Lexus’ full hybrid luxury sedan to hit Mideast market in January
By John Verghese

Sakhir, Bahrain: With a promise of fuel efficiency combined with power and low noise in varied driving conditions, Lexus, touted as the world’s most progressive automotive luxury brand will launch LS 600h L, the first full hybrid luxury sedan in the Middle East in January next year.

The 2010 Lexus LS 600h L, like its previous version, will be powered by the ultra-quiet Lexus Hybrid Drive system and will combine a 5.0-litre V8 gasoline engine with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drivetrain.

It is also the first time that Toyota Motor Corporation is tapping the Middle East market with the new hybrid offering after the Japanese automaker announced its new focus on investing in hybrid and eco-friendly vehicles.

“Distributors in the region have revealed a demand for hybrid vehicles and this is the reason for us venturing into this market,” Hideki Watanabe, Chief Engineer (Product Planning), Lexus Development Centre told Gulf Times during the ‘Taste of Lexus’ test drive event held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir recently.

“Despite the current market conditions, our company feels that we have a strong potential for growth in the region. The uniqueness of the hybrid vehicle is the amazing fuel efficiency it offers along with power, reduced emissions and low noise,” he said.

The vehicle provides an opportunity for a fuel-efficient drive with gasoline-electric hybrid technology and lesser smog-producing emissions.

The Hybrid Energy Monitor located within the instrument panel gives the driver the ability to monitor the energy flow of the hybrid system and charge status of the battery in real time.

Through the combination of a gasoline engine with two high output electric motors and the all-wheel drive electronically controlled variable transmission (ECVT), the Lexus Hybrid Drive provides low-speed torque delivery for excellent acceleration as well as high-gear efficiency.

At speeds below 40km/h, the car runs solely on batteries in the Eco or EV (electric power) drive mode, and on acceleration the engine acts a generator to charge the hybrid battery. Due to the low noise at low speeds in the EV mode, the vehicle is expected to prove useful in driving through residential areas as well as in negotiating the high traffic density roads in the cities of the Middle East.

Lexus LS 600h L, which is expected to provide a mileage of 100km for 9.2 litres of gasoline, also compares favourably than some of its competitors.

The 2010 Lexus LS 600h L is distinguished by a revised front grille, wider front and rear bumper and rear styling has also been enhanced over the previous version.

Optitron meters with Thin Film Transistor multi-information display, redesigned foglamps, an enhanced L-finesse look for the tail lights and two-tone leather interiors have also been added to go along with the regular features of Lexus models like the pre-crash safety system, traction control system, anti-lock brake system, parking assist monitor system, bluetooth connectivity, rear seat relaxation system as well as the front and rear seat automatic climate control.

Though a decision on the price for the Middle East market has not been taken, the discerning buyer who is looking to combine environment friendliness with quiet driving pleasure, definitely has a good choice in the current Lexus offering.