New Lexus LS600h L review

Think luxury, refinement and quality we think Lexus, think performance hybrid power and we also think Lexus.

Put the elements together and we end up with the Lexus LS 600h range of standard and long wheelbase luxury premium grade executive saloons, which went on sale in October, with prices ranging from £81,400 to £88,000.

The most expensive model is the 600h L with rear seat Relaxation Package which has accounted for 60 per cent of all LS600h orders in the UK to date.

So who buys such a vehicle? Heads of industry, executives who love the latest must have technology, executive ‘green’ crusaders, customers who want an alternative to BMW or Mercedes luxury models, companies who want to promote their ‘green’ credentials and of course the limousine and chauffeur business.

Powertrain

So what is so special about the Lexus LS 600h? Well it’s a petrol/electric hybrid and Lexus says it is equipped with a more advanced powertrain and more sophisticated array of preventative, active and passive features than any car in its class.

Certainly the LS 600h sets very high standards in luxury motoring, offers supreme comfort, convenience and on-board entertainment. Being a Lexus, award winning customer satisfaction and brand loyalty come as standard.

The LS 600h features the world’s first full-time all-wheel drive full hybrid V8 powertrain. It combines a silky smooth 5.0-litre petrol engine with a high output electric motor.

Lexus say the combination rivals a standard V12 petrol engine with 0-62mph taking just 6.3 seconds with fuel consumption and emissions on a par with the sector’s best performing and substantially lower powered diesel engines, 30.4mpg and 219g/km CO2 emissions in the combined cycle.

The system also features a new, high capacity battery pack; dual-stage electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and permanent all-wheel drive. The V8 engine is the most advanced internal combustion engine yet developed by Lexus and is derived from the 4.6-litre unit deployed in the LS 460.

The power plant uses the latest generation valve timing technology, with Dual VVT-i on the intake and exhaust valves and VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing – intelligent Electric) on intake. This improves low and high-end torque and contributes to a significant reduction in exhaust emissions.

It also benefits from D-4S, a direct injection system that uses two injectors per cylinder, to improve efficiency and torque delivery throughout the engine’s power range.

The engine produces a maximum 389bhp at 6,400rpm and maximum torque of 520Nm at 4,000rpm.

Hybrid elements

The main hybrid components are a compact, high-output, water cooled permanent magnet electric motor, a generator, high-performance nickel metal hydride battery, a power split device which combines and reallocates power from the engine and generator, according to the driving requirements and a Power Control Unit to govern the interaction of all the system’s components.

The 650-volt electric motor is compact, but produces significant power it delivering more than 221bhp. This contributes to a useable total power output from the Lexus Hybrid Drive system of 439bhp.

One of the benefits of using an electric motor as a source of drive power is that maximum torque is generated immediately on start-up, from zero rpm. This gives the LS 600h impressive, yet near-silent acceleration off the line and significantly improves engine power under high throttle loads.

Over the course of any journey, Lexus Hybrid Drive operates in several different modes to maximise efficiency. At start-up and low to mid-range speeds, the vehicle runs on the electric motors alone, eradicating both engine noise and carbon dioxide emissions.

Performance

In normal driving conditions, the V8 engine is the main power source, with output divided by the power split device, both to drive the wheels and power the generator, which in turn charges the high-voltage battery.

This power allocation is constantly monitored and adjusted between the engine and electric motor to maximise efficiency.

When full acceleration is required, engine and electric motor again work in tandem, with extra power supplied by the battery to boost acceleration.

During deceleration, the engine switches off as the driver lifts off the throttle and the electric motor acts as a second generator to initiate regenerative braking, recovering energy that would normally be lost as heat as electrical energy for storage in the battery.

The LS 600h has an automatic electrically controlled continuously variable transmission, with a choice of three power settings: Hybrid, for the best balance of power and traction; Power for quick response acceleration; and Snow for better traction in slippery conditions. These can be engaged by the driver, operating a Mode Select switch on the centre console.

The top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. Lexus claim the car returns 30.4mpg in the combined cycle. During my test sessions the LS 600h L returned 26.2mpg for motorway driving at 70mph and 24.4mpg for normal driving on A and B roads, somewhat short of their claims.

However a bonus of the hybrid system is the car can run for a certain distance on its electric motor alone, cutting exhaust pollution to zero.

Road handling

Other very notable technical highlights to be found in the LS 600h are the all wheel drive system with a 40:60 rear axle bias which gives superb grip and control under acceleration, adaptive variable suspension with normal, comfort and sport settings and the system constantly adjusts the settings for each damper to suit driving conditions.

Standard equipment

Also included as standard is electronic power steering, electronic controlled braking, an advanced pre-crash safety system which incorporates advanced obstacle detection, emergency steering assist if an accident is likely, a rear camera which monitors likely rear end impacts and automatically deploys the head restraints to prevent whiplash and a driver monitoring system which can tell if the driver is not looking at a potential hazard situation and a buzzer is sounded and the brakes briefly applied.

As the flagship of the Lexus range the LS 600h exemplifies the luxury and attention to detail that are intrinsic to the brand. Whilst the exterior styling is bland and unremarkable the technical specification is unmatched by its premium segment rivals and the interior quality and specification level is also virtually unbeatable.

Highlights of the equipment specification include a 19-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound system; an independent DVD player for the rear of the cabin, with a nine-inch, roof-mounted VGA screen; a four- zone climate control system, with roof diffusers and independent rear left/right temperature controls; leather upholstery; leather trimmed dashboard and door panels and air conditioned front and rear seats.

Optional extras

The LS 600h is also the first Lexus to be offered with the option of a long wheelbase model. The LS 600h L is 120mm longer than the standard model, with all of that length dedicated to providing extra legroom for the rear seat passengers. Overall length is 5,150mm.

The LS 600h L benefits from an even higher specification, designed to provide a ‘first class’ travelling experience. A Rear Seat Relaxation Pack is exclusively available for the LS 600h L.

This equips the left hand rear seat with an electric recline function, an electrically adjustable ottoman foot and thigh rest and an adjustable massage function that can replicate techniques from Shiatsu to acupressure. The seat is fitted with a cushion airbag and, to give a clear view, the front passenger headrest can be electrically folded down.

In addition, the pack provides a more sophisticated climate control system that monitors the passengers’ body temperature for more effective control of the cabin environment. A fixed centre console is provided with a built-in cool box, DVD and CD store and a retracting and adjustable wood inlaid tray.

From the self driving business executive to the chauffeur no car offers more in the way of technology and refinement than the Lexus LS 600h L. Opulence and technical wizardry are just two words that describe this stunning machine. A fine way to finish my 2007 year of motoring.

Yes there are a few things that could be improved, the exterior styling is unremarkable, the feedback to the driver is unrewarding and sterile due to all the automatically controlled electronic functions and it takes time to work out what the huge array of switches, buttons and controls do but these are just minor issues.

MILESTONES

Lexus LS600h L

Price: £88,000 with Rear Seat Relaxation Package, £83,645 without or £81,400 in standard wheelbase form

Power/transmission: Petrol/electric Hybrid Drive. 5.0-litre, V8, petrol engine, 389bhp, 520Nm of torque, electric motor 221bhp, 300Nm, combined useable power 439bhp, eight-speed, electronic automatic CVT transmission with all wheel drive

Performance: 155mph (limited), 0-62mph 6.3 seconds, 30.4mpg, (24.4 to 26.2mpg actual), CO2 219g/km, VED Band F £190. Tax liability: 31%. Insurance group: 20.

For: Technical wizardry, luxurious opulence, super quiet, lavish, supreme quality, potential for low emissions, all wheel drive, safety features.

Against: Bland exterior styling, lack of feedback to the driver from the advanced technology steering and suspension systems.

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