The Emperor

A new flagship with seemingly more microchips than cc’s, the LS 600h L achieves V-12 performance with a V-8 hybrid powertrain.


By Thos L. Bryant
June 2007

The press information handed out to the journalists who came to Arizona to drive the Lexus LS 600h L billed it as “The Ultimate Lexus.” Frankly, I doubt it, because the history of Lexus since the introduction of the first LS in 1989 has shown that this company has no interest in standing pat. Onward and upward seems to be the Lexus mantra, but for right now the LS 600h L is certainly the star. As Bob Carter, Lexus Group V.P. and General Manager, stated, this car is “the truest expression of luxury and efficiency of any vehicle we have created. Equally important, the LS hybrid stands as the icon for the Lexus brand.” Carter went on to say that the 600h L's combination of all-wheel drive and the 8-speed automatic CVT transmission with the V-8 engine and electric motor “results in power and performance on par with modern 12-cylinder engines.”

Powerful words that neatly categorize a powerful car built to challenge the world's best in the large luxury sedan category: Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. With a hybrid? You bet. The LS 600h L (in North America we get only the 4.8-in.-longer L version) is fitted with a 5.0-liter V-8 that puts out 389 bhp and 385 lb.-ft. of torque; then adds the electric motor of Lexus Hybrid Drive, which bumps total horsepower to 438 (compared to 450 for the Audi A8 L W-12, 438 for the BMW 760i and 510 for the Mercedes-Benz S600).

While the Lexus won't be quite as quick as the 12-cylinder German cars, it does perform briskly and will do 0-60 in 5.5 seconds according to the company. And it will provide EPA 2008 fuel economy figures of 20 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 21 mpg overall.

Beyond the drivetrain, there is an abundance of technology built into the LS 600h L including the Advanced Pre-Collision System, which with a chime and flashing light alerts the driver of an obstacle ahead, retracts the seatbelts and prepares the brakes with increased force available for possible impact.

Then there is the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system found on all new LS models, which includes Electric Power Steering, Vehicle Stability Control, Electronic Control Brakes, Anti-lock Brakes System and Electronic Brake-force Distribution. There is also an air-suspension system and Variable Gear Ratio Steering to enhance responsiveness. One can only wonder how many electronic impulses are running through this car when it's on the road.

The driving character of the LS 600h L is very much what you would expect: lots of accelerative power, more than ample passing ability, very smooth “shifts” within the CVT (artificially induced to give that feeling), remarkably low noise level, superb ride quality and very good handling characteristics for a large, 5050-lb. car that measures 202.8 in. long.

The bulk of our test driving was done at Toyota's proving ground outside of Phoenix where we were allowed to try a variety of driving conditions, from abrupt lane-change maneuvers to a 120-mph acceleration run, plus a twisty road course. The 600h L performed admirably in all of these conditions, and more important for me, I was allowed to drive one back into the city to our hotel, so I had a good dose of highway, suburban and city-streets driving.

This is a luxury car, first and foremost, but don't let that deter you from trying it out for hard running. The acceleration is remarkably smooth and linear, with abundant power just a throttle tip away. Conversations can take place without any raising of voices at 80 mph or more, and the suspension compliance is first-class. With a wheelbase of 121.7 in., the 600h L fits nicely between the BMW 7 Series (117.7) and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (124.6 in.). Its one shortcoming compared to those cars is the size of its trunk, which gives up noticeable space to the battery pack.

After a day of driving the LS 600h L, I thought of the statement of Moritaka Yoshida, chief engineer of the car, earlier that morning: This car “is the product of a completely revised production system that merges state-of-the-art technology with the skills of highly experienced master craftsmen.” And the results speak for themselves.


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Merc1

They do contradict themselves by saying in the title that the LS600hL "achieves V-12 performance", but then say that it won't be as quick as the V12 cars. One thing is for sure, it won't ever match the current S600's performance, no matter who tests it and a 5.5 sec 0-60 time is a V8 performance, not V12.

M

Mirage77

This LS600h is all about being refined and quiet, a hush-mobile. Succeeds on that count but all that V12 power doesn't really translate to anything that's even remotely a competitor to the German V12s, except maybe in price.

The LS460 already offers what it does albeit maybe at a less refined way due to its 8-speed auto box instead of CVT. I wonder why Lexus didn't fit its LS600h with the 8-speeder, especially since its so lauded? The CVT is a killjoy IMO.

Bruce

I don't believe you can outright say that. As far as I recall there have been 12 cylinder vehicles which in the past have had performance figures around the 5+ second 0-60 mark.

Anyhow, I understand what you are getting at. The LS600h will never match the S600 (which is understandable) but what's even worse is that it appears to be having trouble breaking the 6 second barrier.

The Lexus marketing department should stop advertisting the LS600h as a bloody performance car - because it's not. Toyota's marketing department has always pissed me off, constantly contradicting themselves and whatnot. It's not a new issue either, they've been playing these "games" for 25+ years.

Mikael

I think that's because the electric motors can't be connected to regular automatic transmission..

BMW_Dude

I personally think hybrids are a waste of time, this car still has a 21mpg figure, with is well awful. Sure, it's better than the other V12 cars, but still isn't great.

And considering this car will get a free entry to the London congestion zone, when tiny superminis which can get 70mpg will not, well I don't understand it.

I think people like hybrids because they think it's doing something for the environment, but infact it only words at low speeds, and the rest of the time, it's adding a load of weight to the car, and also the processes to manufacture the battery in the first place, aren't evironmentally friendly at all!

Merc1

It applies, really. Most if not all the V8s in this segment can get to 60 mph in nearly the same time, while most of the V12s are faster, especially the S600. In the past maybe the LS600hL would have matched a V12, but not now.

M

Bruce

You're point is understandable. Although my point being the 760i isn't exactly a blistering performer, nor is the A8 W12. As far as I'm aware neither of those surpass that 0-60 mph mark of 5.0 seconds (and neither really surpass they're base V8 models).

But I do think it's clear that in this arena of 12 cylinder executive saloons, the S600 stands alone.

The Emperor

Not defending Lexus, but did you forget that the S600 is a V12 BiTurbo car? I don't have any better explanation fort it's amazing 0-60 time...

Merc1

Of course not, but Lexus should have said that they will match "certain" V12's performance, not just "V12 performance". Lexus' reason for being is Mercedes, has been up until this switch to wanting to go after BMW (with lame results there also), and they've never thought much of Audi. If Lexus can use a V8 and batteries, Mercedes can use turbos. Lexus has no one to blame but themselves for not being able to match the S600, unless now all of a sudden the S600 isn't competition anymore. I seriously doubt that.

M

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