MSN UK's First Drive of the Lexus LS600hL

"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."

— SupraNeverBack (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 4:44:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Me? Are you nuts?

— mitchatlexusofmarin (View Profile)

Posted on 4/25/2007 7:19:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

"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.

— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 4:49:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

Niceeee. I like it.

— spiceace (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 4:50:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

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.

— EliteRanger (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 4:58:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

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

— I95SPEEDINGTICKETS (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 5:06:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

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...

— GX470guy (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 5:15:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6   

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

— Lexus1Lexus1Lexus1 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 5:52:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

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

— Lexus1Lexus1Lexus1 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 6:03:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

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...

— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 6:03:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

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

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/25/2007 10:52:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

"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.

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 6:07:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

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

— GX470guy (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 10:45:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

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.

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 4/25/2007 1:30:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

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

— Lexus1Lexus1Lexus1 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 7:14:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

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.

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 7:17:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

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

— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 7:28:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

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.

— silent_power (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 7:48:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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

— gsh23 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 7:49:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

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!

— SupraNeverBack (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 8:13:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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................

— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 9:20:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

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.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 11:18:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

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.

— TruenoAE86 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/26/2007 8:07:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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

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

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/24/2007 11:31:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

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

— EliteRanger (View Profile)

Posted on 4/25/2007 4:53:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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

— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 4/25/2007 4:57:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

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.

— cdhzhp (View Profile)

Posted on 4/25/2007 10:08:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/25/2007 11:02:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

"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.

— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/25/2007 3:16:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

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

— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/25/2007 5:37:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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

— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/25/2007 9:20:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

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.

— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/26/2007 9:49:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/25/2007 6:52:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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.

— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/26/2007 9:48:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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?

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/26/2007 11:15:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/26/2007 11:17:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

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

— Matthew1 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/27/2007 1:46:58 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

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.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/27/2007 10:15:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0