MSN UK's First Drive of the Lexus LS600hL

XeroK00L submitted on 04/24/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 4:15 PM
from: cars.uk.msn.com

Tags: lexus ls600h ls600hl ls test drive review

lexus ls600h ls600hl ls test drive review

MSN UK's First Drive of the Lexus LS600hL

Hybrid cars have, until now, largely been sold on the environmental ticket. But, despite the statutory numbers for economy and C02, the LS600h only looks good when compared with other luxury cars, and not in absolute terms. If that is enough to salve the conscience, then you will not find a better blend of sheer luxury, high performance and cleanliness for your money. Read Article

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SupraNeverBack - 4/24/2007 4:44:41 PM

+1 Boost

"The driving dimension

Technically the big deal is that the hybrid LS has four-wheel drive in place of the rear-wheel drive of the LS460. But equally significant are, on the standard wheelbase cars, the optional active anti-roll bars that tighten up the cornering behaviour. The big Lexus already has a sophisticated air suspension package that adapts to the driving conditions but this extra step manages to make the LS significantly more agile in its behaviour than before. Factor in the additional urge that the electric motor provides and the 600h really does perform like something in a different league.

It is also uncannily quiet, so quite that a high-speed cruise on the German autobahn is totally relaxing. With such performance potential, though, it is a good job that the Lexus is stuffed with safety features, including one that monitors you eyes and face and beeps if you are not paying attention. There is also ‘Rear Pre-Crash Safety’ which detects a vehicle running into the rear and moves the headrests forward to minimise whiplash. A downside of all this technology is that luggage space in the boot is simply inadequate for a luxury car."

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SupraNeverBack - 4/24/2007 4:46:34 PM

-1 Boost

The 600h really does perform like something in a different league... I knew that.

The biggest complain is the trunk volume... I knew that too. ^0^

mitchatlexusofmarin - 4/24/2007 11:53:12 PM

+1 Boost

I am here in Newport Beach and drove the 600 all day. The FULL LEATHER interior makes all the difference in the world. The power is massive and the steering feel is extremely tight with the all new steering system. I was also driven around Newport while having the back seat massage- wow.

mitchatlexusofmarin - 4/25/2007 7:19:17 PM

+2 Boost

Me? Are you nuts?

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david999 - 4/24/2007 4:49:54 PM

-4 Boost

"you will not find a better blend of sheer luxury, high performance and cleanliness for your money."

What else is there to say. Another fair review.

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enthusiastx11 - 4/24/2007 9:20:58 PM

+4 Boost

"But, despite the statutory numbers for economy and C02, the LS600h only looks good when compared with other luxury cars, and not in absolute terms."

so it's a fraud as a hybrid. and doesn't compare to other luxury cars in absolute terms.

another fair review. agreed.

spiceace - 4/24/2007 4:50:08 PM

-1 Boost

Niceeee. I like it.

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EliteRanger - 4/24/2007 4:58:28 PM

+5 Boost

As much as i admire the vehicle for what it is...it just won't beable to compete with the likes of MB, Audi and BMW in Europe, especially in the U.K.

The big 3 have the market over here in the categories of expensive cars. Someone close to me considered buying one, I don't even think there's a waiting list at my local dealer from what was said...I think people see the Bentley garage next door and wonder over there instead.

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I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 4/24/2007 5:06:30 PM

+3 Boost

And once they are informed of the Bentley Flying Spur's 130,000 Starting Price, they wander very quickly back to the Lexus Buildings ;-)

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GX470guy - 4/24/2007 5:13:33 PM

+2 Boost

Ahem, it's $160K. Maybe £130K in the UK?

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 4/24/2007 5:33:58 PM

+3 Boost

The 130,000 in my post was in GBP.

Thats the starting price for the Flying Spur in the UK

GX470guy - 4/24/2007 5:15:03 PM

-6 Boost

This looks beautiful!!!! It sure blows any R-R Phantom out of the water- JC said so himself. The white color is just so beautifulsexy. NOBODY should drive any KRAUTmobile when you can have Reliability and Quality and LED headlights in this sexygorgeous new LEXUS!

Mmm... Lexus...

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Willis - 4/24/2007 5:48:36 PM

+2 Boost

Kraut?

My ancestors were German, I take offence to that. Agent001, ban this clown.

Lexus1Lexus1Lexus1 - 4/24/2007 5:49:24 PM

-4 Boost

You preach that man!
That is one BEAUTIFUL piece of 'love'. I have, now, SIX of them in my garage in Pacific Palisades, CA. I have more than anybody on my street.
Lexus is the best, Lexus, Lexus Lexus. Quality & Reliability.
Lexus, Lexus Quality & Reliability
Lexus I love you Lexus.
-----
I pledge my love to Lexus. ---Quality & Reliability

GX470guy - 4/24/2007 8:01:37 PM

0 Boost

So true, brother! We should start a TRUE Reliability and Quality Lexus Club of America!!!!!!! TRQLCA members, unite!!!!!!

Mmm... Lexus...

Will_ - 4/24/2007 11:32:12 PM

-3 Boost

Willis complaining about "kraut" yet he sits by and does nothing when the equally as offensive term "rice" is used.

TheSailor - 4/27/2007 3:53:40 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Ohh relax a little! Some of you people are so uptight! So what if he said kraut? How can you people take offence of that?! It's just some silly kid trying to tick off a few people... I wouldn't give a damn if somebody made fun of me being danish... It is what we do, and I know enough germans to know that they would mean the same as me! So please! If you are offended by that, be glad you don't live in scandinavia, because you guys would be offended constantly then!

Lexus1Lexus1Lexus1 - 4/24/2007 5:52:02 PM

-3 Boost

Leeeeeeeeeeexxxxxxxxxxxxxuuuuuuuuuusssssssssss
--
I pledge my love to Lexus. ---Quality & Reliability

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Rupert - 4/24/2007 6:00:46 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

This is like Tom Cruise and that sofa, but with a retard and the internet.

"I'm in love with my 6 (???!!!) Lexuses! Wooo meee! I'm so stuck in the closet I'm finding Christmas presents! Woooo!"

Lexus1Lexus1Lexus1 - 4/24/2007 6:03:39 PM

-2 Boost

Yes Rupert, I have six Lexuses. All of them are red.
--
I pledge my love to Lexus. ---Quality & Reliability

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GX470guy - 4/24/2007 8:04:03 PM

-2 Boost

Quality and Reliability are all that matter in a car. And LEXUS obviously leads there!!!! ahahahahhaehehhehehahah!!!!!!!! LEXUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lexus world domination the lexusssss godss will take over the world in two months!

I have EIGHT Lexuses.... two silver RX400h's, two silver GS450h's, two silver LS600hL's and a red GX470, blue GX470 and white GX470! WHOOPS, THAT'S NINE LEXUSES!

Mmm... Lexus...

LexusNumberOne4ever - 4/24/2007 11:17:37 PM

-3 Boost

Let's create a Brotherhood of Lexus.

Crap rules.

Reliability is everything.

Driving fun is for dorks.

EL34 - 4/24/2007 11:32:39 PM

-1 Boost

GX470guy, you keep building them models!

Willis - 4/24/2007 6:03:52 PM

0 Boost

Autospies has really gone down the toilet. All these Lexus fanboys are just totally ruining this site. The sad thing is that there seem to be no German fanboys around anymore. It's all Lexus...

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Lexus1Lexus1Lexus1 - 4/24/2007 6:13:59 PM

-1 Boost

I don't like German cars.

Willis - 4/24/2007 6:14:25 PM

-2 Boost

Why?

izfuney - 4/24/2007 6:55:00 PM

+4 Boost

Hey common .. after the onslaught of BMW M3 articles where every post by the Euro crowd was simply free advertising for BMW ... this is a bit of the opposite stick.
Somehow in its diversity of people. opinions, maturity levels... there is a wierd balance that is achieved...if its for the lowest common denominator...

Think of this site as the automotive forum equivalent of the Jerry Springer Show. You cant believe that you are taking part .. but you just cant look away ... hahaha .

GX470guy - 4/24/2007 8:06:17 PM

-2 Boost

We are not RUINING autospies. We are ENLIGHTENING autospies. Our LEXUS cars are so much better than your crappy GERMAN crap! What's a Volkswagen?

Lexus1Lexus1Lexus1, you'll back me on this, right, brother?

Mmm... Lexus...

2JZSoarer - 4/24/2007 10:17:48 PM

-4 Boost

Hey I'm a true Lexus fan,but you don't see me typing this dumb crap,pay no attention to these fake Lexus fans!!

Agent63 - 4/25/2007 10:52:49 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Ever wonder how many people don't like you? nevermind what you don't like. LOL

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Rupert - 4/24/2007 6:07:41 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

"0-62mph (secs) 6.3 "

That's slow. And those are the official figures.

However, congratulations Lexus on Co2 emissions of 219g/km. Commendably low, and not in the highest tax bracket for the UK.
However, the price. Starts at 85000 GBP, about 170000 US$. The LWB is starting at 90000 GBP. Way too expensive, only undercuts the S600 by 15000 GBP and is the same price as the A8W12 and 760.

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GX470guy - 4/24/2007 8:08:47 PM

-1 Boost

Lexus RULES!!! Although XeroK00L's logic is probably flawed, the LEXUS GODS will come and fix it for us!!! Let us pray to the Lexus gods: oh might GODS of lexury, I pray to you now- RELIABILITYQUALITYRELIABILITYQUALITYRELIABILITYQUALITYRELIABILITYQUALITYRELIABILITYQUALITYRELIABILITYQUALITYRELIABILITYQUALITYRELIABILITYQUALITY

LED. EIGHT-SPEED. PARKS ITSELF. RELIABILITYQUALITYRELIABILITYQUALITYRELIABILITYQUALITYRELIABILITYQUALITYRELIABILITYQUALITYRELIABILITYQUALITYRELIABILITYQUALITYRELIABILITYQUALITY.

Mmm... Lexus...

GX470guy - 4/24/2007 10:45:14 PM

-1 Boost

Ever thought I wasn't sincere? lol...

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Rupert - 4/25/2007 1:30:22 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

xerokool, the 750 is a 4.8 litre V8. The 760 is a V12 and it does 0-sixty TWO (how we measure in UK) in 5.5. The Lexus officially does 0-62 in 6.3.

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TheSailor - 4/27/2007 4:00:54 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

XeroKOOL, so what you are saying is that they are incomparable?! Then why are you comparing an AWD Lexus to the RWD BMW?! What you are saying is that the IS-F and the RS4 or the RS4 and the M3 can't be compared.
Everything in the same segment is fair game! Had he said that it was slow compared to the rumored GT-F, you could have made your arguments, but if anything, an AWD car should be faster to 60 because of better grip! The better grip should easily counter the added weight of an AWD system, especially when it packs more power... But the hybrid system is just too heavy.
This car makes no sence! It is basically an extra expensive LS460 with a new set of head lights and some cow skin on the dashboard! They deliver similar performance (Actually the expensive one is slower)... I can't wait to see how many deposits are actually put down now that the figures shows up! My guess is that the list you all talk about (sold out for two years) will shrink quite a bit now!

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Lexus1Lexus1Lexus1 - 4/24/2007 7:14:00 PM

+3 Boost

The Quality and Reliability of LEXUS beats BMW and Mercedes-Benz every day.
--
I pledge my love to Lexus. ---Quality & Reliability

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GX470guy - 4/24/2007 8:10:39 PM

0 Boost

Your posts will please the LEXUS GODS! In my SEXYSC430, i beet a 1,000hp bugatti VEYRON from a light the other day!!!!! LEXUS probably underestimates the horsepower of the SEXYSC430-- it must be something like 3,500hp!!!!!!!!!!

Mmm... Lexus...

EL34 - 4/24/2007 7:17:01 PM

-2 Boost

I was behind a brand new Bentley GT today and in the next lane was a Lexus LS460L and the Lexus looked like a Camry next to the Bentley.

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answer - 4/24/2007 7:27:08 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Once I made a hat with a lobster and a stick.

EL34 - 4/24/2007 8:42:03 PM

+1 Boost

I was driving on Culver Drive on the west side of the 405 freeway going to one of my listings in Irvine when I was behind the Bentley and Lexus.

The Lexus looked tiny and insignificant and the Bentley looked incredible.

EL34 - 4/24/2007 8:42:56 PM

+1 Boost

Past the 405 freeway.

In Irvine.

Designer1 - 4/24/2007 7:28:31 PM

-2 Boost

Huh, I thought the LS600 hybrid came only with the long body, this is a short body h.

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silent_power - 4/24/2007 7:48:25 PM

+2 Boost

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2006-new-york-auto-show-lexus-cga.htm

LS460 is a full second slower than LS600h...and yet it gets same mpg...
And this is a comment of the team that designed both cars.

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gsh23 - 4/24/2007 7:49:22 PM

+4 Boost

THIS....IS....LEXUUUUUS!

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SupraNeverBack - 4/24/2007 8:13:33 PM

+2 Boost

0-60 official time is 5.5s. According to someone mentioned in the other thread, C&D did it in 5.4s.

You have to know at zero speed, the engine is shut off in LS600hL. So power braking lunch doesn't apply to hybrid. Once it moves, the strong passing power is where hybrid shines as indicated by C&D 50-70 test in 3.1s!

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Lexus - 4/24/2007 9:20:36 PM

-2 Boost

The Lexus LS460/LS600hl beauty is just absolutely stunning. I have many of this baby where I live in OC, they definitely got road present. Everyone was looking at this baby when it was on the street Huntington and Newport beach. What a beauty................

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GX470guy - 4/24/2007 10:43:41 PM

0 Boost

yes, road present a-plenty!!! it is the best car in world! hahahahahahahhahaahhhahahhahahah!!!!!!!

Mmm... Lexus...

huu76 - 4/24/2007 11:18:11 PM

-1 Boost

enthusiast,
Yes, the LS600h-L is good compared to V12s (the cars its competing against).

Why do you keep avoiding the German V12s? What are you hiding from? Instead, you keep on using a Lexus V8. The 0-60 times are comparable because both cars have nearly equal power to weight ratios.

The advantage is even more technology, and a car that will give the >>>German V12<<< cars fits.

Haha, the smart German fans moved onto another website that still regard "magic feel" and prestige as superceding everything that shows they've gone downhill.
The dim ones have stuck around claiming German cars are better because the new Lexus LSh-L is matched by another Lexus.

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Will_ - 4/24/2007 11:36:07 PM

-2 Boost

"The dim ones have stuck around claiming German cars are better because the new Lexus LSh-L is matched by another Lexus."

I would more or less agree with this statement.

Why is it so horrible that the LS600hL may "match" the LS460L? Yet it's in no way horrible that the V12 counterparts of the S550 and 750i get way worse fuel economy and emissions?

TruenoAE86 - 4/26/2007 8:07:39 PM

+2 Boost

Right, he never uses his heart. He's just here to rationalise every single lexus/toyota marketing moves and every single lexus/toyota design. You never see him sincerely criticise his beloved car company.

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EL34 - 4/24/2007 11:31:34 PM

-1 Boost

The prolly with the Lexus is it looks more like a motorcycle than an Automobile.

Nuff said, I'm out of here...

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EliteRanger - 4/25/2007 4:53:54 AM

+1 Boost

Also, i was referring to a second hand Bentley Flying Spur that can be had, but in immaculate condition for around £90000.

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MunichRob - 4/25/2007 4:57:37 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

This blog is a classic example of how Lexus trolls like to discuss cars...Mindless hyping up of their favourite brand.

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cdhzhp - 4/25/2007 10:08:54 AM

+2 Boost

Oh gosh, I cant wait to see the LED Headlights. That is really exciting. That and the fact that Tattoo couldn't fit in the trunk.

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Agent63 - 4/25/2007 11:02:48 AMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Offers well at a more affordable price than it's rivals.. I think the main selling point for Lexus is their lower cost compared to its competitors. That's why value for money is big in the US Market.

What you pay for is what you get. Reliable, Quality, a comfortable quiet ride, and a little prestige as well. Mind you it is no European prestige but it's Japan's version of what prestige is to them.

I personally prefer European prestige especially Mercedes because they've been known for so long to have class. The quality for these new generations Mercedes have come back to par after a few years of sub-par levels. The new S-Class is an example of what Mercedes has done. Good quality, good ambiance, good design, and the traditional world renowned prestige. As for the other LS competitors the 7 series is more sport-luxury, where as the A8 is understated-conservative luxury. The XJ (IMO a great blend of traditional British Luxury and semi-modern styling) but in terms of prestige I think it can stand its own ground but it's a very niche market nowadays that will buy a Jag.

The LS has now come onto the show and making a name for itself to be a true contender (Unlike the previous gen). It's amazing to see how cars these days are getting so nice and so technical that the long barges in this segment you can't go wrong owning any one of them. It all boils down to personal taste.

After all styling is subjective. Please no flame war can we just all agree to what I say and continue on a peaceful thread without a fuss. Lexus fans don't get deboosted like you guys do in every thread. German fans no flaming either.

I'm making a truce on this thread haha.

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david999 - 4/25/2007 3:16:34 PM

0 Boost

"Please no flame war can we just all agree to what I say"

"What you pay for is what you get. Reliable, Quality, a comfortable quiet ride, and a little prestige as well. Mind you it is no European prestige but it's Japan's version of what prestige is to them"

Why would we agree to statements like this Agent63? Stop trying to push what
you think is better prestige, ie, Euro over Japanese.

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david999 - 4/25/2007 5:37:14 PM

+1 Boost

My opinion is so irrelevant that you had to comment on it.

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david999 - 4/25/2007 9:20:25 PM

0 Boost

What do you mean I am living a lie? What a dope.

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david999 - 4/26/2007 9:49:46 AM

+2 Boost

Lexus is considered equal or better in terms of prestige to Merecedes or BMW
by those who measure such things:

http://www.sys-con.com/read/358481.htm

You might believe otherwise. That's your opinion.

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huu76 - 4/25/2007 6:52:13 PM

+2 Boost

sevor,
No one cares? Do you note notice that ppl are more than happy to point out that the LS600hL has lower mileage than the LS460L? Typical double standard. You see no difference between 22mpg from a hybrid and 12mpg from a V12?

Agent63,
Lexus cars are now more expensive than their competitors in the entry-level market (Lexus has no stripped down versions), eventually the same will happen in the mid and high-end models.

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david999 - 4/25/2007 9:22:38 PM

+1 Boost

When you point out these facts huu76, people here get their panties in a knot.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/26/2007 9:05:37 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

You're flubbing it a bit, huu. As usual.

We KNOW the V12s are gas-guzzlers. That's not the issue, and we're not denying it.

Then why are we arguing, you ask? Because it's the HYBRID that you won't admit is also a gas-guzzler. It weighs more than an Audi Q7, the trunk is half the size of the normal LS, it's no faster than the normal LS, and on top of that, the gas mileage is still about 1mpg better. The S600 has nothing to do with this- this is about the LS600hL, and it's time for you to not change the topic when you want to cover it up. It just doesn't seem possible to me that, after we have proven how stupid Lexus's pricing is on this car, you still defend it.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/26/2007 9:05:50 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

david999 - 4/26/2007 9:48:12 AM

+2 Boost

huu76 - 4/26/2007 11:15:00 AM

+2 Boost

Foxy,
The LS600hL is competing against V12s, if the V8 happens to be better. It wouldn't surprise me if the 600 had better emissions that the regular LS460.

Here's one for you. Why is the 2007 335i, from all reports, faster than the 2008 M3? Why Foxy, why? Why did BMW pull a Lexus and make their flagship car slower, w/ worse mileage?

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huu76 - 4/26/2007 11:17:42 AM

+4 Boost

Who would want to spend the extra $20,000 on an M3? Oh yes, that's right, EXCLUSIVITY. Funny how that argument only works if you're promoting a German car.

What a load of BS. The Germans are such a joke now.

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Matthew1 - 4/27/2007 1:45:50 AM

0 Boost

Don't worry, we knew a long time ago that you don't know much.

you also like to ignore facts (Or most likely never knew about them in the first place?) when pushing your argument.

Here's a quick one from me- I'm sure someone else will be bothered to elaborate.

1). The 335i isn't faster than the NEW M3.

2). The M3 takes the 335i's dynamics and performance by way of advanced technology which isn't cheap. Think world's most powerful engine control unit,
electronically-controlled M-Diff etc.

3). You are out of your depth, don't pretend you're not.

Matthew1 - 4/27/2007 1:46:58 AM

0 Boost

"The M3 takes the 335i's dynamics and performance to a whole new level..."

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Agent63 - 4/27/2007 10:15:41 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Let's face it. you guys only support Lexus because you guys are all from North America. If you were brought up in Europe (where prestige all began) and in Asia (where prestige is important) you would not pick a Lexus.

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TheSailor - 4/27/2007 4:07:17 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

This car doesn't make any sence to me! The only thing it has going for it is that hybrid system... Unfortunately, it ruins the rest of the car! It is slower than it's little brother (and the rest of the pack according to indepentant surveyors who make the european numbers, not manufacturers quotes). It has no trunk space. It has a ridiculously low load limit! For gods sake, 200 kg is less than the weight of two grown ups and luggage for a week! It doesn't even have it's engine going for it! The competitors all know that these buyers couldn't give a flying rats a** for emmisions standards (if they do, they get a smaller engine) but the biggest possible engine with 12 cylinders. Nothing less cuts it at the very top!

Face it, this car is a joke!

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