Lexus LS600H Reviews

The LS 500 represents the more conventional side of the new LS flagship line-up, with the twin-turbo V6 model sitting alongside the identically priced LS 500h hybrid.

Lexus is mentioned more times in songs than BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi. But is that any indication of how good the fifth generation LS is going to be compared to its rivals? We found out.

In the quest for alternative power sources Toyota and Lexus have been at the forefront of the development of petrol/electric hybrid technology for many years.While Toyota concentrated on conservative models such as the Prius, Lexus took it a step further by using electric power to add sporting performance.At first glance this approach may have seemed odd but in fact hybrids actually make more sense in large cars than in small ones because a fuel saving of around 25 per cent in a large engine will benefit the environment far more than trimming the same percentage from a small one.Though people who can afford expensive vehicles don’t have the same fuel cost concerns than buyers of cheaper ones, more and more of them are starting to see CO2 emission reductions as a more significant issue. Interestingly, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are now also producing luxury sports hybrids.STYLINGThe Lexus LS range was given an upgrade in early 2013 with a more adventurous look to it, extra power to all models as well as the option of F-Sport styling and performance enhancement features with both the LS 460 and the new, standard wheelbase, LS 600h. The LS 600hL remained on sale with, as before, the choice of two rear bucket seats or a traditional three-seat bench.Premium luxury cars such as the big Germans and the Lexus LS have traditionally come with quite conservative styling as befits their buyer’s status so the new angular wide-mouth treatment is quite an exciting change and one that we loved.ENGINESPower and torque are the same in all four LS models with power increased from 290 kW to 327 kW and torque unchanged at 520 Nm. Their inclusion of the F-Sport package adds a second dimension to the hybrid nature of the LS 600h because it allows the car to be driven in five different modes: Normal, Eco, Comfort, Sport S and Sport S+.The last two modes are an interesting move because, as with the styling changes, they direct the LS more in the direction of the driver than the chauffeur and his executive passenger(s). Less likely to be an issue in egalitarian Australia than in more status-conscious overseas countries. Indeed, many Asian owners of the Lexus hybrids will never drive their own cars.DRIVINGThe Lexus LS models consummate cruising vehicles with an almost floating feeling such is the level of comfort and noise suppression. Twiddle to knob to the Sport S or Sport S+ settings and you feel noticeable changes in the driving dynamics with firmer suspension through the Active Stabiliser System, tighter steering and drivetrain.While these enhancements do improve driving enjoyment the big Lexuses are a long way from being sporty – they’re far too large and heavy for that. Nevertheless the gap between the superior performance of cars the BMW 7 Series has been closed and the dynamics of the new LS models largely through a stiffer chassis than before.Interior space in the standard wheelbase F-Sport is acceptable for a pair of adults in the rear seat but with boot space restricted by the batteries to just 370 litres. Fuel consumption during our test of the LS 600h sat just over 10 litres per 100 kilometres during freeway segments and around 12 overall, quite impressive numbers for such a large vehicle.TECHNOLOGYWe could fill several more pages describing the equipment and technology within the Lexus LS but rather than do so, we’ll pick out a few highlights and let your local dealer walk you through the rest. Rear-seat passengers get access to most of the car’s infotainment features from the console located on the armrest between the rear seats, no doubt designed for the Chairman of the Board en route between business meetings and listening in to stock market reports.The front seat console employs a rectangular floating ‘mouse’ which we found much more difficult to use than the typical round one. It doesn’t come easily to hand and is so twitchy that it’s necessary to take your eyes of the road to use it.VERDICTWith on-road prices starting above a quarter of a million dollars the Lexus LS 600h is obviously aimed at an elite category of buyer for whom only the best will do. Those who appreciate technology will love it.MODEL RANGELS 600h F-Sport 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid four-door sedan: $217,900 (automatic)LS 600h L 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid five-seat four-door sedan: $249,900 (automatic)LS 600h L 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid four-seat four-door sedan: $259,900 (automatic)Lexus LS 600h F SportPrice: from $217,900Engine: 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid V8 290 kW (327 kW combined)/520 NmBody: four-door sedanTransmission: CVT, RWDTurning Circle: 11.6 metresKerb Mass: 2270-2340 kgFuel Tank Capacity: 84 litres0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.7 secondsThirst: 8.6 L/100 km 95RONStandard warranty: four years/100,000 km

Now that the LFA supercar has been dropped, king of the Lexus range is the LS600h  about as far away from the LFA as a car can get.But the good news is that to get into the top Lexus, you won't have to spend three quarters of a million bucks, you'll need only $217,900 much of which is taxation. You get a lot of car for the money as the 600 offers a grab bag of technology including a V8 petrol/electric hybrid power plant, all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension.Mind you, playing in this part of town pretty much demands you have a solid features list. Competition is strong from the Benz S-Class (now and old vehicle), the new BMW 7-Series and the Audi A8.GREENBuyers with a green tinge will appreciate the 600's environmental credentials which see it scoring an impressive 4.5 star rating on the Government Green Vehicle Rating. It scores a five star crash rating.Two models are available, normal; and long wheelbase both in F-Sport spec' which brings with it active stabiliser bars to prevent body roll, Brembo brakes with large discs, BBS 19-inch alloy wheels and a torsen centre differential for the permanent all-wheel drive system.Lexus has moved the LS range more towards the enthusiast driver with the current, spindle grille equipped model. This is interesting because many cars in this segment are not owner driven.SPORTYThe 600 has sporty driving dynamics even though it's a big heavy car tipping the scales at around 2300kg. The chassis is reinforced compared with the previous model and brake feel improved. They put in variable gear steering, multi-mode (5) drive select offering: Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport+ and Comfort at the click of a button. These modes influence the car's dynamics through steering, powertrain and suspension adjustment.ENGINEIt runs a 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine with direct and port injection like the Toyota 86 sports car. Variable cam timing further improves efficiency while extra performance is available through the hybrid-electric drive motor and battery pack. Interesting to see an old school nickel metal hydride battery instead of lighter, newer lithium-ion technology.The engine is actually a bored-out 4.6 litre unit from the LS460. Drive is via an eight-step CVT auto with paddle shift. The combined output from both power generators is 327kW/520Nm  sufficient to propel the big 600 from 0-100km/h in a quick 5.7 seconds in near silence consuming as little as 8.6 litres/100km of 95 RON petrol.Speaking of which, Lexus has made further improvements to its trademark smooth/quiet ride with this new model through better design and more sound deadening material.EQUIPMENTThat other Lexus hallmark  luxury features  is almost completely over the top in this model right down to a front seat ottoman for the passenger.There's a Blu-ray player with screens in the front and two in the back, a Mark Levinson audio system, comprehensive multimedia connectivity, a computer mouse style remote touch system, power adjustment to the seats that are also heated and ventilated in the front, leather, and possibly the largest touch screen in the business at 12.3 inches.Driver assistance features include radar cruise control, blind spot warning reverse camera, park assist, auto high beam and driver fatigue alert.DRIVINGThe drive feel is good if a touch remote. You seem to waft along in a sealed cocoon of luxury that, when it takes your fancy, can be driven like a large sports sedan.The adaptive air suspension is supple but controlled and the active stabilisers keep the big car flat without affecting ride quality. We tried all five drive modes and found auto to be the best.Acceleration is rapid and cruise mode a dream that helps the kilometres tick over in a flash. But there's no stirring exhaust note to speak off and the light steering still feels a tad disconnected.We can't understand why they fit relatively skinny tyres on such a big car because apart from limiting grip, it also looks bad. Cabin ambience is relaxed and hi-tech  a good placed to be. We aren't sold on the new look and suggest the spindle grille needs to be toned down a tad.VERDICTWould we go the Lexus way instead of European? Maybe. The new 7-Series is an impressive vehicle, excellent diesel and petrol engines, the Benz is due for replacement this year and the Audi, well . . .If it was going to be a Lexus, it would be the LS460 in some form. You don't really need all-wheel drive, a front seat ottoman and other superfluous features found in the LS600.Lexus LS600hPrice: from $243,314Engine: 5-litre 8 cylinder petrol and hybrid-electric drive, 327kW/520NmTransmission:  8-speed CVT-auto, 4WDThirst: 9.3L/100km, CO2 219 g/km