As I get into this “Champagne Pearl” Lexus, I immediately notice its catchy, soft lines, accentuated with just the right amount of chrome. It’s curvy, graceful, and elegant. Once inside, I take note that the cabin is highlighted with a subtle touch of stylish wood and leather.
Jaunting along, I enjoy a perfect moment in time, completed by the stereo’s lyrical accompaniment. The sun filters through the moon roof and radiates off the light interior. The car’s gold exterior glistens and gleams in the sun. I feel as though I have been outfitted with sparkly gold-plated armor for the day, which will have me emerge victorious in whatever mommy-battle I may face … that is, until my 1-year-old hurls his sippy cup clear across the car into the front passenger seat. Apparently, he has taken note of his mother’s brief indulgence in pure delight. I am jolted back to the “here and now.”
Let’s get right down to function. The back-up camera is a mommy’s dream. As a typical frazzled mom, I have had only near misses with the recycling bin when backing out of the driveway. With this camera, I don’t have to play the weekly guessing game of, “Just where exactly did the garbage men leave the bin?” Furthermore, and more importantly, I can verify with my own eyes if a little tyke has set up shop or left his “toolbox” behind my vehicle, especially critical since my 4-year-old likes repairing everything from toilets to automobiles.
I can also make great use of the compass in the rearview mirror. My inattentiveness to directions is commonplace (I blame it on the kids), and this guide prevents me from ending up at the state line. Glimpsing at the compass while playing my preschooler’s new favorite game of, “what direction are we driving?” I notice a little surprise: an overhead compartment for sunglasses. How stellar!
My fingers are put to task with the following steering wheel buttons: Audio Control (channel seek, volume), Bluetooth Phone Connect/Disconnect, and Voice Recognition. The voice recognition allows me to operate yet another critical setting, the climate control. All hands-free operations are a big plus in my book as I am forever tempted to blindly fish around my diaper bag for items such as wipes, cheese sticks, toys and sippy cups.
Thankfully, the park assist guide enables me to parallel-park swiftly in a tight spot, without having to wave down a passerby for help. As I get close to the car behind me, the computer screen flashes a series of lines, which refer to the distance until impact.
The keyless entry feature wins my seal of approval. Since the car recognizes my remote, I am able to open the door by pulling the handle, while successfully balancing the baby, diaper bag, water bottle, keys, mail, pacifier, etc. Later, while locking the car, I juggle everything from above plus the trash that’s accumulated and multiplied while driving. I push the black button on the handle as I close the door. Simple, logical, no hassle … you bet!
The trunk is my least favorite aspect of the Lexus GS 300. While running errands, I think up every excuse not to pull my stroller out of the itsy-bitsy trunk opening. I opt to carry my 1-year-old around, while I pick up a few (a.k.a. way more than a few) things. Out of desperation, I revert back to the use of my Baby Bjorn. I also decide that the much needed power-walk, to work off last night’s cheese/chocolate fondue smorgasbord can wait a few more days until after I return the car – all to avoid the much-dreaded trunk visit. I could desperately use some protective gear, as it is a battle that leaves me scraped, scratched and stained. Yuck! On a more positive note, an umbrella stroller family would be just fine.
I am sorry to see the Lexus GS 300AWD leave so soon, although I must confess, I am looking forward to stroller outings and power-walks again. Also, even though, I am able to snuggly fit 2 boosters and 1 car seat in the back, things do get a bit cramped with “bambinos.” My last thoughts on the subject: Quintessential Chic Femme Mobile? Definitely. Cosmopolitan? Most certainly!
*For more information on the Lexus GS 300 and its safety features visit Cars.com.
LET’S TALK NUMBERS LATCH Connectors: 2 Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Puny
SENSE AND STYLE Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times
