Lexus LS 600h L

The Lexus LS600h L is a hybrid version of Lexus' flagship sedan, the LS). It went on sale in North America in the spring of 2007. It was the world's first vehicle to feature a full hybrid V8 powertrain. The LS 600h L utilizes an all new 5.0 liter V8 gas engine with high-output electric motors and a newly designed "large capacity" battery pack, providing a combined 430 horsepower. As a SULEV-rated (Super Low Emissions) vehicle, the LS600h L is estimated to produce just 20 per cent of the pollution that causes smog than that of conventional V8 power plants. The vehicle uses a 2-stage ECVT transmission.

Since there is inherent noise, vibration and harshness (NHV) generated by most hybrid power plants, Lexus engineers have turned their attention to this area. Their efforts were so focused on cabin quietness that they had to extensively re-engineer many of the accessory motors and switches to compensate for such quiet running.

With "quiet-ride" ranking as one of the top reasons to purchase a luxury vehicle, the LS 600h L is poised to please even the most exacting luxury car buyer. According to Lexus, the LS 600h L has NVH levels that are about half that found in conventional cars, making the hybrid LS one of the quietest automobiles ever built.

In North American, only the long-wheelbase version is offered. In Europe and Japan, a standard wheelbase model, the LS 600h, is sold. The LS600h L, as is the regular LS460, was designed with the L-Finesse design language formed by Toyota-Lexus global design manager Simon Humphries.

See Wikicars' comprehensive  Review.

Recent Changes

 * The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show will play host to the unveiling of the LS range's first mid-cycle facelift set to go on sale in the 2010 model year.

Styles and Major Options
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Pricing
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Gas Mileage
The 2008 Lexus LS 600h L hybrid is expected to have a combined city/highway mileage in the low-20 mile per gallon range.

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
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Performance
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Reliability
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Safety
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Photos
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Colors
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Main Competitors
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Hybrid Models
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Unique Attributes
The Lexus LS 600h L has the first LED headlights of any production vehicle, but does mean that the LS 600h cannot have lane keep assist (available on the LS 460) due to the little amount of infra-red emitted by the LED headlamps and reduced size of the infrared emitter. The LS 600h L will also have a newly developed Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS), a Lexus first. The APCS detects objects in its forward path such as other vehicles and even pedestrians. It will then warn the driver before making the necessary braking and steering actions to avoid a collision.

The vehicle is also capable of taking the control when it's time to squeeze into that tight city parking space. A parallel park-assist function, the Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS), parks the car at the push of a button, requiring just a little brake work from the driver.

Interior
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Resale Values
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Criticisms
"There's plenty to admire about the Lexus hybrid LS600hL. It's a beautifully made, sumptuously equipped, highly refined super sedan that Japan can be proud of. But then, extactly the same can be said for the normal Lexus LS460 which is cheaper and lighter, almost as economical in the real world nd doesn't have the LS600h's fearsomely complex AWD hybrid system to drag around (and maintain). The LS600h is a technical tour de force, no question, and all about Lexus making a statement, especially to the Germans. Trouble is, the hybrid part really works around town. It's expensive, boring and sterile to drive and I'd wager a Euro diesel would go close for running costs and emissions. Driver appeal? Don't ask." - Wheels Magazine

Generations
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Worldwide
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Design quirks and oddities
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Awards

 * The Lexus LS600h won the Most Beautiful Large sedan in the World award in 2007.