Lexus LS 600h review
by David Ross (23 May 2007)
Where would we be without technology? Back with the horse and cart, probably, but with it, almost anything is possible. That's shown by the plethora of safety and drive systems Lexus is about to launch in its new LS 600h, a hybrid saloon powered by both environmentally-friendly battery and a lusty five-litre V8 petrol engine.
Lexus is really hooked on hybrid power. We've seen it in the RX 400h SUV and GS 450h saloon so far and, in October, they will be joined in the line-up by arguably the daddy of them all, the Lexus LS 600h.
To be launched in short- and long-wheelbase guises, the more spacious version is intended for chauffeur drive as it's a tad less sporty, and comfort and space in the rear border on the decadent. The shorter one, aimed at the more enthusiastic owner, is decidedly more sporty, featuring automatically adjusting anti-roll bars that sharpen the car's behaviour when pressed through corners.
From the outside, larger Lexus models tend to look expensive but a bit short on the distinctiveness that marks out the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Audi and BMW. The LS 600h sports impressive, sharp-suited lines which Lexus executives described as "the ultimate expression of L-finesse", but this car is more about what goes on under the skin than on it.
The prestige Japanese manufacturer is obsessed with refinement so it came as no surprise when the car cruised serenely along the autobahn at three-figure speeds. It was odd to see the revcounter needle dive to the stop when the accelerator was lifted, but that's because the engine shuts off and the car relies on its high-output electric motor.
Re-start and pick-up are instant, the absurdly smooth and powerful engine also being packed with technological advances such as electronically adjusted variable valve timing and twin injector fuel injection system.
On its own it develops 349bhp but, with the electric motor joining in, output increases to a mighty 445bhp; yet the combined fuel consumption is class-leading and on a par with six-cylinder vehicles.
Getting that much power smoothly down onto the road is no easy matter, but Lexus has revived our old friend the CVT transmission – now highly refined – and a permanent four-wheel drive system that incorporates three differentials including the latest incarnation of the renowned Torsen limited slip differential. Road grip is stupendous and, through the smooth but winding roads of the wooded hills near Frankfurt, the LS600h showed a very sporty side to its nature.
Advanced safety and drive systems abound, including high-power, speed-sensitive electric steering that features a Variable Gear Ratio, the adoption of which enables power assistance for the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management and the Pre-Crash Safety system's Emergency Steering Assist function.
So is it the equal of the likes of the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series and Audi A8?
In many ways yes, especially if you're a techie who loves to be comfortable, but for drivers who crave the ultimate relationship with their car, there might just be a bit too much tech.
Comfortable the LS 600h most certainly is, the long-wheelbase version being especially so. And when it comes to refinement, the Lexus is the equal or better of any, Bentley included.
With highly advanced headlights, fabulous build quality and a decidedly five-star interior, the LS 600h was never going to be cheap and, at a bit over £80,000, it won't be when it arrives here in October.
But with all it has to offer, many will see this car as worth the money and, as one wag suggested, it's the best way to let rich people feel they're doing something for the planet.
For Lexus, the LS 600h is the flagship of the range and a clear demonstration of just how technologically far ahead the marque is. As for Lexus itself, if hybrids are the way forward, the company has stolen a march on its rivals by showcasing the first, and so far only, premium comprehensive hybrid model range available so far.
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