Can you fold an origami cat? If so, impressive, but can you fold it using only your non-dominant hand within 90 seconds? A Lexus Takumi Master can.
Takumi means artisan in Japanese, and in the Lexus world, it’s a philosophy that speaks to the subtlety of the human touch and its connection to world-class design. It also refers to the master craftspeople who must demonstrate a high degree of technical expertise, adroit dexterity, and otherworldly senses to design and build Lexus vehicles. For example, they are capable of detecting a fleck of dust or a strand of hair on a body panel using just their hands during an inspection.
It takes over 25 years to become a Lexus Takumi Master, meaning the industry-leading fit and finish of every high-end Lexus model is quite literally in their hands.
Lexus recognizes there are Takumi in every sector, so to celebrate mastery and craft, Lexus Canada recently hosted a Takumi Keiken (Takumi Experience) event at Evergreen Brickworks in Toronto. Fifty talented guests who are leaders in their professional spaces were invited to experience an evening of Takumi excellence that included a backdrop of high-end Lexus vehicles to discover. Guests were also treated to innovative cocktails, canapés, and a graceful Japanese calligraphy performance (called shodo) by Kisyuu while a masterful team of elite Taiko drummers energized the environment and audience.
Of course, exquisite food was served. A splendid Japanese Kaiseki six-course dinner was prepared by Executive Head Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa from the Michelin Star restaurant Aburi Hana in Toronto. Each course delighted palates and represented true culinary art. The courses were also paired with fine sakes that elevated the dining experience.
Lexus’s strengths lie in their commitment to quality, reliability, thoughtful design, exemplary customer experience, and humble luxury, which is why it remains a beloved brand among many Chinese Canadians who value these attributes when it comes to vehicle ownership. Their commitment to building vehicles with an artisan spirit represents a true pursuit of perfection and a different way of standing out from other luxury vehicle brands. That they would spend time and resources to celebrate talented Canadians demonstrates their appreciation for those who strive for excellence everyday as they do designing and building their vehicles.
Some examples of Lexus Takumi craftsmanship:
- Visually striking pleated door panels available on the flagship LS500 sedan that require a delicate, precise folding technique similar to that of origami.
- The leather on the LC500 sports car’s transmission shifter knob is hand-stitched in a unique way so that the threads are concealed for a cleaner look and softer feel.
- Expert hand stitching on the dashboards and seats of high-end models.
2024 LEXUS TX500h – Takumi-inspired engineering
The Lexus TX500h with the F-Sport Performance 3 Package is Lexus’s newest three-row mid-size crossover, and was engineered with a Takumi spirit.
With excellent third row seating, a class leader in cargo space, and sporting a rugged yet dignified look, the TX500h is as versatile as it is good-looking, complemented with sprinkles of sporty exterior touches like big black 22-inch wheels, gloss black mirror covers, roof rails and door pillars that make it stand out more.
As a hybrid, a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine plus two electric motors (one at each axle) produce a net 366 horsepower. It provides adequate power, but not as much as European competitors like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS, though it rewards owners with excellent fuel efficiency. We averaged 8.3L per 100km with 70% highway driving, and the vehicle handled quite well thanks to an adaptive variable suspension, responsive steering, and a more advanced rear suspension design exclusive to the TX500h. Four-wheel steering is also standard, which contributes to its athleticism and excellent turning radius so you can easily park the vehicle and execute U-turns easily when needed. A standard rear back-up camera washer also helps make winter driving easier.
Inside, a large 14-inch touchscreen houses the controls for numerous high-tech features like its advanced 360-degree camera system, and new safety features like Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection and Right/Left Turn Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, both even providing braking support if needed.
Second row passengers get heated and ventilated 4-way captain’s chairs, window sunshades, and full climate controls.
Third row seating was excellent with good headroom, USB-C ports, storage compartments, overhead vents, overhead LED lighting, and power reclining seatbacks. Ingress and egress were easy, but take note that the TX500h comes only in a 6-passenger configuration. To get a 7-passenger TX similarly equipped to the TX500h (but with 91 less horsepower), choose the TX350 Executive.
Lexus TX500h, $93,500 as-tested
