Ex-Lexic

What difference can I expect in the handling, ride, and all round driving comfort between the LS460 and the LS600hybrid? The former is SWB, smaller tires; the later is LWB and larger tires. Different power. Thanks for your inputs.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I imagine the LS600hL to be ultra quiet, torque-y, and alarmingly fast. Considering the bigger engine, Lexus should add bigger brakes, but the suspension will most likely be the same, keeping it posh and cushy, so no difference in driver comfort beyond engine noise. I don't expect much difference in handling either.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

seems like it's the same brakes though from the pics. but the 600hl will have awd, i think the handling would actually bet better, especially it has larger wheels and lower profile tires. even though it's longer but i think those can make up the difference

though i am not sure about the weight distribution since that's going to be one extra engine in the front compared to the ls460.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I forgot about the AWD! That will definately affect handling. Thanks for the reminder.

Rockville

and AWD with a center differential which is not based on the RX400h type AWD. It should fly to 60 MPH under the 5 second barrier so that should outperform the LS460 by about a half a second. It will be heavier so that means more inertia and mass to sling around the turns so I think the LS460 would be more agile unless they use an active stabilizer like the GS450h which handles the best of all Lexus at the moment. The electric motors in a hybrid will add resistance when slowing down so brake wear is reduced which lessens the load on the friction pads but it would be a heavier car so larger brake surface area would be expected. There will probably be a $30,000 difference in the price of these two versions of the LS.The LS460 will have the bulk of production so availability will be better also.

Rock