Lexus LS600hL 5.0 (A) Review
29 Jun 2011|16,763 views
When Lexus launched the LS back in 1989, it was an attempt in breaking into the US market with an affordable luxury sedan that could take on the best that the American auto manufacturers had to offer at the time.
Through the past two decades, Toyota...oops I mean Lexus has continuously updated the model in size and features to compete with each new generation of luxury sedans.
Exterior
The current range topping model you see here is the fourth generation facelifted model that Lexus hopes will one up the S-Class.
The one tested here is the LS600hL model that comes with the longer wheelbase at 3,090mm that takes an already large limousine to gargantuan levels.
Through the past two decades, Toyota...oops I mean Lexus has continuously updated the model in size and features to compete with each new generation of luxury sedans.
Exterior
The current range topping model you see here is the fourth generation facelifted model that Lexus hopes will one up the S-Class.
The one tested here is the LS600hL model that comes with the longer wheelbase at 3,090mm that takes an already large limousine to gargantuan levels.
 |
The imposing presence of this limousine gets misrepresented by its understated design that veils its nearly $500,000 price tag (for the Ottoman edition tested here). But as you pull out onto the road, the flagship Lexus dwarfs anything that it shares the tarmac with and grants its occupants the road presence that they so gladly chose it for. A matching automobile for a Yakuza chief.
On the facelift model, Lexus chose to update the exterior discreetly with very minor changes. The headlights are the most obvious with an entirely new cluster that integrates LED lights into its design. The front grille too has undergone a change which has made it more compact and aerodynamic than before. Some changes are also noted at the lower bumper.
 |
Though the front have seen some noticeable redesign, Lexus has opted to leave the rear largely unhindered other than for a longer chrome member on the bootlid. The taillights too have undergone some discrete update.
Despite the minor updates, the basic attraction of the sedan hasn't changed. At a smidge over 5,000mm, you'll be sure that this Lexus will be the biggest thing on four wheels wherever you turn up. The only car capable of stealing its presence would either be a Rolls-Royce Phantom or a Maybach 62 which are both rare occurrences on our local roads.
Interior
If you ever wondered what a first class flight would be like on the road, the LS600hL does a pretty good impression of it on terra firma. Entering into the driver's seat, one is overwhelmed by the amount of adjustability available to obtain that perfect position. The seat cocoons you in some rather expensive bovine hide which are right up there with the Germans when it comes to comfort level.
Ensuring that your bottom is always in the perfect climatic environment, all passenger seats are capable of either keeping it warm or cool with its ventilation system. Like the S-Class, the LS gets a large Optitron display that shows the instruments in extreme clarity in both day and night. Integrated into the display is the Energy Monitor to show when the car is in electric or petrol mode.
Like most of the models in the Lexus fleet, the facelift incorporates a brand new touch screen that integrates all the car's major functions onto a central command screen. Short cut buttons lining both sides of the screen makes it easy to switch between the car's major functions like audio, climate and setup.
Despite the minor updates, the basic attraction of the sedan hasn't changed. At a smidge over 5,000mm, you'll be sure that this Lexus will be the biggest thing on four wheels wherever you turn up. The only car capable of stealing its presence would either be a Rolls-Royce Phantom or a Maybach 62 which are both rare occurrences on our local roads.
Interior
If you ever wondered what a first class flight would be like on the road, the LS600hL does a pretty good impression of it on terra firma. Entering into the driver's seat, one is overwhelmed by the amount of adjustability available to obtain that perfect position. The seat cocoons you in some rather expensive bovine hide which are right up there with the Germans when it comes to comfort level.
Ensuring that your bottom is always in the perfect climatic environment, all passenger seats are capable of either keeping it warm or cool with its ventilation system. Like the S-Class, the LS gets a large Optitron display that shows the instruments in extreme clarity in both day and night. Integrated into the display is the Energy Monitor to show when the car is in electric or petrol mode.
Like most of the models in the Lexus fleet, the facelift incorporates a brand new touch screen that integrates all the car's major functions onto a central command screen. Short cut buttons lining both sides of the screen makes it easy to switch between the car's major functions like audio, climate and setup.
The most impressive feature here though is the Mark Levinson audio system that is an audiophile's wet dream come true. Lexus attempts to envelope the passengers in a wall of speakers by integrating no less than 19-speakers to create a sonic shroud within the cabin.
Sound reproduction is among the very best in this category with faithful frequencies in the entire sonic range. Our test with Sarah McLachlan's 'Angel' showed that the speakers handled the rather high notes with impeccable ease. Most speakers we tested before had difficulty reproducing the high notes clearly without distorting.
The system includes USB connectivity as well as DVD functions to keep you well entertained. On the flagship model, the system includes a rear seat console that comes with a 9 inch LCD screen to keep rear passengers entertained.
In the rear, your passengers get the highest level of comfort with the Ottoman seats that allow them to recline into an almost fully horizontal position. The comfort in the rear doesn't stop there.
Bringing the luxury feel to a whole new level are the integrated massager that offers up a shiatsu massage to loosen your tight muscles at the end of a busy work day. Controls for the audio and climate control are replicated and hidden away in the centre seat backrest that doubles up as an armrest.
Although the rear bench in this model comes with a 3 seater bench, the centre seat does seem a little too cramped to fit an adult especially with legroom compromised by the large transmission tunnel running through the centre.
Sound reproduction is among the very best in this category with faithful frequencies in the entire sonic range. Our test with Sarah McLachlan's 'Angel' showed that the speakers handled the rather high notes with impeccable ease. Most speakers we tested before had difficulty reproducing the high notes clearly without distorting.
The system includes USB connectivity as well as DVD functions to keep you well entertained. On the flagship model, the system includes a rear seat console that comes with a 9 inch LCD screen to keep rear passengers entertained.
In the rear, your passengers get the highest level of comfort with the Ottoman seats that allow them to recline into an almost fully horizontal position. The comfort in the rear doesn't stop there.
Bringing the luxury feel to a whole new level are the integrated massager that offers up a shiatsu massage to loosen your tight muscles at the end of a busy work day. Controls for the audio and climate control are replicated and hidden away in the centre seat backrest that doubles up as an armrest.
Although the rear bench in this model comes with a 3 seater bench, the centre seat does seem a little too cramped to fit an adult especially with legroom compromised by the large transmission tunnel running through the centre.
 |
The Drive
Despite its large size, the LS hides a straightline performance potential that will shame most performance cars on the market. The sedan draws power from its 389bhp 5.0-litre V8 as well as two integrated electric motors that when combined with the V8 brings the power up to a whopping 438bhp.
Torque is also no less impressive at 520Nm. So what does this all mean? With a 0 to 100kmh time of 6.3 seconds the leviathan would embarrass even the iconic Golf GTI's time of 6.9 seconds.
Due to its excellent insulation, the heady performance is effectively muted out by complete silence in the cabin. The instruments are the only indication of the behemoth's brisk pace.
The hybrid system in the Lexus allows the car to move off on electric power alone with the engine only stepping in when needed. The car is also filled with energy recovery systems that charge the battery every time you step on the brakes or lift off the throttle.
Despite its large size, the LS hides a straightline performance potential that will shame most performance cars on the market. The sedan draws power from its 389bhp 5.0-litre V8 as well as two integrated electric motors that when combined with the V8 brings the power up to a whopping 438bhp.
Torque is also no less impressive at 520Nm. So what does this all mean? With a 0 to 100kmh time of 6.3 seconds the leviathan would embarrass even the iconic Golf GTI's time of 6.9 seconds.
Due to its excellent insulation, the heady performance is effectively muted out by complete silence in the cabin. The instruments are the only indication of the behemoth's brisk pace.
The hybrid system in the Lexus allows the car to move off on electric power alone with the engine only stepping in when needed. The car is also filled with energy recovery systems that charge the battery every time you step on the brakes or lift off the throttle.
But when a heavy throttle input is felt, the hybrid system will combine the power from both the V8 and electric motors to give you the full oomph of those 438 ponies under the hood. The car also comes with an Eco mode button that retards the throttle sensitivity and restricts the air conditioning to improve fuel efficiency.
Running on an air suspension setup, the LS is completely unfazed by the bumps on the infamous KPE tunnel. The air suspension allows you to alter between 'Comfort' and 'Sport' though we would recommend the latter option for most occasions as it is adequately soft for our local baby smooth tarmac.
Conclusion
While it might seem a little nuts to pay close to half a million for a Lexus, it's a bargain when you list all the bells and whistles you get. Compared to other flagship models, the LS600hL suddenly seems reasonable. From a performance standpoint, the Lexus fails miserably as a fuel sipping hybrid. But then again, Lexus didn't build this to be a Green Peace champion.
The purpose of this great Lexus is go after the German 12-cylinders and it does a fine job of it.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Running on an air suspension setup, the LS is completely unfazed by the bumps on the infamous KPE tunnel. The air suspension allows you to alter between 'Comfort' and 'Sport' though we would recommend the latter option for most occasions as it is adequately soft for our local baby smooth tarmac.
Conclusion
While it might seem a little nuts to pay close to half a million for a Lexus, it's a bargain when you list all the bells and whistles you get. Compared to other flagship models, the LS600hL suddenly seems reasonable. From a performance standpoint, the Lexus fails miserably as a fuel sipping hybrid. But then again, Lexus didn't build this to be a Green Peace champion.
The purpose of this great Lexus is go after the German 12-cylinders and it does a fine job of it.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
When Lexus launched the LS back in 1989, it was an attempt in breaking into the US market with an affordable luxury sedan that could take on the best that the American auto manufacturers had to offer at the time.
Through the past two decades, Toyota...oops I mean Lexus has continuously updated the model in size and features to compete with each new generation of luxury sedans.
Exterior
The current range topping model you see here is the fourth generation facelifted model that Lexus hopes will one up the S-Class.
The one tested here is the LS600hL model that comes with the longer wheelbase at 3,090mm that takes an already large limousine to gargantuan levels.
Through the past two decades, Toyota...oops I mean Lexus has continuously updated the model in size and features to compete with each new generation of luxury sedans.
Exterior
The current range topping model you see here is the fourth generation facelifted model that Lexus hopes will one up the S-Class.
The one tested here is the LS600hL model that comes with the longer wheelbase at 3,090mm that takes an already large limousine to gargantuan levels.
|
The imposing presence of this limousine gets misrepresented by its understated design that veils its nearly $500,000 price tag (for the Ottoman edition tested here). But as you pull out onto the road, the flagship Lexus dwarfs anything that it shares the tarmac with and grants its occupants the road presence that they so gladly chose it for. A matching automobile for a Yakuza chief.
On the facelift model, Lexus chose to update the exterior discreetly with very minor changes. The headlights are the most obvious with an entirely new cluster that integrates LED lights into its design. The front grille too has undergone a change which has made it more compact and aerodynamic than before. Some changes are also noted at the lower bumper.
|
Though the front have seen some noticeable redesign, Lexus has opted to leave the rear largely unhindered other than for a longer chrome member on the bootlid. The taillights too have undergone some discrete update.
Despite the minor updates, the basic attraction of the sedan hasn't changed. At a smidge over 5,000mm, you'll be sure that this Lexus will be the biggest thing on four wheels wherever you turn up. The only car capable of stealing its presence would either be a Rolls-Royce Phantom or a Maybach 62 which are both rare occurrences on our local roads.
Interior
If you ever wondered what a first class flight would be like on the road, the LS600hL does a pretty good impression of it on terra firma. Entering into the driver's seat, one is overwhelmed by the amount of adjustability available to obtain that perfect position. The seat cocoons you in some rather expensive bovine hide which are right up there with the Germans when it comes to comfort level.
Ensuring that your bottom is always in the perfect climatic environment, all passenger seats are capable of either keeping it warm or cool with its ventilation system. Like the S-Class, the LS gets a large Optitron display that shows the instruments in extreme clarity in both day and night. Integrated into the display is the Energy Monitor to show when the car is in electric or petrol mode.
Like most of the models in the Lexus fleet, the facelift incorporates a brand new touch screen that integrates all the car's major functions onto a central command screen. Short cut buttons lining both sides of the screen makes it easy to switch between the car's major functions like audio, climate and setup.
Despite the minor updates, the basic attraction of the sedan hasn't changed. At a smidge over 5,000mm, you'll be sure that this Lexus will be the biggest thing on four wheels wherever you turn up. The only car capable of stealing its presence would either be a Rolls-Royce Phantom or a Maybach 62 which are both rare occurrences on our local roads.
Interior
If you ever wondered what a first class flight would be like on the road, the LS600hL does a pretty good impression of it on terra firma. Entering into the driver's seat, one is overwhelmed by the amount of adjustability available to obtain that perfect position. The seat cocoons you in some rather expensive bovine hide which are right up there with the Germans when it comes to comfort level.
Ensuring that your bottom is always in the perfect climatic environment, all passenger seats are capable of either keeping it warm or cool with its ventilation system. Like the S-Class, the LS gets a large Optitron display that shows the instruments in extreme clarity in both day and night. Integrated into the display is the Energy Monitor to show when the car is in electric or petrol mode.
Like most of the models in the Lexus fleet, the facelift incorporates a brand new touch screen that integrates all the car's major functions onto a central command screen. Short cut buttons lining both sides of the screen makes it easy to switch between the car's major functions like audio, climate and setup.
The most impressive feature here though is the Mark Levinson audio system that is an audiophile's wet dream come true. Lexus attempts to envelope the passengers in a wall of speakers by integrating no less than 19-speakers to create a sonic shroud within the cabin.
Sound reproduction is among the very best in this category with faithful frequencies in the entire sonic range. Our test with Sarah McLachlan's 'Angel' showed that the speakers handled the rather high notes with impeccable ease. Most speakers we tested before had difficulty reproducing the high notes clearly without distorting.
The system includes USB connectivity as well as DVD functions to keep you well entertained. On the flagship model, the system includes a rear seat console that comes with a 9 inch LCD screen to keep rear passengers entertained.
In the rear, your passengers get the highest level of comfort with the Ottoman seats that allow them to recline into an almost fully horizontal position. The comfort in the rear doesn't stop there.
Bringing the luxury feel to a whole new level are the integrated massager that offers up a shiatsu massage to loosen your tight muscles at the end of a busy work day. Controls for the audio and climate control are replicated and hidden away in the centre seat backrest that doubles up as an armrest.
Although the rear bench in this model comes with a 3 seater bench, the centre seat does seem a little too cramped to fit an adult especially with legroom compromised by the large transmission tunnel running through the centre.
Sound reproduction is among the very best in this category with faithful frequencies in the entire sonic range. Our test with Sarah McLachlan's 'Angel' showed that the speakers handled the rather high notes with impeccable ease. Most speakers we tested before had difficulty reproducing the high notes clearly without distorting.
The system includes USB connectivity as well as DVD functions to keep you well entertained. On the flagship model, the system includes a rear seat console that comes with a 9 inch LCD screen to keep rear passengers entertained.
In the rear, your passengers get the highest level of comfort with the Ottoman seats that allow them to recline into an almost fully horizontal position. The comfort in the rear doesn't stop there.
Bringing the luxury feel to a whole new level are the integrated massager that offers up a shiatsu massage to loosen your tight muscles at the end of a busy work day. Controls for the audio and climate control are replicated and hidden away in the centre seat backrest that doubles up as an armrest.
Although the rear bench in this model comes with a 3 seater bench, the centre seat does seem a little too cramped to fit an adult especially with legroom compromised by the large transmission tunnel running through the centre.
|
The Drive
Despite its large size, the LS hides a straightline performance potential that will shame most performance cars on the market. The sedan draws power from its 389bhp 5.0-litre V8 as well as two integrated electric motors that when combined with the V8 brings the power up to a whopping 438bhp.
Torque is also no less impressive at 520Nm. So what does this all mean? With a 0 to 100kmh time of 6.3 seconds the leviathan would embarrass even the iconic Golf GTI's time of 6.9 seconds.
Due to its excellent insulation, the heady performance is effectively muted out by complete silence in the cabin. The instruments are the only indication of the behemoth's brisk pace.
The hybrid system in the Lexus allows the car to move off on electric power alone with the engine only stepping in when needed. The car is also filled with energy recovery systems that charge the battery every time you step on the brakes or lift off the throttle.
Despite its large size, the LS hides a straightline performance potential that will shame most performance cars on the market. The sedan draws power from its 389bhp 5.0-litre V8 as well as two integrated electric motors that when combined with the V8 brings the power up to a whopping 438bhp.
Torque is also no less impressive at 520Nm. So what does this all mean? With a 0 to 100kmh time of 6.3 seconds the leviathan would embarrass even the iconic Golf GTI's time of 6.9 seconds.
Due to its excellent insulation, the heady performance is effectively muted out by complete silence in the cabin. The instruments are the only indication of the behemoth's brisk pace.
The hybrid system in the Lexus allows the car to move off on electric power alone with the engine only stepping in when needed. The car is also filled with energy recovery systems that charge the battery every time you step on the brakes or lift off the throttle.
But when a heavy throttle input is felt, the hybrid system will combine the power from both the V8 and electric motors to give you the full oomph of those 438 ponies under the hood. The car also comes with an Eco mode button that retards the throttle sensitivity and restricts the air conditioning to improve fuel efficiency.
Running on an air suspension setup, the LS is completely unfazed by the bumps on the infamous KPE tunnel. The air suspension allows you to alter between 'Comfort' and 'Sport' though we would recommend the latter option for most occasions as it is adequately soft for our local baby smooth tarmac.
Conclusion
While it might seem a little nuts to pay close to half a million for a Lexus, it's a bargain when you list all the bells and whistles you get. Compared to other flagship models, the LS600hL suddenly seems reasonable. From a performance standpoint, the Lexus fails miserably as a fuel sipping hybrid. But then again, Lexus didn't build this to be a Green Peace champion.
The purpose of this great Lexus is go after the German 12-cylinders and it does a fine job of it.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Running on an air suspension setup, the LS is completely unfazed by the bumps on the infamous KPE tunnel. The air suspension allows you to alter between 'Comfort' and 'Sport' though we would recommend the latter option for most occasions as it is adequately soft for our local baby smooth tarmac.
Conclusion
While it might seem a little nuts to pay close to half a million for a Lexus, it's a bargain when you list all the bells and whistles you get. Compared to other flagship models, the LS600hL suddenly seems reasonable. From a performance standpoint, the Lexus fails miserably as a fuel sipping hybrid. But then again, Lexus didn't build this to be a Green Peace champion.
The purpose of this great Lexus is go after the German 12-cylinders and it does a fine job of it.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Car Information
Lexus LS600hL Hybrid 5.0 (A)
CAT B|Petrol-Electric|10.8km/L
Horsepower
290kW (389 bhp)
Torque
520 Nm
Acceleration
5.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Lexus LS600hL Hybrid
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