Lexus LS 600h L Part 1: Design Review

The original 1989 Lexus LS sedan was a revolutionary car in many ways. Perhaps most significantly, it led the way up-market for Japanese manufacturers as the first car to take the fight to the established, and mainly German, luxury car makers. When it came to design however, the LS400 wasn't revolutionary at all. Instead, it was a derivative design that borrowed more than a few cues from Mercedes-Benz designs.

Fast forward to the fourth generation LS sedan and we find a much more distinctive car that is the product of an ever evolving design language that Lexus can finally call its own. And while its design is not exactly earth-shatteringly new, there are elements that are very individual and very much part of the Lexus brand.

Starting at the front, we see what is arguably the most distinctive feature of the LS 600h L: its LED headlights. These are a production car first and they give the LS an authoritative, serious face. They sit slightly proud of the fender surface and distinguish the hybrid model from the more pedestrian - relatively speaking of course - LS 460 L. The corporate grille sits in the center wearing its blue hued Lexus "L" proudly, while the two lower intakes are cleanly bookended by driving lights.

Lexus puts blue badges on the LS 600h L to show the world its eco-friendly ways. It's a nice touch, although they could have been more subtle with the "hybrid" badge on the rear door.

The side view of the big Lexus speaks most of the cars intent. It's long and elegant, without a single line out of place. There's some lovely sculpting around the front fenders and even a subtle flourish in the rear bumper part line that comes off the taillight and curls forward toward the wheel well.

At the back, we see LED taillights and perhaps too much badging, with Lexus on the left, the blue "L" in the middle and LS 600h L on the right. It would be nice to see the car de-badged, but I suppose buyers will want to show the world that they're driving the hybrid flagship LS 600h L rather than a garden variety LS 460. Finishing off the rear nicely are sculpted exhaust outlets that sit nearly flush with the lower bumper. They are nicely designed and integrated into the shape of the car and they convey an expensive, hand-crafted feel. These details aside, the overall look of the LS 600h L is still pretty conservative.

The focus of the team behind this flagship Lexus seemed to be more on providing the most advanced luxury experience possible and less so on the most advanced design possible. Not that the LS is a bad looking car, it's just a bit anonymous. There are too few unusual, outstanding or individual design elements to the 600h L's design, as clearly Lexus chose to play it conservatively.

Still, the car exudes a feeling of understated luxury and grace that will surely appeal to the Lexus clientele and will quite likely draw buyers from some of the other, more ostentatious brands.

Watch the video
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