Motor Trend - First Test: 2008 Lexus LS 600h L

Merc1 · 04-27-2007, 12:15 AM

The 600h's other competitors all boast more juice-450 horses for the Audi A8 L W12 Quattro, 510 for the Mercedes S600, and 552 for the Bentley Continental Flying Spur-but none, including the BMW, can sip a Lexus-like 21 combined mpg. Even the 19 mpg we observed during our stint humbles the others' combined average of 16 mpg. Also of note is the 600h's SULEV rating, which, according to Lexus, means its emissions are 70 percent cleaner than that of its greenest competitor, the ULEV S600.

Cont....

Where the LS 600h L will undoubtedly fare favorably, though, is on the wallet. Lexus's high-heeled hybrid starts at $104,715, well below its rivals, the nearest of which, the Audi, retails for just under $122,000. Lexus offers a full bevy of options, notably the advanced precollision system and an executive-class package that adds massage and recline features to the right rear seat, so expect fully loaded example to come in several thousand higher. A new stratosphere for Lexus, certainly, but to reach new customers the 600h must not only be a marvel of technology, refinement, and performance, but also price. In light of its competition, it's a deal. Going green never required so much green, but, hey, at least the badges are blue.

- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The car might not match the S600, but it is really starting to look awfully good in photos, much better than the LS460L. Don't know why since they're the same body, maybe it is the wheels?

M

Mr. M · 04-27-2007, 03:16 AM

We get those wheels on a 460 here.

The LS600h's best strength is its price in the midst of its V12 rivals.

BTW, I think this is Lexus's first V12?

Merc1 · 04-27-2007, 03:20 AM

Actually its a V8 + batteries for what they say is V12 performance. True when compared to Audi and BMW, but not Mercedes' V12.

M

Mr. M · 04-27-2007, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merc1

Actually its a V8 + batteries for what they say is V12 performance. True when compared to Audi and BMW, but not Mercedes' V12.

M

Thanks Marcus - I gave the article a miss.

bmer · 04-27-2007, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merc1

Actually its a V8 + batteries for what they say is V12 performance. True when compared to Audi and BMW, but not Mercedes' V12.

But the Merc is also the only turbocharged car out of these four.

Mr. M · 04-27-2007, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmer

But the Merc is also the only turbocharged car out of these four.

No compromises when you have the money to pay for it.

ateekt · 04-27-2007, 09:59 AM

Beautiful sedan & a great buy for bucks

...!

I think, comparing it with high-end German sedan is not fair, leave her alone

...!

Bruce · 04-27-2007, 10:13 AM

Beautiful vehicle.

04-27-2007, 12:15 AM	#1
Merc1 Contributor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Aurora IL USA Posts: 7,313 Thanks: 1,561 Thanked 2,270 Times in 1,044 Posts	Motor Trend - First Test: 2008 Lexus LS 600h L The 600h's other competitors all boast more juice-450 horses for the Audi A8 L W12 Quattro, 510 for the Mercedes S600, and 552 for the Bentley Continental Flying Spur-but none, including the BMW, can sip a Lexus-like 21 combined mpg. Even the 19 mpg we observed during our stint humbles the others' combined average of 16 mpg. Also of note is the 600h's SULEV rating, which, according to Lexus, means its emissions are 70 percent cleaner than that of its greenest competitor, the ULEV S600. Cont.... Where the LS 600h L will undoubtedly fare favorably, though, is on the wallet. Lexus's high-heeled hybrid starts at $104,715, well below its rivals, the nearest of which, the Audi, retails for just under $122,000. Lexus offers a full bevy of options, notably the advanced precollision system and an executive-class package that adds massage and recline features to the right rear seat, so expect fully loaded example to come in several thousand higher. A new stratosphere for Lexus, certainly, but to reach new customers the 600h must not only be a marvel of technology, refinement, and performance, but also price. In light of its competition, it's a deal. Going green never required so much green, but, hey, at least the badges are blue. - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER The car might not match the S600, but it is really starting to look awfully good in photos, much better than the LS460L. Don't know why since they're the same body, maybe it is the wheels? M

04-27-2007, 03:16 AM	#2
Mr. M Connoisseur Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 6,114 Thanks: 2,036 Thanked 1,722 Times in 925 Posts	Re: Motor Trend - First Test: 2008 Lexus LS 600h L We get those wheels on a 460 here. The LS600h's best strength is its price in the midst of its V12 rivals. BTW, I think this is Lexus's first V12?

04-27-2007, 03:20 AM	#3
Merc1 Contributor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Aurora IL USA Posts: 7,313 Thanks: 1,561 Thanked 2,270 Times in 1,044 Posts	Re: Motor Trend - First Test: 2008 Lexus LS 600h L Actually its a V8 + batteries for what they say is V12 performance. True when compared to Audi and BMW, but not Mercedes' V12. M

04-27-2007, 09:59 AM	#7
ateekt Advocate Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dominican Republic Posts: 748 Thanks: 144 Thanked 101 Times in 67 Posts	Re: Motor Trend - First Test: 2008 Lexus LS 600h L Beautiful sedan & a great buy for bucks ...! I think, comparing it with high-end German sedan is not fair, leave her alone ...!

04-27-2007, 10:13 AM	#8
Bruce Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 10,203 Thanks: 5,331 Thanked 3,852 Times in 2,260 Posts	Re: Motor Trend - First Test: 2008 Lexus LS 600h L Beautiful vehicle.

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