Move up to the top of the Lexus ladder of luxury liveries to find the car that starting the ball (and tires) rolling, the full-sized Lexus LS sedan.
Always V-8 powered, LS was one of the first vehicles launched by Toyota Motor Company's fledgling Lexus division back in 1989. Fast forward to the 2013 model year where the flagship sedan undergoes a next-generation makeover. In fact, all three Lexus' smooth riding sedans (entry-luxury ES, mid-level GS and LS) all receive extensive refreshes in 2013 and offer optional gas-electric hybrid powertrains.
A total of four 2013 LS versions are available: the LS 460, an extended-length LS 460L, a high-performance and all-new-for 2013 LS 460 F Sport edition and this week's tester, a gas-electric hybrid incarnation, the LS 600hL. Rear-wheel or optional all-wheel drive are available in LS 460 and 460L. Full-time, all-wheel drive is standard in the hybrid model. The hybrid incarnation joined the team in the 2008 model year.
With 8,345 LS units sold (including hybrids) in the U.S. last year, the flagship sedan accounted for a relatively small number (less than 4 percent) of sales. Total Lexus U.S. sales in 2012 reached 224,166. Lexus and Toyota remain the undisputed sales leader in gas-electric hybrid technology wrapped around a first-rate reliability factor.
As the hybrid's 'L' designation indicates, only an extended length body style is available. Not a bad call since the extra bulk is put to good use housing the nickel-metal hydride battery pack located between the second row backrests and trunk. This self-charging hybrid design needs NO nightly wall socket plug-in. The streeeeetched length adds approximately five inches front to back. Plenty of limousine-like room exists inside to extend and cross legs comfortably, but the 13.0 cubic feet of cargo room is five cubic feet less than an extended-length LS 460L (and rear seat backs don't fold down).
For those seeking opulence wrapped around gas-electric hybrid technology, look no further. The LS 600hL gets draped in standard features including 12.3-inch in-dash navigation split screen, cross traffic alert and heated/ventilated leather seating surfaces. With a starting price well ensconced in the six-figure neighborhood, one would expect as much.
The extra down payment contributes to a more fuel friendly power plant, although miles away from the figures posted by its pedestrian third-cousin twice removed, the Toyota Prius. With dueling engine technologies, performance nuances including passing punch and peppy acceleration are notable in this vehicle weighing north of 5,000 pounds. It's not a harsh, ground-gripping sporty ride, but elegant, whisper-quite experience with a suspension beating back road imperfections and abnormalities. At extended stops, the gas engine cycles off line to save fuel adding to the sounds of silence.
Estimated fuel miles of 19 mpg city and 23 highway rate not far from all-wheel-drive, extended-length gas-powered LS 460L numbers of 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Premium 91 octane fuel is recommended for the relatively large, 22.2-gallon tank.
A select few options are on hand for those wishing to go the extra mile. Factory options include two different versions (base or advanced) of a pre-collision warning system) while an Executive Package consisting of four-zone climate control, rear-seat audio controls, rear-seat side airbags and rear-seat entertainment system with nine-inch screen and Blu-ray DVD player.
One base trim and few option packages simplify the purchasing process, but bring along a well-padded checkbook. Starting price checks in at eye-popping $119,910. Our tester added two option packages for good measure: a $6,500 advanced pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection and all-speed radar control and $7,335 executive-class seating package for a bottom line of $135,029 with added cargo net, trunk mat and $895 destination charge. A 2013 rear-drive, standard-length LS 460 with gasoline-exclusive engine starts at $ 71,990.
Soft, pillow-like padding adorn dash and doors, trimmed with elegant white stitching. Both front doors include a power button raising and lowering the B-pillar-bound lap-belt height, benefiting riders of all statures. A redesigned flat instrument panel features two three-quarter-circled analog gauges with white backlighting, each flanked outboard by small quarter-sized gauges. Replacing the traditional left-side tachometer is a hybrid-centric eco-charge-power gauge. A center region includes schematics with animated feedback from the hybrid system. In the middle of the narrow dash resides an elegant, illuminated analog clock.
As with the redesigned Lexus ES and GS sedans, LS incorporates a second-generation 'remote touch interface.' A one-inch by one-and-a-half inch slightly elevated wiggle pad between the front buckets tilts sideways and depresses down, offering option selections through the colorful center-mounted in-dash screen. A rearward arched cushion acts as a rest area easing right-hand wrist fatigue. Helping speed along the process are often-used 'map' and 'menu' buttons directly ahead of the wiggle pad also reachable via fingertips. While this overview may seem complex, with minimal practice it's relatively intuitive.
While functions like climate and audio tweaks may be commanded through the multi-information screen, operators wisely have the option of using dashboard knobs and dials to monitor these necessities. Nearby, are three on-command drive mode choices adjusting suspension firmness: Normal, Sport and Eco, all operated via a push or twist of circular dial.
Our tester included the optional Executive Class seating package, reducing the number of seat positions to four. The tradeoff is a mobile row two 'Man Cave' adding nine-inch movie screen, foot ottoman, center writing table and headphones.
While exterior and interior nuances receive updates, the hybrid powertrain and horsepower remain largely a carryover from 2012. A 5.0-liter, 389 horsepower V-8 engine operates in tandem with two electric motors: one acting as a generator with the other driving the wheels. Combined horsepower reaches an impressive 438. The system also takes advantage of regenerative braking, recapturing electrical energy back to the battery and the "pause" mode at prolonged stops. It's all connected to an electronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatically sequencing optimum gear ratios (rather than five or six planetary forward gears) with no manual shifting or foot clutch needed.
Between front bucket seats are three power buttons raising and lowering power sunshades for rear side and back window(s). Twist knobs controlling heated front seats are adjacent. The power driver's seat is conveniently controlled from this region as well. The storage bin's top slides back, then opening to reveal iPod and USB ports. The electronic parking brake button is to the right of the power-tilt-and-telescope heated steering wheel (with inlaid wood nuances) near the push-button start/stop button.
The most prominent, exterior, visual update resides up front with the new 'spindle' grille, best described as a truncated hourglass. Dual exhaust comes standard and the elongated silhouette incorporates narrow side windows and long side panels. Narrow tail light housing joins band-like head light housing up front. All-season tires get wrapped around 19-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels.
This Lexus flagship resides in a universe all its own. First-rate craftsmanship with attention to detail abounds. However, the price premium for hybrid technology is hard to justify with minimal fuel improvement in return. Other rivals have incorporated 'cylinder deactivation' in select V-8s to tweak up highway fuel economy by temporarily off-lining four cylinders at cruising speeds; something LS may consider down the road. But...if money is no object... go for it.
At a Glance
2013 LS 600hL
Price as tested: $135,029
Engine: 4.6-liter V-8
Total System Horsepower: 438
Wheelbase: 121.7 inches
Overall Length: 205 inches
Overall Width: 73.8 inches
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city/ 23 mpg highway
Curb weight: 5,202 pounds
Hybrid powertrain warranty: 70,000 miles/72 months
Built: Japan
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