Nineteen years ago, Toyota launched its luxury Lexus division in the United States. The idea was to create an upscale line of automobiles to battle the posh brands of the day from the U.S. and Europe including Cadillac, Lincoln, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Success followed quickly and soon, Lexus established itself as the best-selling Japanese brand of luxury automobiles in the United States. Lexus then decided to follow in the foot steps of its parent company Toyota and go green. It set out to build a gas-electric hybrid vehicles worthy of the Lexus badge. In the 2008 model year, the gas-electric LS 600h L was introduced based on the automakers most luxurious, sedan, the LS 460. The ultra-luxurious LS features three distinct models in 2008: the regular wheel base LS 460, the long wheel base LS 460 L and the gas-electric hybrid long wheel base LS 600h L. Standard wheel base is 116.9 inches while the "long' wheel base stretches to 121.7 inches. The Japan-built LS 600h L is based on the fourth-generation LS sedan which has been part of the Lexus portfolio since the beginning.
The "long" (L) is evident; legroom usually reserved for limousines is part the LS 600h L DNA. Crossing legs is no problem in back where three adults fit nicely comfortably. Asian brands are not normally associated with 'full-size' comfort, but this long wheelbase LS 600h L is about as close as the Asian Imports get to a true full-size comfort.
The "600" number is derived from the claim that this hybrid Lexus provides the same horsepower of a gas-exclusive 6.0-liter (thus, the 600 reference), 12 cylinder engine, although under the LS 600h hood is a 5.0-liter V-8. Lexus mates their 5.0-liter, 32-valve double overhead cam V-8 engine with two electric motors for a combined horsepower of 438. Of that, 389 comes from the gas-powered V-8 and 221 from two electric motors. Simple math tells us 389 plus 221 equals 610, not 438, so just think of this as "lots of power" no mater how numbers are derived. This hybrid system also uses a 288-volt DC nickel metal hydride battery pack stored behind the rear seat to help power the electric motors. In addition, a 12-volt battery is found in the trunk to power audio, navigation and other smaller electrical systems.
When idling at a red light, the gas engine shuts off to conserve fuel. When depressing the gas pedal, the electric motors get the vehicle moving to approximately 6 mph when the gasoline engine takes over. Lexus opts for an electronically-controlled, continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seamless shifts between infinite ranges rather than a traditional 5-speed automatic transmission. The quiet CVT system also helps improve fuel economy.
The LS 600h L mechanical, full-time, all-wheel-drive system is different than what's found in the Lexus RX hybrid crossover (the first Lexus gas-electric hybrid). The RX system uses a hybrid front, electric rear combination in its full-time all-wheel-drive system.
This low-volume, five-seat, all-wheel-drive sedan is not for everyone; especially those on a limited fixed income. Starting price is $104,000 (before adding the $765 destination charge) and Lexus offers a couple luxury package options boosting the bottom line a bit higher. Our test model, with just about every nuance available including a Premium Luxury package (power heated-cooled rear seats, rear entertainment system, rear seat side airbags: $7,570); radar cruise control, $2,850; floor mates, $265 and a cargo net and wheel locks, $227 all of which brought the price to $115,677.
Keep in mind not all gas-electric hybrids are created equal. While the four-cylinder Toyota's Prius boasts combined city and highway mileage in the 45 mpg plus range, the eight-cylinder LS 600h L takes a different approach. Prius does not generate 438 horsepower as the new Lexus hybrid does. The LS 600h L combines optimal power from a conventional eight-cylinder engine with lower emissions and more city miles per gallon than competitors. Fuel estimates for the LS 600h L are 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. It's targeted to luxury buyers who want to do their part to 'go green.'
The gas engine is used primarily during 'normal' driving conditions. During this time, the electric motors help recharge the hybrid battery, located behind the rear seat back. The electric motors also help recharge the hybrid battery during braking situations. Low-end torque gets a boost from the electric motors enabling the LS 600h to hall from a standing start.
Inside, this high-tech car has relatively easy controls to interpret in a glance; a claim not always true with some luxury sedans from Germany. The center console's "Y" design includes air vents and digital clock along the top (although an analog clock would add another touch of class) with the standard navigation/sound system and a square screen below. This screen also features a backup camera when the transmission is in reverse so drivers can see what's behind. Trunk and fuel release levers are near the underside of the left-side dashboard, not on the floor; a nice touch. The upper and lower panels are leather trimmed as are the seats.
Door panels and the dashboard are leather covered as are the heated and cooled front bucket seats. The wide, backlit instrument panel is pleasant to view at a quick glance. The only 'hybrid' addition is a small left corner gauge with a needle pointing to one of three modes: economy, power and charging.
Once behind the heated steering wheel, the engine "turns on" with the push of a dashboard button. A traditional ignition key is not needed, but a key fob must be in a pocket or purse and the brake pedal pushed for the engine to kick on. Don't expect to hear a great rumble when starting the engine. Look to the instrument panel and watch the dashboard come to life. Electric motors kicks on first with eerie silence. It takes some getting use to.
The steering wheel is a combination of wood and soft leather, but only the leather portion gets heated. Wood trim extends to the doors. Front map pockets fan out when needed for extra storage room. The glove box is average sized. In between the comfortable front bucket seats are the automatic transmission shifter, inline dual beverage holder and a toggle switch for choosing two suspension choices: sport or comfort.
Trunk dimensions are small and there is no pass-through window from the back seat since the large batteries are stored behind the stationary rear seat back. The trunk lid is power operated. A push pad near the license plate holder opens the lid in a power fashion while a push pad inside the lid near a cupped grab area lowers the lid.
Exterior styling remains a "Lexus conservative." Chrome platted, strap-like handles add a touch of elegance. While the Toyota Prius is recognizable as a hybrid, this Lexus does not boast its hybrid pride loudly. In fact, the only exterior clues are the word 'hybrid' along the bottom chrome piping of the front doors.
The all-wheel drive is a nice feature in the Chicago area in winter when we tested the vehicle, handling the snow and ice elements admirably. When running down the highway, it's tough to tell this is a hybrid since performance and ease of use are as seamless as a traditional, internal combustion engine.
Toyota Motor Corp. sold over a million hybrid vehicles world wide by mid 2007. More than half those sales came in the United States. The Toyota Prius, the world's best-selling gas-electric hybrid, became available for sale in the United States in 2000. |