gets combined with that of two
Silver, the LC’s taut, sweeping sheetmetal friendly) infotainment system—the LC electric motors in an e-CVT. It then flows
is arguably one of the prettiest designs to 500h is the clear bargain of this quartet at through a four-speed automatic, with
come out of Japan in the past decade. its as-tested price of $100,605. the whole thing supposedly programmed
The cabin is even better. “Holy cow, Unfortunately, the LC 500h’s power- to provide the feel of 10 traditional
does it punch above its weight,” associate train isn’t as thoughtfully integrated as gear ratios. A little 1-kW-hr lithium-ion
battery pack mounted between the rear
seats and trunk backs up the system. Total
output is 354 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of
torque, and combined EPA fuel economy
is 30 mpg.
The Lexus is at its best when you don’t
ask much of it. When slicing through
traffic around town or on the highway,
the LC’s dance between engine and motor
and through all that complex gearing is
relatively unobtrusive. The car feels quick
and nimble, with light, natural steering
and relaxed ride quality. Sadly, “EV mode”
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