British Motor Show - Pictures & Review

[Centurion]

So it was time for BIMS this week and as you can guess the anticipation was huge with me counting down for the show. The show is bigger than what you think. I arrived there at 08:30 and left 17:00-ish but still feel like I need to go back because there's so much more I didn't have time to explore properly. On wednesday is actually when the show kicks off for the public but I have a press pass so obviously I attended the press day which took place today. Sadly the majority of my pictures turned out to be crap, plus the battery died before my memory card was even full. So I'll be going over there on thursday to snap some new shots.



Mercedes Maybach 62
As one of the longest cars at the show, the Maybach 62 was one golden stone to behold. What stunned me first was the length of the rear doors which are about as long as my work desk. Opening it reveals an enormously generous rear cabin offering more leg room than you would ever need. I mean, I'm a guy who often say there's no such thing as too much, well the Maybach 62 changed my motto. The space in the rear was just ridiculous but I guess it's there so that you can recline the seats some much that you can take a nap, kind of like in the first class on board a Singapore airline flight.

Described as vulgar by a man who accompanied me in the rear, the interior combination was horrific. There's too many chrome details and the gray colour scheme didn't go well at all with the colour of the wood. Worse is the lack of aura because the entire car feels like it's been put together using spare parts from Mercedes' part bins. Interior quality is superb but the car lacks personality.. Nonetheless it is a cool car that sucks you into the world of the rich and it really felt like I was in a dream world when I played around in the back. I was close to picking my phone up to give Warren Buffert a phone call, that's the feelings the car evokes.

I had a seat in a Maybach 57s which is a much more attractive car with adequate legroom in the rear.

 

[Centurion]

Lotus Evora
As you might already know the car was unviled today, baptised and even given a name. Don't like the name at all, sound like something you'd call a female hobbit. Speaking of hobbits they are the only species that can fit in the backseats........that is if they have detachable legs. I'm can't believe Lotus are marketing it as a 2+2 when it's clearly less spacious than the 911 and Ferrari California. No body over the age of 18 will fit behind behind the driver's seat. The car is merely a Elise with a slighter longer wheelbase and a fancy knew package. The stand was surrounded by press people so I didn't bother getting close up with it, but will do so later this week.

 

[Centurion]

Lexus





As a messenger of the arch rival Mercedes, my arms were still open ready to hug Lexus since I've had a good experiences driving the IS.

Out of the all exhibitors Lexus unquestionably had the best staff. All of they were joyful, inviting and very enthusiastic about their jobs. Most importantly their brands were packed with knowledge about the car.

My first encounter was the LS in which I was ushered by a Lexus booth staff whom I bonded with instantly. Lexus didn't spare any sugar bringing in an all black LWB LS600h dressed up with white leather and dark graphite interior inlays. Not only that but the car was fully loaded packed with technology. Even a technology gizmo got dizzy from all the buttons surrounding me. I don't think there's any other car with such level of hospitality in the rear. Legroom was absolutely perfect with the possibility of reclining the seats and raising an ottoman keeping your feet levitated. The Macybach 62 is probably the only car that could rival the LS600h in rear seat comfort but the Maybach 62 happen to cost close to 4 times as much. The rear seat divider was covered in buttons and remotes controlling various feature that could either ventilate your back, massage you or kiss(kidding) you. To sum it up I was awed by the car, amazing executive sedan that Japanese diplomats probably love. Lexus has done a terrific car, it's about as good as the S-class, 7er and A8.




IS-F was there looking pretty alright although it didn't do anything for me. I don't hate it but I wouldn't buy one. One car I want to have is the LF-A which is taking ages to reach the showroom floors. The concept present at the show was breath taking. The design, details and proportions were sublime. In order to please petrol heads there was even a 500hp 5.0L V10 beside the car, but further specs about the engine weren't available. I'm looking forward to the production car which should easily put Lexus on the map as the new Luxury giant.