Popular Mechanics reviews the Lexus LS600hL

XeroK00L submitted on 07/16/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 2:33 AM
from: www.popularmechanics.com

Tags: lexus ls hybrid ls600h ls600hl popular mechanics review test drive

lexus ls hybrid ls600h ls600hl popular mechanics review test drive

Popular Mechanics reviews the Lexus LS600hL

In the driver's seat, however, the Lexus LS 600h L seems to outperform its stats. We haven't yet had the opportunity to do serious track testing on this vehicle, but we were impressed by its powerful takeoff (thanks to the deliciously torque-y electric motor) and confident handling (thanks to full-time all-wheel drive). Lexus cars have long had a reputation for handling that seemed buttery and soft in comparison to their German counterparts, but the LS 600h L felt downright aggressive. That said, it was definitely the strong, silent type. The hybrid engine was remarkably quiet, even by Lexus standards. If there was a rumble or whine to be heard from either the gasoline or electric motors, you couldn't tell from inside the vehicle.

The lesson I take from this car is that the German luxury brands have little to no competitive advantage over Lexus anymore. The super-luxury segment is the closest thing to an arms race that the automotive industry has. And in the battle of the Germans vs. the Japanese, the Lexus LS has matched or exceeded every refinement found in Mercedes’ and BMW's big sedans. Now Lexus has closed the engine gap by using hybrid technology to turn a V8 into a virtual V12. It's almost enough to make a wealthy car buyer want to save $20,000 to $40,000. Read Article

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tifosi_f1 - 7/16/2007 9:46:18 AM

0 Boost

lol your the only one wetting panties, stop getting so worked up!

LS 600h is only sold in a few regions (eg US and UK as far I've heard)
The LS460L's other markets have the regular engine because they aren't into the "save the world, so buy a hybrid" trend when there are other fuel efficient alternatives like diesel.

Lexus are just boasting the LS460 hybrid to get sales in North America, its pure marketing BS and its the very same reason other brands will follow suit to ensure they don't lose sales.

In global terms, the LS is still behind the germans since there is no V12 (and they can choose a diesel, not a hybrid for a fuel efficient option since you lose most of your trunk space)

Then theres the legendary self-parking option, again marketed so much while its not available to many markets/regions since its does not actually add value.

Lexus LS seems like the "class leader" in USA but thank its marketing department.

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enthusiastx11 - 7/17/2007 1:42:03 AM

+2 Boost

what truth?
these guys flat out said they haven't even track tested the car...

and why is media that says good things about lexus 'the truth' and any negative word has been paid for by bmw or mercedes?

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xj13 - 7/16/2007 3:15:54 AM

-1 Boost

This car is a piece of Crap.
Bio fuels are the future, lexus got it wrong again.

BUCKTEETHdotcom, YOU HAVE NO IDEA...........

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Czelinski - 7/16/2007 6:18:23 AM

-1 Boost

LS600 is a good car, but no where near the best. And Mercedes aren't scrambling like crazy to release a Hybrid S Class, it's already made and ready to make its debut at Frankfurt motorshow. And the truth in this article, WTF? Another article by NY times suggests that the car is overrated, that being the more accurate article, of course.

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Will_ - 7/16/2007 6:44:38 AM

+4 Boost

Lexus officially put the rest of the luxury car market on notice with even the standard LS460 in terms of refinement etc. The 600hL only improves the car in aspects that only the Germans have been doing for years such as technology etc.

Also, there's no need to defend Mercedes making a hybrid S-Class in response to Lexus, really. All luxury automakers will follow suit soon enough with hybrids, 8-speeds, self-parking etc...

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Czelinski - 7/16/2007 7:19:30 AM

+1 Boost

Yeah, but the Lexus self parking needs guidance from the driver..where as Audi/VW have developed it so the driver needs do nothing, even for parralel parking! And you speak as though Lexus have never copied the Germans "All luxury automakers will follow suit soon enough with hybrids, 8-speeds, self-parking etc". Yeah, a Lexus without all the things taken from the Germans wouldn't really have much in it.

And 8 speed transmissions, MB have the 7 and that delivers the ideal performance ratio for gears. The Japanese think by adding another number it's superior, yet its "better" performance has not been proved, mainly due to it not existing.

Also, before Lexus actually develop all these things, they should work on the L Finesse shit they talk about, because that is where their true weakness is, both for the exterior and interior. Oh yeah...i wasn't defending MB, i was just making sure Buck realises that the Germans will never have to scramble to keep with the Japanese.

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Will_ - 7/16/2007 7:34:14 AM

+2 Boost

You haven't seen a demonstration of the VW parking system have you? By the way, the Prius was parking itself in Japan all the way back in 2003. And I never said anything about Lexus copying the Germans. Name some German automotive innovations that Lexus has copied...? Now name other automotive manufacturers that have NOT utilized those same innovations? It's not really a "Lexus copies" issue as all of you haters want it to be.

The sentence you copy-and-pasted is actually true, seeing as the next 7-Series will probably have all three technologies at one point or another. But don't worry, you'll gush over the three technological advances when BMW uses them.

It's not a simple issue over "adding another gear to make it better." For that matter, why wont some other automaker just come out with a 10-speed? It took tons of time of research and development to make an 8-Speed transmission.

Styling is always a hot-button issue here. Mercedes should worry about fixing whatever design philosophy they utilized for the Nissan Altima-inspired S-Class, and Hyundai-inspired C-Class.And as we've just gone over, you're simply naive if you don't believe that Mercedes and BMW has an LS in their testing facilities with a team of engineers (probably interns) studying every part of it. Every business studies their competition, it's simply bad business not to. You put up a very weak defense as to why Mercedes is releasing a hybrid S-Class. I can't wait to criticize the Hell out of Mercedes for not being environmentally sound. "Why an S-Class hybrid and not a C-Class hybrid?" is how I'll start one argument one day...

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Will_ - 7/16/2007 4:26:19 PM

+3 Boost

What does flooding this thread with useless links prove? Without Honda and Toyota applying hybrid technology to cars, then where would we be? "The market now is ready to talk about hybrids in motor cars" thanks to Toyota. Lexus is first to market with luxury hybrids, Mercedes is second, period.

It isn't an attack on anyone, just the truth! Likewise, Toyota will most likely look at engineering more diesels for Europe. There's no need to try and cover up and ignore Toyota's influence in the hybrid wave so much so that even the Germans are now participating. I guess that's what really irritates most of you critics...

M53R - 7/16/2007 9:16:52 AMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Lol I like how when a german fan posts a thread bashing Lexus, a Lexus fan posts a thread to counter the other thread and vice versa... Autospies is fantastic :)

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M53R - 7/16/2007 2:05:32 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

LOL ! I dont think i wanna know who you meant with sanity and who with insanity ;)

merc07 - 7/16/2007 9:20:46 AM

+2 Boost

there is no need to argue who copies who. or who is better. mercedes and bmw have been making the best luxury cars for years. lexus offers a good alternative but does not set any new standard. every comparison test i have seen that includes the lexus and mercedes, the s550 always wins. and the lexus well lets just say they have a lot of work to do. and don't give me this bullshit about refinment. the s550 is more refined, more luxurious, and just an overall better all around luxury car. you can say what you want but the new s-class has defeated just about all luxury cars. the 7 series, the lexus ls, the xj, the a8, the bently, and rolls royce. now tell me when has toyota ever done that besides in ur dreams.

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STJ88 - 7/16/2007 9:48:19 AM

+3 Boost

#merc07

Don't hate because lexus set the new standard, and the LS600H has much better equipment than the s550.

And another thing that lexus has and mercedes can only dream about is good looks, the new S-class looks horrible. Those fenders belong on a jeep not on a luxury sedan.

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david989 - 7/16/2007 9:48:40 AM

+3 Boost

The Lexus LS competes with Bentley and Rolls Royce because it surpasses the 7 and A8 and S class in luxury and refinement and quality.

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Rupert - 7/16/2007 2:01:53 PMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

Lexus has more luxury than Bentley or Rolls?

Do you even know what luxury is?

Rupert - 7/16/2007 2:22:38 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Just go to the Bentley website and have some fun speccing up an Arnage. You'd be amazed at the things you can have in it, and the sheer choice of options and colours. And that's before we get to Mulliner, a totally bespoke service. You can get your seats trimmed in ANYTHING, any colour, any material, you can get your car made longer, shorter, lighter, heavier...chrome, wood, leather or crocodile skin? And where do you want your flagstaffs? Your name embroidered on the headrests? How many cocktail cabinets? It's your choice.
To put this in perspective, Top Gear once did an article about the Arange "Deep D" a car designed for the rich and publicity shy, with a lengthened d pillar, so occupants' faces were shaded. They asked the average price of a "Deep D" Arnage. Do you know what it was? 1 million dollars. One guy spent over 1.4 million. And with a base price of nearly 500000 dollars, that's a lot of options (a set of curtains in it costs nearly 13000 dollars).
See here: http://www.topgear.com/content/features/stories/2006/07/stories/09/1.html

Czelinski - 7/16/2007 10:07:48 AM

-4 Boost

Ahem, the LS DOES NOT compete with Bentley and RR at all lol, it doesn't even compete with the S class, A8 and 7 series. So how it could possibly skip a class and move up that far is beyond me, and all practicality...But, this shouldn't come as a surprise as you Lexus boys are full of s**t.

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Rupert - 7/16/2007 10:54:21 AMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

How funny - the LS600h has the same highway mpg as the 760i.
Did not know that.
Remind me again what the point of this car was?

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Rupert - 7/16/2007 2:03:24 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

From the article:
"and BMW’s V-12 has a stated fuel economy of 14 city /22 highway."
If I'm wrong, blame the article, not me.

lexusis350 - 7/16/2007 1:04:29 PM

+1 Boost

"The lesson I take from this car is that the German luxury brands have little to no competitive advantage over Lexus anymore."

At least professionals are starting to realize this too.

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enthusiastx11 - 7/22/2007 12:13:26 PM

+1 Boost

then why can't lexus command similar prices to mercedes.
a loaded S550 is the same price as an LS600....

answer - 7/16/2007 1:53:34 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I'm waiting for the August issue of "Formula1's Mental Defect Monthly" to hit bookstores before I make an opinon on this LS.

His reviews are always non-biased and informative. So what if he never drives the cars he writes about?

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BentleyGT - 7/16/2007 10:29:09 PM

0 Boost

I would buy a Mercedes S550, BMW 750Li, Jaguar Vandenplas, even a Audi A8 CASH, over this dull-styled, non-classy plain looking car. If I took that (L) emblem off and stuck a Toyota badge on the grille, you wouldnt tell the difference. Who in hell's name would go over 70K for a Lexus? Thats worse than gambling.

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Lexus - 7/16/2007 11:00:20 PM

-1 Boost

Qoute from the article " the Lexus LS matched or exceeded every refinement found in the MB' and BMW big sedan's.

The Lexus LS460/LS600 hl beauty and technology is just absolutely stunning.

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Lexus - 7/16/2007 11:07:16 PM

-2 Boost

The beauty and technology of the Lexus LS/LS600 hl is being compare to a $1 million+ private jet last month.

I don't see any S-Class, 7 Series, A8 or even a RR, Bentley is being compare to a $1 million+ private jet. Don't belief me do a search on this forum and see for yourself.

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Rupert - 7/17/2007 7:39:16 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

That private jet comparison is totally irrelevant. They weren't compared, they were used together because people who are spending over 100k on a car will often be taking planes places...the luxury and refinement weren't compared at all. And besides, planes are damn noisy!

Rolls Royce and Bentley get compared to boats, many Phantoms will spend time on yachts (several boat builders include Phantoms on their boats).

BUT IN NO WAY IS A LEXUS COMPARABLE TO A ROLLS ROYCE OR BENTLEY.
more gadgets - yes
more luxury - no
more refinement - no
more choice - no
Seriously, just go to the Bentley website and see some of the options for an Arnage, use the configurator and look at the number of colours, leathers, interior trims. There's wood, and there's wood with mother-of-pearl inlays. The list goes on.

Lexus - 7/17/2007 12:17:23 AM

0 Boost

LexusAdmirer, do you mean VW GT? The Bentley is a very nice car but it use a VW engine. $150K I think it alot for VW engine don't you think, I can said the same for Bentley.

BentlyeGt, try NOT to use foul languange up here because sometime we have minor up on this website.

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Lexus - 7/17/2007 12:57:59 AM

-1 Boost

Most of the German fanboy NEVER get it through their thick scalp. Japanese cars is just as good or better than German cars.

Just because the German were the first to invent mass produce vechicle does NOT mean they will be best forever. Remember China, they were the first to invent explosive powder but look how far behind they are from the west.

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Georgemia - 7/19/2007 8:55:05 PM

+1 Boost

Who cares? In 10 years, the Japanese and Germans will be just as out of business as Detroit, with everyone buying Chinese cars, anyway.

Nobody will have a job, except for the three engineers working for one CEO of a hedge fund.

benzdabest - 7/17/2007 12:58:22 AM

0 Boost

Ok LexusAdmirer... I mean ToyotaRetard try to think hard enough to post something that has meaning besides the name calling like a stupid child.

Now VW is a respectable brand, they have what it takes to take on a strong brand such as Bentley. If Toyota was to do that, I would have NEVER gotten one because they would use cheep parts from China, they would have cheep Toyota engines in them, and they would not hold any value. WHO'S NEXT?

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benzdabest - 7/17/2007 1:04:17 AM

0 Boost

What happend?? Did LexusAdmirer and BentleyGT disapear?LOL

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Agent001 - 7/17/2007 1:08:58 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Game misconducts.

Banned for improper conduct on Auto Spies (foul language and mean spiritedness).

Both No-No's

001

M53R - 7/17/2007 11:35:43 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Buckfush ? banned 2?

Lexus - 7/17/2007 1:08:43 AM

0 Boost

benzdabest, I'm NOT putting Bentley down, I'm just trying to make a point. Bentley Continental GT-C is the most beautiful car out there for sure.

I guess someone in this website uses their magical genie power and zap them away; hopefully to a Hyundai website, LOL :) LOL ...........................

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benzdabest - 7/17/2007 1:22:17 AM

+1 Boost

LOL, well now that the arguement is dead without them, RIP LexusAdmier & BentleyGT.

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Lexus - 7/17/2007 1:32:00 AM

0 Boost

No...! I think LexusAdmirer will be back, he has been a member of this website for quiet sometime now. I hope agent let him come back.

And BentleyGt will back to probably with a newer username.

Let goes to the Lexus IS-F and make some commotion that thread ;) LOL ............ Let me start first.

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Lexus - 7/17/2007 2:46:12 AM

-1 Boost

Yeah, but look at the design Lexus LS is just stunnning compare to that out of shape and proportion on the S-Class and 7 Series.

Please read the article again, it says, "Lexus refinement matched or exceeded MB and BMW big sedans.

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Kinger - 7/17/2007 6:45:14 AM

+2 Boost

Yeah, but look at the design Lexus LS is just stunnning compare to that out of shape and proportion on the S-Class and 7 Series.

But that's just your opinion sin't it? I think the 7-series after the facelift is a nicely designed car, it was designed to have presence and it certainly has that. Whether you like the design or not you can't help but notice it.

Rupert - 7/17/2007 7:32:47 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I think the S class looks amazing, and the LS rather bland, but looks are subjective.

merc07 - 7/17/2007 11:21:31 AM

-1 Boost

lexus thought they had a s550 beater with the ls460. when it was reviewed, it came in last place. then you guys want to compare a ls600 to an s550. which is fine because the ls600 is worse than the 460. and if you really want to get to the nitty gretty the s600 will destroy the ls600 in everything except for emissions and mpg. it's funny i have seen multiple reviews and everytime the s550 was in the mix it came out on top. same for the s600. regardless of who the competition was. lexus fans say what you may my 57 year old mother's next car is a benz or bmw. she said she won't buy a lexus because she already had a toyota.

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Will_ - 7/18/2007 12:51:53 PM

+3 Boost

u r stoopid...

Gennissen - 7/19/2007 9:19:42 AM

-2 Boost

guys, the LS is like an xbox360. It was probably subsidised (leveraged off toyota sales) in order to achieve this level of class. one wonders why it achives such high quality, has a large number of gizmos (never mind the amount of R&D spent on it)... meaning, it probably outdoes the germans in quality and tech but yet it hasn't been proven to be a market share winner. the goal, of course, is to make lexus a luxury household name. I suspect the story is: make marginal profits on the LS but make a sh!t load on lexus. why - because Toyota and Lexus can! The germans, at present, can't compete with this. they don't have the cash nor the balance sheet to do such. this game isn't about who is better. i think it is all about resources!!
in due time, the tech will become cheaper due to economies of scale and then every lexus model will have this tech. we all better get used to lexus guys.. we will be drowning in them soon.

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Porschinator - 7/19/2007 2:51:57 PM

+1 Boost

Car is not all bad...Ari from Entourage traded his BMW 7 series last season to a LS600h this season =) The LS is a good looking car and much better than its predecessor!

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johnct - 7/19/2007 7:17:14 PM

0 Boost

I heard the IS-F is going to be a hybrid that gets 50mpg and has 600 HP. That is a Lexus Popular Mechanics and the NY Times will love.

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