Lexus LS 600h L: Quick Test

The Lexus LS 600hL is the most expensive Japanese production car currently on the market and the first Lexus with a six-figure sticker price.

It's also the technology and luxury flagship of the world's largest automaker's premium division, offering all the technology its creators could conjure up: a hybrid drivetrain, constantly variable transmission, all-wheel drive and a long list of exotic safety and control systems and interior gadgetry.

While efficiency is the focus of the iconic Prius, Toyota's first hybrid model, the hybrid system in the new flagship Lexus targets performance - V12 performance with V8, or even V6, fuel mileage. To this end, the LS 600h L - small "h" for "hybrid" - features a five-liter, 389 horsepower V8 augmented by not one, but two electric motors.

One is used to start the engine and recharge the battery pack; the other to provide drive torque and en-route charging.

The resulting performance? Surprising! Electric motors, of course, produce maximum torque at zero rpm. Coupled to the healthy V8, the big LS sedan doesn't so much accelerate as build massive forward momentum, like a jet streaking down the runway on takeoff at full thrust.

The big Lexus isn't a sport sedan, nor does it pretend to be. At a semi-brisk pace, however, it will impress you with its lack of drama - especially for a car weighing 5200 lbs. Credit all-wheel-drive and the constantly variable transmission.

The advanced technology isn't all in the drivetrain though. Consider the amazing 19-speaker Mark Levinson digital audio system; the hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic information and voice activation; adaptive cruise control, lighting and air suspension; plus the much-publicized (and, it must be said, slow, aggravating, and near useless) self-parking system.

The capital "L" at the end of the model name stands for "Long wheelbase", but it could just as easily stand for "Limousine" as the LS 600h L provides an ample amount of the ultimate luxury: space.

In fact, there's such an abundance of interior space, so much technology and so many gadgets to show off, a whole episode of MTV Cribs could probably be filmed inside this car.

The original 1989 Lexus LS was revolutionary, leading the way up-market for Japanese manufacturers. When it came to design, however, the LS400 wasn't revolutionary at all. Instead, it was a dull and derivative design, borrowing more than a few cues from Mercedes-Benz.

Fast-forward to this fourth-generation LS sedan and one finds a much more distinctive luxury car - the product of an ever-evolving design language that Lexus can finally call its own.

If what you want is a big sedan that's driver-focused with potent rear-wheel-drive dynamics, then you buy a 7-series BMW. But if what you desire is opulence in a serene, technologically advanced and eco-conscious transportation module that makes land travel feel more like executive air travel - then, friends, drop by your nearest Lexus dealer with a briefcase full of Ben Franklin portraits and settle into a Lexus LS 600h L.

You won't be disappointed.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Lexus LS 600h L

Performance
- Acceleration: Seamless surge feels like an executive jet at take-off - passing acceleration most impressive
- Handling: Given its size, pretty darn good - doesn't like to transition from side to side however
- Braking: Strange noises from regenerative system at times - still, very effective

Design
- Exterior: Lexus design language finally evident in LS sedan - still a bit anonymous
- Interior: No breakthroughs in design, but amazing tech spec and fit and finish

Utility
- Comfort: Your favorite arm chair cruising down the road - not a bad seat in the house
- Space: MASSIVE rear accommodations, only slightly less spacious in the front - trunk loses space to battery pack

Safety
- Dynamics: Better than you might expect, but it won't be mistaken for a sports sedan (or a BMW 7-series)
- Technology: Quite possibly the industry's technology flagship

Value
- Price: Without any real competitors, looks to be well priced against its nearest rivals - Lexus residuals always strong
- Mileage: No Prius, still about 10% better than other large, executive sedans

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Not really, unless you're a tech-geek
- Fun to spank: Come on now...

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / All-wheel drive
Engine: 5.0 liter, V8 w/high-output, permanent magnet, electric-drive motor
Power (SAE): 438 (total system)
Torque: n/a
Gearbox: CVT
Curb Weight: 5,049 lbs.
0-60 mph: 5.5 sec.
1/4 mile: 13.8 sec. @ 106 mph
Top Speed: 130 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 20 city / 22 highway
Base Price: $104,900
Competitors: Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic, Audi A8L, BMW 760Li