DetN's Burgess: Lexus Drivers Are America's Worst

“While I have no statistical data to support my theory that Lexus drivers collectively exhibit the worst roadside manners in the U.S.,” The Detroit News‘ Scott Burgess writes, “I have plenty of anecdotal evidence: The Lexus driver on her cell phone in California who nearly ran me off the road in Westwood. The South Florida Lexus driver on his cell phone using the emergency lane to bypass traffic. Other Lexus drivers cutting me off, tailgating me or the never even seeing me. Somehow, Lexus can take a nice guy and transform him into Mad Max.” Whoa! Lexus? Mad Max?

Would it happen to me, I wondered, as I prepared to test the 2009 GS 450h. This vehicle had the double potential to make me believe the roads come with a “Scott only” lane. First, there was the L on the trunk, and, second, there was blue around the L, meaning this sedan is a hybrid. This would allow me to cut off a Chrysler minivan and then feel contempt for the owner in that he-just-doesn’t-know-any-better way.

Sorry; I’m not feeling this at all. I’ve driven Lexus’ hybrid mothership and not once did I feel like an imperious son of bitch. You want imperious? Drive an S63 AMG. Or a Bentley Arnage. Or, for that matter, a Dodge Challenger SRT8—which floated Burgess’ boat but good. To wit:

I pushed the start button again and everything switched off. Ugh, this is a hybrid, I reminded myself; the engine doesn’t always rumble awake when you hop into it (it can propel itself by silent electric power).

Ugh? I like the aural sex of a snorty V8 more than the other guy. But c’mon, Scott. Lexus introduced the no-idle gas-electric RX 400 four years ago. Not to mention the Prius’ 2001 debut. God forbid.

Needless to say, Mr. B proceeds to take his usual shot at The Sierra Club (not a Euro Ford fan group, BTW), grudgingly admits that the 2009 GS 450h is a superb, not to say Japanese, automobile (handsome, fast, smooth, comfortable, well-equipped, well-built and fun) and closes with more cheap shots for the cheap seats.

Every brand carries a certain attitude. Chevy means one thing while Lamborghini means something different. That’s half the fun of testing these machines.

While I initially thought it was the drivers who were tarnishing the Lexus brand, I realized that it’s Lexus that creates these self-important drivers.

Of course they don’t pay attention to traffic rules—the Lexus makes you oblivious to them—70 mph or 90 mph, it all feels the same. The insanely quiet ride means you don’t hear the rumble strips as the tires roll across.

There’s nothing wrong with a car spoiling the driver. I only wish they’d think about using their turn signals from time to time. They work just fine.