"But let’s not forget that when shopping in this segment, performance figures are not a buyer’s first priority."

And fuel economy is? Ok...

 

7.3 sec is not bad.. but not if you're calling it an S400. (so a supposed 4.0 litre engine)

 

I thought the same thing. Then why do we have all of these S8s, S600s, 760s, etc.?

 

Europe and Asia would love this.

 

While not a rocket, I think this could definitely appeal to some buyers.

While a technical marvel and a very quiet quick and smooth large car, the LS600hL fails as an environmentally friendly machine (way too heavy and lousy fuel economy).

 

boring.

 

You drive an LS430, right?

 

so is it still going be developed with Lotus?

 

ditto

 

LS400 at the moment...its not boring at all

 

I do think that this would be a popular car in America. I've been saying for awhile that the GS450h is the car my dad wants, but he'd prefer a little less speed and a little more fuel economy. I am willing to bet that he isn't the only one that feels that way.

 

Yeah.. and the price too... ESh!!!

 

There was some conversation in earlier threads that the S400 would obtain over 30MPG on the highway but the EPA has released their ratings for the car and they are 19 city/26 highway, and 21MPG combined.

Earlier thread here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...road-test.html

Source for EPA testing: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/compx...Field=Findacar


To me, these are relatively unspectacular numbers considering the Li-Ion technology and lack of horsepower. The LS 600hL is rated at 20/22 and has far more power and the "older" Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, and AWD. The real world numbers will be interesting but it looks to me like the S550 and LS 460 can easily beat the mileage ratings of their hybrid brothers, though I am not sure if the LSh or Sh is better in real world driving.

 

That's very, very weak. I wouldn't buy one, when you could get a much quicker, 30 Grand cheaper, LS460 and only sacrafice 2 MPG.

Mercedes = Honda of Germany.

 

lexus NMH batteries won't last as long. unless you plan to get rid of the car after a few years, then it wouldn't matter