LS 600hL Official Review Thread (all reviews inside)
11-10-07, 05:28 PM
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11-13-07, 02:34 AM
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11-13-07, 08:00 AM
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11-15-07, 05:44 PM
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11-24-07, 05:47 AM
#35
Lexus Test Driver
Billionaire gives 'thumbs up' to new Lexus luxury hybrid
VANCOUVER -- "I'd rather drive a car than do anything I know."
So says Jimmy Pattison, and after spending an hour cruising Vancouver's North Shore with Canada's fourth-richest man, that's very apparent. One also discovers Pattison likes to drive fast. Very fast.
Once the colourful self-made billionaire figured out how to operate the keyless ignition and push-button emergency brake on the 2008 Lexus LS600h L -- and put his seat belt on "old school" style, with the shoulder belt behind him -- he instinctively piloted the massive executive sedan for a highway off-ramp and a place to wind out the new Lexus flagship.
Within just seconds of turning onto the highway, Pattison had the hybrid luxury car sniffing 160 km/h on an empty section of the TransCanada Highway. With his well-manicured hands firmly gripping the wood and leather-trimmed wheel, he effortlessly and confidently settled into taking the Lexus through its paces.
"Boy, this is some car," the natural-born salesman commented a number of times during the highway run, typically when he'd mat it.
"For the size of this car, it really goes."
He was even more impressed by the groundbreaking LS600h when reminded it is a hybrid.
"Boy, that's something."
That auto instinct that has served the Prairie boy so well during a remarkable six decades in the car business continues to be his guiding force, as the all-new 2008 Lexus LS600h L is indeed really something. Considering a base price of $132,000, it should be.
Essentially a hybrid all-wheel drive version of the Japanese luxury carmaker's flagship LS460 L sedan, thanks to the leading edge Lexus Hybrid System, the LS600h boasts V-12-like power with V-6-like fuel consumption and emissions. The all-new 5.0-litre V-8 gasoline engine works in concert with high-output electric motors and a newly designed large capacity battery pack to produce a wheel-spinning 438 horsepower.
However, even with Pattison's soft leather loafer coaxing the fly-by-wire throttle pedal ever lower, the all-wheel drive system kept that muscular power under refined control. The all-new dual stage electronically continuously variable transmission, or ECVT, also helped Pattison control the big beast in the corners. With the flip of a centre console switch, the drive train can be placed in one of three driving settings as driving conditions warrant -- optimized, maximum performance and maximum control (for snow and ice).
Just as the underpinnings and chassis on the new Lexus flagship are state-of-the-art, so too is the interior, featuring all the 21st century creature comforts a CEO would expect in their golf club ride (though on that note, the trunk space isn't what you'd expect from such a big car, as the battery system takes up a large amount of space under and behind the rear seats. Best to leave the clubs in storage with the pro shop).
Standard features include: 16-way adjustable powered driver's seat; 12-way adjustable powered front passenger's seat; power assist doors; an automatic powered opening and closing trunk; wallet-sized smart card key and push button start; a hard-disc based navigation system with voice recognition; power rear window sunshade and rear side window auto sunshades; a clearance and back-up sensor and back-up camera; accessory power outlets and LED map lamps; and four-zone independent front and rear climate control with air purification, soft-touch heater controls, and rear seat heater ducts.
Not very many options are available; however, one that is reflects the refinement and elegance typical of the Lexus LS600h L. Called the Executive Package, the $26,700 option is in essence a rear passenger seat. But what a seat.
With a push of a button on the wood grain rear centre console, the front passenger seat folds tightly into the front dash; push another button and the rear right seat turns into a full-on chaise lounge, complete with ottoman seat cushion (with its own airbag, incidentally), a shiatsu massage setting that works eight points of the weary executive's body and a high-end DVD entertainment system.
So why wasn't Pattison stretched out in the back watching a Sinatra flick and getting his body worked over shiatsu-style while the reporter drove?
"When I'm in a car, I like to be doing the driving," the 79-year-old replies.
That's not to say the world's 230th richest person doesn't appreciate the finer things available in automobiles.
"I had a '73 Caddy with a TV and fridge in it," he recalls. "I saw it at the Chicago Auto Show back then and bought it off GM after the show."
Much has changed in the car business since the 19-year-old Jimmy Pattison flipped cars to UBC classmates only to drop out of university to work full-time as a salesman for a Vancouver dealership.
"I went up and down Kingsway, which was where all the dealerships were back then, for two weeks looking for a job as a car salesman but was told I was too short and too young. GM told me I had to be six feet to work in the sales department. They offered me a job in the parts department but I wanted to sell."
Of course, sell is what he did, and in 1961, at age 31, he opened his first dealership, a Chrysler store.
What hasn't changed in the business, he says, are the things a successful car salesperson requires.
"Number one, put in the hours. Hard work.
"Number two, be honest.
"Number three, you want to find out what they need, and that's not necessarily what they want when they first walk on the lot. You gotta dig down."
Today, the Jim Pattison Auto Group is B.C.'s largest automotive retailer representing nine brands in 19 locations. These include Toyota-Lexus, Volvo, Hyundai, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Suzuki and Cars Unlimited.
His passion for driving hasn't cooled one bit, even for a man who today owns a big luxury boat and a small fleet of jets.
"I'd take driving over flying any day," he says matter-of-factly, adding,
"If I have a business meeting in Calgary, there's times I'll jump in my car at home in West van at 8 at night and drive all night to get there."
So says Jimmy Pattison, and after spending an hour cruising Vancouver's North Shore with Canada's fourth-richest man, that's very apparent. One also discovers Pattison likes to drive fast. Very fast.
Once the colourful self-made billionaire figured out how to operate the keyless ignition and push-button emergency brake on the 2008 Lexus LS600h L -- and put his seat belt on "old school" style, with the shoulder belt behind him -- he instinctively piloted the massive executive sedan for a highway off-ramp and a place to wind out the new Lexus flagship.
Within just seconds of turning onto the highway, Pattison had the hybrid luxury car sniffing 160 km/h on an empty section of the TransCanada Highway. With his well-manicured hands firmly gripping the wood and leather-trimmed wheel, he effortlessly and confidently settled into taking the Lexus through its paces.
"Boy, this is some car," the natural-born salesman commented a number of times during the highway run, typically when he'd mat it.
"For the size of this car, it really goes."
He was even more impressed by the groundbreaking LS600h when reminded it is a hybrid.
"Boy, that's something."
That auto instinct that has served the Prairie boy so well during a remarkable six decades in the car business continues to be his guiding force, as the all-new 2008 Lexus LS600h L is indeed really something. Considering a base price of $132,000, it should be.
Essentially a hybrid all-wheel drive version of the Japanese luxury carmaker's flagship LS460 L sedan, thanks to the leading edge Lexus Hybrid System, the LS600h boasts V-12-like power with V-6-like fuel consumption and emissions. The all-new 5.0-litre V-8 gasoline engine works in concert with high-output electric motors and a newly designed large capacity battery pack to produce a wheel-spinning 438 horsepower.
However, even with Pattison's soft leather loafer coaxing the fly-by-wire throttle pedal ever lower, the all-wheel drive system kept that muscular power under refined control. The all-new dual stage electronically continuously variable transmission, or ECVT, also helped Pattison control the big beast in the corners. With the flip of a centre console switch, the drive train can be placed in one of three driving settings as driving conditions warrant -- optimized, maximum performance and maximum control (for snow and ice).
Just as the underpinnings and chassis on the new Lexus flagship are state-of-the-art, so too is the interior, featuring all the 21st century creature comforts a CEO would expect in their golf club ride (though on that note, the trunk space isn't what you'd expect from such a big car, as the battery system takes up a large amount of space under and behind the rear seats. Best to leave the clubs in storage with the pro shop).
Standard features include: 16-way adjustable powered driver's seat; 12-way adjustable powered front passenger's seat; power assist doors; an automatic powered opening and closing trunk; wallet-sized smart card key and push button start; a hard-disc based navigation system with voice recognition; power rear window sunshade and rear side window auto sunshades; a clearance and back-up sensor and back-up camera; accessory power outlets and LED map lamps; and four-zone independent front and rear climate control with air purification, soft-touch heater controls, and rear seat heater ducts.
Not very many options are available; however, one that is reflects the refinement and elegance typical of the Lexus LS600h L. Called the Executive Package, the $26,700 option is in essence a rear passenger seat. But what a seat.
With a push of a button on the wood grain rear centre console, the front passenger seat folds tightly into the front dash; push another button and the rear right seat turns into a full-on chaise lounge, complete with ottoman seat cushion (with its own airbag, incidentally), a shiatsu massage setting that works eight points of the weary executive's body and a high-end DVD entertainment system.
So why wasn't Pattison stretched out in the back watching a Sinatra flick and getting his body worked over shiatsu-style while the reporter drove?
"When I'm in a car, I like to be doing the driving," the 79-year-old replies.
That's not to say the world's 230th richest person doesn't appreciate the finer things available in automobiles.
"I had a '73 Caddy with a TV and fridge in it," he recalls. "I saw it at the Chicago Auto Show back then and bought it off GM after the show."
Much has changed in the car business since the 19-year-old Jimmy Pattison flipped cars to UBC classmates only to drop out of university to work full-time as a salesman for a Vancouver dealership.
"I went up and down Kingsway, which was where all the dealerships were back then, for two weeks looking for a job as a car salesman but was told I was too short and too young. GM told me I had to be six feet to work in the sales department. They offered me a job in the parts department but I wanted to sell."
Of course, sell is what he did, and in 1961, at age 31, he opened his first dealership, a Chrysler store.
What hasn't changed in the business, he says, are the things a successful car salesperson requires.
"Number one, put in the hours. Hard work.
"Number two, be honest.
"Number three, you want to find out what they need, and that's not necessarily what they want when they first walk on the lot. You gotta dig down."
Today, the Jim Pattison Auto Group is B.C.'s largest automotive retailer representing nine brands in 19 locations. These include Toyota-Lexus, Volvo, Hyundai, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Suzuki and Cars Unlimited.
His passion for driving hasn't cooled one bit, even for a man who today owns a big luxury boat and a small fleet of jets.
"I'd take driving over flying any day," he says matter-of-factly, adding,
"If I have a business meeting in Calgary, there's times I'll jump in my car at home in West van at 8 at night and drive all night to get there."
12-18-07, 11:16 AM
#36
Driver School Candidate
Just had a chance to drive the LS600HL....!
Ohhh now thats a CAR! base is $114K the one I had a chance to drive was $125K. What was very impressive was the Shiatsu massage chair in the back!
nice different logo
full controls in the back seat
Shiatsu controller
Don't tell the dealership.....
Ohhh now thats a CAR! base is $114K the one I had a chance to drive was $125K. What was very impressive was the Shiatsu massage chair in the back!
nice different logo
full controls in the back seat
Shiatsu controller
Don't tell the dealership.....
02-07-08, 07:10 PM
#38
The Lexus LS 600h L has nothing to envy to the Mercedes S-Class. In fact, the new flagship from Toyota's premium division can even have the better of it!
In most cases, the LS 600h L will serve as an "executive car" for renowned politicians, company presidents and other larger-than-life individuals. These VIPs will sit in a supremely spacious environment that's even more comfortable than their own private jet. Tucked in a heated/air-conditioned rear seat with ottoman, they will be able to recline the seatback, rest their feet and enjoy a shiatsu massage... provided that the car is equipped with the Premium Executive Package, of course.
Full Article
In most cases, the LS 600h L will serve as an "executive car" for renowned politicians, company presidents and other larger-than-life individuals. These VIPs will sit in a supremely spacious environment that's even more comfortable than their own private jet. Tucked in a heated/air-conditioned rear seat with ottoman, they will be able to recline the seatback, rest their feet and enjoy a shiatsu massage... provided that the car is equipped with the Premium Executive Package, of course.
Full Article
06-25-08, 05:16 AM
#39
Left Lane News
Review: Lexus LS600h L
The Lexus LS600h L offers the the performance, luxury, and technology typical of the Lexus line-up, coupled with true hybrid power for the first time in a luxury sedan. Now if we could just figure out how to enjoy the satisfaction of the driving experience and the elegant comfort of the huge back seats at the same time!
For those who have the $118,000 sticker price, this automobile delivers every advantage Lexus has come to represent, and breaks new ground with the Toyota-developed hybrid system, that produces 438 horsepower in this sedan while still offering 21 miles-per-gallon in combined driving.
What is It?
The flagship LS600h L is the quintessential luxury car. Lexus starts with the luxury, ride quality, and quiet cabin for which Lexus has become recognized, and then adds high-efficiency hybrid power, a spacious luxury rear cabin (It’s only available as the long wheelbase L model), and every high-tech feature available on any production car, including ultra-advanced collision protection and the (in our view, superfluous) Lexus park-by-itself capability.
What’s It Up Against?
In the luxury sedan class, considering price and power, the LS600h L has some worthy adversaries in the Audi S8, BMW Alpina B7 or 760Li, and Mercedes S63; The competitors may be preferred for enthusiastic driving performance, but none excels in comfort and styling, or comes within five mpg of matching the Lexus hybrid’s mileage.
Any Big Breakthroughs?
Lexus solves the problem of providing good acceleration and top speed in a heavy long-wheelbase luxury sedan without sacrificing fuel efficiency by using a “full-hybrid system.” This Toyota-developed system supplements a five-liter 389 horsepower V8 gasoline engine with a 221 horsepower driving/regenerative braking electric motor, working through the continuously variable transmission, to produce a combined 438 horsepower.
The result is power that can move the 5000-pound vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and from 50 to 70 in 3.5 seconds while maintaining fuel economy of 20 mpg city and 22 highway. A second electric motor works as a starter and generator.
Our press vehicle also came equipped with the $12,000 Premium Package II option, which included the Lexus Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) and the Advanced Parking Guidance System. We hope Lexus will allow buyers to opt for the first but decline the second part of the package.
The new APCS has two cameras in front to detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path, and intelligent radar-enhanced cruise control to manage cruising speed and slow the car.
In addition, the APCS includes the breakthrough Driver Monitor System, which uses a camera mounted on the steeing column to monitor the driver’s face. If the system determines that the driver is not looking ahead when an obstacle is detected in the vehicle’s path, the system successively triggers a sound and light warning, then begins to gently apply the brakes and reprograms the steering ratio to increase steering response, retracts the front seat belts, and increases brake system force.
The Premium II package also included the Lexus Advanced Parking System, which has gotten buckets of printing ink since its introduction, but frankly, if the car could be purchased without this option, we’d do it.
Our experience echoed that of other journalists: lining up the template on the parking place is difficult with the available controls (maybe a true joystick would make this easier), parking requires a longer parking space than offered in most urban settings, and we don’t parallel park enough anymore to justify mastering the system, much less paying extra for it.
How Does It Look?
The LS600 is quite a handsome car — probably one of the better exteriors in the automaker’s lineup — with skillful use of subtle feature lines extending back from the grille and from the headlamps to minimize the bulk of the car.
Headlamps are simple, echoing the shape of the signature Lexus grille, with neat triple projector beams providing primary lighting. The only other chrome highlights on the front are the foglights tucked into the lower splitter and air intake openings.
Lexus engineers have eschewed the temptations of added chrome trim, or LED lights in favor of understated styling. in proof that form does follow function, the smooth lines of the car produce a drag coefficient of only 0.27, lower than many supercars and obviously a contributing element in fuel efficiency.
Rear-end styling is very similar to BMW’s current sedans, though proving that if the BMW stylists had just rounded off the feature lines, they would have had a more attractive car. We liked the trapezoidal brushed aluminum frames around the exhaust openings, expressing the car’s power without suggesting street-tuning gaucheness.
Our test car was painted in “Verdigris Mica” which we found exceptionally pleasing, transitting from a medium gray in bright sunlight to a rich olive-green in indirect light.
And Inside?
If the exterior was handsome and stylish, the interior was even better. The verdigris-green body color was nicely complemented by light beige soft trim and grey hard trim, with only the lightest hints of chrome accents. The wood finish could have been just a bit less red, but this was a small issue.
Placement of the controls did contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the interior styling, but we can’t say the placement and usage is entirely intuitive. It would take a new owner a few weeks before the myriad switches and ***** made sense.
The spaciousness of the rear cabin was truly impressive, though rear headroom wouldn’t be adequate for anyone much over six feet. The extent of the controls available to backseat passengers, including a full set of HVAC, audio and window screen controls, as well as a remote for the video screen that folded down from the roof, suggested that this model had its genesis as a car designed for chauffeur-driven home market executives, before being upgraded for sale to chauffeur-less overseas buyers.
The one drawback in all this multi-purpose luxury was the diminutive trunk. Because the space between the trunk and rear seat is taken up by the nickle-metal-hydride batteries of the hybrid system, the trunk holds less than 12 cubic feet of luggage. As a result, the luggage required for a long trip by anyone weathy enough to own this car is going to have to go on the floor in that extra space between the front and rear seats.
But Does It Go?
This was the most pleasant, though perhaps least involving car we’ve had the pleasure of driving over the past year. It simply did everything right from insulating us from exterior noise, cushioning us from any pavement imperfections, and cornering smoothly and evenly without ever causing any passenger consternation. Maybe that’s not what an enthusiast driver is looking for, but is exactly what would be preferred by someone carrying on a serious business conversation, or just wanting a bit of relaxation after a hard day at the hedge fund.
The acceleration capability of those combined 486 horses hidden under the modesty panels in the engine compartment was more than enough to put us wherever we wanted to be in traffic, but it was more fun to try keeping the needle on the fuel efficiency dial in the “econ” and “charging” range.
The full hybrid system works exactly as promised: when trapped in a back-up behind an accident on one of the San Jose freeways, we were able to drive for nearly five miles at stop-and-go speeds up to 30 mph using just the electric motor.
Why You Would Buy It
When you want nothing but the very best in luxury motoring based on cutting-edge technology, the Lexus is justifiably a great value, even at its elevated price. The best-in-class mileage, with that little “Hybrid” badge on the rocker panel to prove it, is a great trade-off for the bragging rights once reserved for owners of V12-engined luxury sedans.
Why You Wouldn’t
Most of the luxury in the LS600h L can be found in cars selling for up to $40,000 less, which will buy a lot of gasoline, even at today’s prices. And unless you’ve got very important clients to drive around (preferably ones without much luggage) you really aren’t ever going to take full advantage of that back-seat space.
Price as Tested
$117, 119 including MSRP of $104,000, plus $12,000 for Premium Package II including parking guidance system, heated and cooled power-adjustable sliding reclinable rear seats, and advanced pre-collision system wth dynamic radar cruise control, pedestrian detection system, and driver attention monitor, and $354 for premium floor and trunk mats, plus $765 delivery and prep.
Words and Photos by Gary and Genie Anderson.
The Lexus LS600h L offers the the performance, luxury, and technology typical of the Lexus line-up, coupled with true hybrid power for the first time in a luxury sedan. Now if we could just figure out how to enjoy the satisfaction of the driving experience and the elegant comfort of the huge back seats at the same time!
For those who have the $118,000 sticker price, this automobile delivers every advantage Lexus has come to represent, and breaks new ground with the Toyota-developed hybrid system, that produces 438 horsepower in this sedan while still offering 21 miles-per-gallon in combined driving.
What is It?
The flagship LS600h L is the quintessential luxury car. Lexus starts with the luxury, ride quality, and quiet cabin for which Lexus has become recognized, and then adds high-efficiency hybrid power, a spacious luxury rear cabin (It’s only available as the long wheelbase L model), and every high-tech feature available on any production car, including ultra-advanced collision protection and the (in our view, superfluous) Lexus park-by-itself capability.
What’s It Up Against?
In the luxury sedan class, considering price and power, the LS600h L has some worthy adversaries in the Audi S8, BMW Alpina B7 or 760Li, and Mercedes S63; The competitors may be preferred for enthusiastic driving performance, but none excels in comfort and styling, or comes within five mpg of matching the Lexus hybrid’s mileage.
Any Big Breakthroughs?
Lexus solves the problem of providing good acceleration and top speed in a heavy long-wheelbase luxury sedan without sacrificing fuel efficiency by using a “full-hybrid system.” This Toyota-developed system supplements a five-liter 389 horsepower V8 gasoline engine with a 221 horsepower driving/regenerative braking electric motor, working through the continuously variable transmission, to produce a combined 438 horsepower.
The result is power that can move the 5000-pound vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, and from 50 to 70 in 3.5 seconds while maintaining fuel economy of 20 mpg city and 22 highway. A second electric motor works as a starter and generator.
Our press vehicle also came equipped with the $12,000 Premium Package II option, which included the Lexus Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) and the Advanced Parking Guidance System. We hope Lexus will allow buyers to opt for the first but decline the second part of the package.
The new APCS has two cameras in front to detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path, and intelligent radar-enhanced cruise control to manage cruising speed and slow the car.
In addition, the APCS includes the breakthrough Driver Monitor System, which uses a camera mounted on the steeing column to monitor the driver’s face. If the system determines that the driver is not looking ahead when an obstacle is detected in the vehicle’s path, the system successively triggers a sound and light warning, then begins to gently apply the brakes and reprograms the steering ratio to increase steering response, retracts the front seat belts, and increases brake system force.
The Premium II package also included the Lexus Advanced Parking System, which has gotten buckets of printing ink since its introduction, but frankly, if the car could be purchased without this option, we’d do it.
Our experience echoed that of other journalists: lining up the template on the parking place is difficult with the available controls (maybe a true joystick would make this easier), parking requires a longer parking space than offered in most urban settings, and we don’t parallel park enough anymore to justify mastering the system, much less paying extra for it.
How Does It Look?
The LS600 is quite a handsome car — probably one of the better exteriors in the automaker’s lineup — with skillful use of subtle feature lines extending back from the grille and from the headlamps to minimize the bulk of the car.
Headlamps are simple, echoing the shape of the signature Lexus grille, with neat triple projector beams providing primary lighting. The only other chrome highlights on the front are the foglights tucked into the lower splitter and air intake openings.
Lexus engineers have eschewed the temptations of added chrome trim, or LED lights in favor of understated styling. in proof that form does follow function, the smooth lines of the car produce a drag coefficient of only 0.27, lower than many supercars and obviously a contributing element in fuel efficiency.
Rear-end styling is very similar to BMW’s current sedans, though proving that if the BMW stylists had just rounded off the feature lines, they would have had a more attractive car. We liked the trapezoidal brushed aluminum frames around the exhaust openings, expressing the car’s power without suggesting street-tuning gaucheness.
Our test car was painted in “Verdigris Mica” which we found exceptionally pleasing, transitting from a medium gray in bright sunlight to a rich olive-green in indirect light.
And Inside?
If the exterior was handsome and stylish, the interior was even better. The verdigris-green body color was nicely complemented by light beige soft trim and grey hard trim, with only the lightest hints of chrome accents. The wood finish could have been just a bit less red, but this was a small issue.
Placement of the controls did contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the interior styling, but we can’t say the placement and usage is entirely intuitive. It would take a new owner a few weeks before the myriad switches and ***** made sense.
The spaciousness of the rear cabin was truly impressive, though rear headroom wouldn’t be adequate for anyone much over six feet. The extent of the controls available to backseat passengers, including a full set of HVAC, audio and window screen controls, as well as a remote for the video screen that folded down from the roof, suggested that this model had its genesis as a car designed for chauffeur-driven home market executives, before being upgraded for sale to chauffeur-less overseas buyers.
The one drawback in all this multi-purpose luxury was the diminutive trunk. Because the space between the trunk and rear seat is taken up by the nickle-metal-hydride batteries of the hybrid system, the trunk holds less than 12 cubic feet of luggage. As a result, the luggage required for a long trip by anyone weathy enough to own this car is going to have to go on the floor in that extra space between the front and rear seats.
But Does It Go?
This was the most pleasant, though perhaps least involving car we’ve had the pleasure of driving over the past year. It simply did everything right from insulating us from exterior noise, cushioning us from any pavement imperfections, and cornering smoothly and evenly without ever causing any passenger consternation. Maybe that’s not what an enthusiast driver is looking for, but is exactly what would be preferred by someone carrying on a serious business conversation, or just wanting a bit of relaxation after a hard day at the hedge fund.
The acceleration capability of those combined 486 horses hidden under the modesty panels in the engine compartment was more than enough to put us wherever we wanted to be in traffic, but it was more fun to try keeping the needle on the fuel efficiency dial in the “econ” and “charging” range.
The full hybrid system works exactly as promised: when trapped in a back-up behind an accident on one of the San Jose freeways, we were able to drive for nearly five miles at stop-and-go speeds up to 30 mph using just the electric motor.
Why You Would Buy It
When you want nothing but the very best in luxury motoring based on cutting-edge technology, the Lexus is justifiably a great value, even at its elevated price. The best-in-class mileage, with that little “Hybrid” badge on the rocker panel to prove it, is a great trade-off for the bragging rights once reserved for owners of V12-engined luxury sedans.
Why You Wouldn’t
Most of the luxury in the LS600h L can be found in cars selling for up to $40,000 less, which will buy a lot of gasoline, even at today’s prices. And unless you’ve got very important clients to drive around (preferably ones without much luggage) you really aren’t ever going to take full advantage of that back-seat space.
Price as Tested
$117, 119 including MSRP of $104,000, plus $12,000 for Premium Package II including parking guidance system, heated and cooled power-adjustable sliding reclinable rear seats, and advanced pre-collision system wth dynamic radar cruise control, pedestrian detection system, and driver attention monitor, and $354 for premium floor and trunk mats, plus $765 delivery and prep.
Words and Photos by Gary and Genie Anderson.
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