2009 Lexus LS600h L Review | Buyer Guide
Luxury and Low Emissions
If you’re a person who wants V-12-type power in your luxury sedan, but low tailpipe emissions as well, Lexus has a car for you. That is if you have 100 grand to spend. The car is the LS 600h L. It’s the hybrid version of the full-size Lexus LS 460 L—the stretched model.
The 600h L is a full hybrid, which means that it can run on electric power alone for short distances. It comes with a 5-0 liter V-8, with 389 horsepower, and two electric motors (plus a battery pack) that give it the equivalent of 438 horses. All this power is routed through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to drive all four wheels. The 600h L has a “power” mode, which when activated, enables it to rocket up to 60 in 5.5 seconds.
Yet, this car qualifies for a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) rating. Lexus says that the 600h L emits 70-percent fewer pollutants than the cleanest cars that it competes with. However, its gas mileage is not remarkable. It gets 20-City/22-hwy compared to 18/24 for the gas powered LS 460 L.
The first I noticed about the 600h L is that it is really a big car. It stretches nearly 17-feet in length. It has an imposing nose, highlighted by multi-projector headlamps. It rides on huge 19-inch wheels and tires. Yet, it features clean flowing lines, and does not appear bulky.
The interior of the 600h L is understated. Traditional wood trim highlights the dash, doors, console and steering wheel. The audio, air conditioning and navigation systems are operated by voice activation or touch-screen. Lexus does not use an electronic master controller on the LS models, but rather numerous buttons to operate the various systems. Once you know where things are, they’re easy to use.
The hybrid LS comes only in the stretch model, which is five inches longer than standard. Rear passengers get the benefit from the added length. Accommodations in the back are limo-like—there’s tons of legroom. Ironically, the trunk space is limited, due to the battery pack.
The optional Premium Luxury package provides power rear seats, a DVD entertainment system, power window shades and controls for the Mark Levinson sound system. If you want even more, you can order the Executive Class Seating, which includes a rear console, and a reclining seat with a massage feature.
Additional luxury and high-tech features include a keyless ignition and entry system, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats, and a voice-activated navigation unit. Also available is an optional pre-collision safety system with dynamic cruise control and the Lexus Advanced Parking Guidance system, which will park your car for you.
But to my mind, the best feature of all in the 600h is the driving experience. This car is whisper quiet, and delivers an ultra smooth ride. Lexus equips it with an air spring suspension with three different settings. The driver can select Comfort, Normal or Sport, to suit various driving situations. I found the normal setting provided a good balance between ride and handling.
However, all the luxury and high technology comes at a substantial cost. The LS 600h L has a base price of $106,710.
Snapshot Review
Power and Low Emissions
Whisper Quiet
Ultra Smooth Ride
Very High Price
