First Drive: Lexus LS600h (Auto Express)

Bruce · 10-19-2007, 11:42 PM

Rating:

Luxury Lexus offers an eco-friendly choice for business high-flyers.

No car maker has embraced hybrid technology quite like Lexus. While rivals moan about high development costs and technical inefficiencies, the Japanese manufacturer is committed to combining petrol and electric power – and the next vehicle in its highly charged line-up is the LS600h.

We have already tried the technology in a left-hand drive version of the new car (Issue 958). But how does it work here on the UK’s roads? The first impression with any LS is its vast scale – especially in this long-wheelbase guise. Apart from its subtle badging, the hybrid shares the sombre styling of other variants. Even the twin chrome exhausts remain, hinting at its performance potential.

Under the bonnet is a 389bhp 5.0-litre V8. Add to that the thrust of an electric motor, and output is boosted to 439bhp. The final technical flourish is to feed power to all four wheels.

The cabin features the familiar LS dashboard with its huge array of buttons. While German rivals have opted for a central control system, there seems to be a switch for everything here – including EV (Electric Vehicle). Press it, pull away and the LS wafts in near silence through slow traffic. Refinement is astonishing as the batteries power the vehicle. Only when the charge runs out or you press hard on the accelerator does the petrol V8 kick in.

Lexus claims a 0-62mph time of 6.3 seconds, although real-world performance doesn’t feel so sprightly. With the CVT gearbox offering change-free acceleration, the luxury saloon isn’t slow, but it seems no quicker than a diesel-powered Mercedes S-Class.

We also struggled to match the maker’s claimed economy. Driving mostly in town, the Lexus returned little better than 24mpg, according to its trip computer – a long way short of the official 30.4mpg combined figure. Official CO2 emissions are low, though; the 219g/km output is on a par with cars from the class below.

Away from traffic, the driving experience is similar to that of other LS models. While the motorway ride is smooth, it struggles to cope with sharp jolts and bumps. Tackling corners at speed leaves the Lexus floundering compared with Audi’s A8.

The new hybrid LS is a technological tour de force. Its superb refinement and peerless build quality are likely to be enough to tempt some buyers – although the compromised economy will be a turn-off for others.

First Opinion

"The LS600h has groundbreaking technology – in a flawed package. As a luxury hybrid it is peerless, but is that enough to tempt buyers away from traditional petrol or diesel power? With less potent performance than such models – and, on our drive, questionable economy gains – we’re not so sure. It is the most comfortable way to travel in town while producing zero emissions, but more conventional alternatives still have the upper hand."

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coolraoul · 10-20-2007, 07:09 AM

Yep.. There is another review in the german AMS, LS600h vs 745d and S420cdi, they say the comfort in the Lexus is far from beeing at the same level than the others... They found almost the same consumption for the three. They say "the Lexus is surely not the best car"...

I did not see the Lexus win any comparison... This was not the case with the old LS.

But the hybrid tech is interesting, and tempting for some clients, it is sure. And it is much better designed than the old LS...

cawimmer430 · 10-20-2007, 07:17 AM

There's nothing in this car that would tempt me, to be honest. I'd rather invest my money on an LS460 and get the same car with less weight, better performance and fuel eocnomy and just about the same luxury features (more than I'll ever need).

If you ask me, Lexus is at fault here for two reasons. Mainly because the LS600h is not delivering on the promises, and two, because Lexus marketing has overhyped this car big time.

I really don't see the point of the big LS600h. People in this class are not concerned about the environment to say the least. If they were, they'd drive something smaller and more efficient. I suppose the LS600h will appeal to people who think they're driving some green, but in reality aren't.

I feel the same about the Mercedes S420 CDI and BMW 745d: pointless. These cars destroy the purpose of a diesel engine and their performance is not so much better than an S320 CDI or a 730d respectively - and they get worse fuel economy too.

Speaking of diesel, an LS350d for example would be interesting. That's what Lexus needs in Europe at least.

Overall, stick to the LS460, not the LS600h.

Merc1 · 10-23-2007, 05:04 AM

Interestingly enough the car looks best in White. Hmmm....

M

cawimmer430 · 10-23-2007, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merc1

Interestingly enough the car looks best in White. Hmmm....

M

Japanese cars always do. White is their color!

Centurion · 10-23-2007, 07:56 AM

Hmmm The LS600h is receiving bad reviews lately. It doesn't seem to deliver and is loosing against the S-class, A8 and 7er. Bare in mind that a new A8 and 7er will be launched the coming 2 years. The LS600h will be completely trashed.

coolraoul · 10-23-2007, 08:19 AM

Yep, I woukd say that the new LS deceived everybody.

The LS460 also had not so good reviews. And the 600h, well, did not see it win any comparison.

This car look better than the LS430, is better on paper because lots of high-tech...But the basics of the car, drivetrain espoecially, are not that good.

The software is OK, but the hardware is really not on par with the German competitors...

This car is the technological overkill that forgot about the basics...

cawimmer430 · 10-23-2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolraoul

Yep, I would say that the new LS deceived everybody.

I don't think the LS600h really "deceived" everybody. I think it was marketed improperly. Basically Lexus themselves deceived the public because they marketed it as a fuel efficient alternative that would perform with V12 powered sedans - and it doesn't or marginally outperforms their very own LS460.

Lexus should have marketed this car as a low-emissions vehicle at least, although that's not really a big selling point I imagine. Hmmm, I think they shouldn't have been made it in the first place!

10-19-2007, 11:42 PM	#1
Bruce Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 10,183 Thanks: 5,331 Thanked 3,852 Times in 2,260 Posts	First Drive: Lexus LS600h (Auto Express) Rating: Luxury Lexus offers an eco-friendly choice for business high-flyers. No car maker has embraced hybrid technology quite like Lexus. While rivals moan about high development costs and technical inefficiencies, the Japanese manufacturer is committed to combining petrol and electric power – and the next vehicle in its highly charged line-up is the LS600h. We have already tried the technology in a left-hand drive version of the new car (Issue 958). But how does it work here on the UK’s roads? The first impression with any LS is its vast scale – especially in this long-wheelbase guise. Apart from its subtle badging, the hybrid shares the sombre styling of other variants. Even the twin chrome exhausts remain, hinting at its performance potential. Under the bonnet is a 389bhp 5.0-litre V8. Add to that the thrust of an electric motor, and output is boosted to 439bhp. The final technical flourish is to feed power to all four wheels. The cabin features the familiar LS dashboard with its huge array of buttons. While German rivals have opted for a central control system, there seems to be a switch for everything here – including EV (Electric Vehicle). Press it, pull away and the LS wafts in near silence through slow traffic. Refinement is astonishing as the batteries power the vehicle. Only when the charge runs out or you press hard on the accelerator does the petrol V8 kick in. Lexus claims a 0-62mph time of 6.3 seconds, although real-world performance doesn’t feel so sprightly. With the CVT gearbox offering change-free acceleration, the luxury saloon isn’t slow, but it seems no quicker than a diesel-powered Mercedes S-Class. We also struggled to match the maker’s claimed economy. Driving mostly in town, the Lexus returned little better than 24mpg, according to its trip computer – a long way short of the official 30.4mpg combined figure. Official CO2 emissions are low, though; the 219g/km output is on a par with cars from the class below. Away from traffic, the driving experience is similar to that of other LS models. While the motorway ride is smooth, it struggles to cope with sharp jolts and bumps. Tackling corners at speed leaves the Lexus floundering compared with Audi’s A8. The new hybrid LS is a technological tour de force. Its superb refinement and peerless build quality are likely to be enough to tempt some buyers – although the compromised economy will be a turn-off for others. *First Opinion* "The LS600h has groundbreaking technology – in a flawed package. As a luxury hybrid it is peerless, but is that enough to tempt buyers away from traditional petrol or diesel power? With less potent performance than such models – and, on our drive, questionable economy gains – we’re not so sure. It is the most comfortable way to travel in town while producing zero emissions, but more conventional alternatives still have the upper hand." >> - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

10-20-2007, 07:09 AM	#2
coolraoul Advocate Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: France (but actually internship in Germany) Posts: 943 Thanks: 183 Thanked 371 Times in 206 Posts	Re: First Drive: Lexus LS600h (Auto Express) Yep.. There is another review in the german AMS, LS600h vs 745d and S420cdi, they say the comfort in the Lexus is far from beeing at the same level than the others... They found almost the same consumption for the three. They say "the Lexus is surely not the best car"... I did not see the Lexus win any comparison... This was not the case with the old LS. But the hybrid tech is interesting, and tempting for some clients, it is sure. And it is much better designed than the old LS...

10-20-2007, 07:17 AM	#3
cawimmer430 Trendsetter Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Mühldorf am Inn, Germany Posts: 8,028 Thanks: 3,975 Thanked 3,189 Times in 1,366 Posts	Re: First Drive: Lexus LS600h (Auto Express) There's nothing in this car that would tempt me, to be honest. I'd rather invest my money on an LS460 and get the same car with less weight, better performance and fuel eocnomy and just about the same luxury features (more than I'll ever need). If you ask me, Lexus is at fault here for two reasons. Mainly because the LS600h is not delivering on the promises, and two, because Lexus marketing has overhyped this car big time. I really don't see the point of the big LS600h. People in this class are not concerned about the environment to say the least. If they were, they'd drive something smaller and more efficient. I suppose the LS600h will appeal to people who think they're driving some green, but in reality aren't. I feel the same about the Mercedes S420 CDI and BMW 745d: pointless. These cars destroy the purpose of a diesel engine and their performance is not so much better than an S320 CDI or a 730d respectively - and they get worse fuel economy too. Speaking of diesel, an LS350d for example would be interesting. That's what Lexus needs in Europe at least. Overall, stick to the LS460, not the LS600h.

10-23-2007, 05:04 AM	#4
Merc1 Contributor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Aurora IL USA Posts: 7,272 Thanks: 1,561 Thanked 2,270 Times in 1,044 Posts	Re: First Drive: Lexus LS600h (Auto Express) Interestingly enough the car looks best in White. Hmmm.... M

10-23-2007, 07:56 AM	#6
Centurion Jetsetter Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 9,202 Thanks: 1,037 Thanked 1,507 Times in 805 Posts	Re: First Drive: Lexus LS600h (Auto Express) Hmmm The LS600h is receiving bad reviews lately. It doesn't seem to deliver and is loosing against the S-class, A8 and 7er. Bare in mind that a new A8 and 7er will be launched the coming 2 years. The LS600h will be completely trashed.

10-23-2007, 08:19 AM	#7
coolraoul Advocate Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: France (but actually internship in Germany) Posts: 943 Thanks: 183 Thanked 371 Times in 206 Posts	Re: First Drive: Lexus LS600h (Auto Express) Yep, I woukd say that the new LS deceived everybody. The LS460 also had not so good reviews. And the 600h, well, did not see it win any comparison. This car look better than the LS430, is better on paper because lots of high-tech...But the basics of the car, drivetrain espoecially, are not that good. The software is OK, but the hardware is really not on par with the German competitors... This car is the technological overkill that forgot about the basics...

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