Top 10 Luxury Cars That Pollute the Least - Lexus dominates

omarrana submitted on 03/25/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 3:40 PM
from: www.egmcartech.com

[85] user comments | category: New Cars

Tags: Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes

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Top 10 Luxury Cars That Pollute the Least - Lexus dominates

You don’t need to buy a small and cheap car to drive a vehicle that’s kind to the environment. What comes out of a car’s tailpipe is just as important as what goes into the fuel tank.

Our two least-polluting lists, one for luxury vehicles and one for non-luxury vehicles, are based on examining each model’s Air Pollution Score and Carbon Footprint ratings as determined by the EPA.

The Air Pollution Score represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants a vehicle emits. Among these are hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. Scoring is based on a 10-point scale, with 10 representing a zero-emissions vehicle, meaning higher numbers are better.

Click through for the list of Top 10 Luxury Cars That Pollute the Least... Read Article

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lexusis350 - 3/25/2008 4:27:19 PM

0 Boost

Well of course Lexus tops the list...they have hybrids.

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TurboSpyder - 3/25/2008 6:04:15 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

For those calculations, the EPA uses their own fuel economy estimates but no car magazine has been able to get close to the EPA mileage numbers for the Lexus hybrids.

Autoweek Review of the Lexus LS600h:

“Problem is, for a hybrid, this big Lexus turns in abominable mileage numbers. We couldn’t get close to its published EPA combined 21 mpg. In contrast, our long-term LS 460 L gets better than 27 mpg, while we only saw 21 mpg with this ‘green’ version.”

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070627/FREE/70626008/1006/VEHICLEREVIEWS

silver1 - 3/25/2008 6:48:58 PM

0 Boost

And they will continute to burn clean, the most expensive cleaning car in the world which is currently the Lexus LS600h and will continue to rise with the upcoming:

Lexus LS 650h World's First 5.0 V12 Hybrid 2 Electric motors 500hp all-wheel drive..

Darn that sounds so sweet. and plus it's a "Lexus"

TurboSpyder - 3/25/2008 9:28:57 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"Every long term test in europe of the euro spec LS600h i've seen shows the LS600h getting the 25 mpg advertised in europe."

---

Stop lying.

AutoExpress Comparison of the Lexus LS600h vs. the Audi A8 TDI:

"After covering more than 1,000 miles, the LS600h’s average consumption was only 19.4mpg. This is highly disappointing from a car that claims to achieve 30.4mpg."

"The Audi averaged a far more frugal 31.5mpg, proving that the A8’s light weight and diesel power are a better formula for real-world economy. This means a huge 624-mile range."

"This poor result, combined with the fact the Lexus costs so much, means the Audi A8 earns an easy victory here. Not only is it £20,000 cheaper, it’s also better designed from superior materials, just as fast and around 10mpg more efficient."

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/211689/lexus_ls600h_vs_audi_a8.html

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In this AutoBild magazine comparison of the LS600h against three German diesels the Lexus got the worst mileage and had the highest CO2 output.

Audi A8 4.2 TDI : 9.5 L/100km – 252 g/km CO2

BMW 745D: 9.7 L/100km - 256 g / km CO2

Lexus LS600 hybrid: 12.1 L/100km – 285 g/km CO2

Mercedes S420 CDI: 9.7 L/100km l - 255 g / km CO2

http://www.autobild.de/artikel/hybrid-lexus-gegen-die-konkurrenz_435966.html

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Kenichi Yamamoto, engineer in charge of Subaru's diesel program says:

"In Europe we need to reduce our carbon-dioxide emissions; we cannot survive without diesel."

"Nevertheless, Hirofumi Senoo, the general manager of Subaru's European test center tells us, 'Diesel is the main focus for the U.S. market. It has more potential than hybrid gasoline engines because hybrids are only good for the city.'"

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=124553

johannas - 3/25/2008 4:38:44 PM

+2 Boost

I get an average score of 8.0 for the Lexus models, and an average score of 8.1 for the Volvo's.

My math skills are not top notch, so let me know if I'm missing something.

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ATrip - 3/25/2008 4:48:40 PM

+3 Boost

I too was confused with the list. Why are the Lexus's ranked 1/2/3? they actually are not the lowest?

1970toyotamarc - 3/25/2008 4:51:30 PM

+4 Boost

You are only looking at carbon footprint scores. The EPA also looks at other tailpipe emissions when scoring vehicle green-ness.

johnsmitny - 3/25/2008 5:49:45 PM

+3 Boost

@ Xerok00l: thanks for posting the link to the original article.

this guy Omaranna always posts links to his own wannabe-blog, which is annoying because I always have to jump to at least 2 other pages to see the original source of the article

1970toyotamarc - 3/25/2008 4:55:03 PM

-3 Boost

You should be ashamed to call yourself TOYOTApower with a comment like that.

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1970toyotamarc - 3/25/2008 6:17:51 PM

-4 Boost

I will reply only once to your ridiculous comment, because anything more would be playing into your childish game.

I have yet to read one thoughtful comment from you since you started posted (a sad day in Autospies history). Yet you continue to come onto posts calling others trolls, liars, idiots, whatever names you can think of.

Where are your original thoughts? Where are your dug-up facts? Where are your reasoned out oipinions? Nowhere. Ever. Just hate, negativity, namecalling and childishness.

I dont know why you havent been banned.

I clearly disagree on most issues with the majority of members on this site. Yet most of them can at least construct an argument worth my my time reading and responding to. You-not once.

Each click of my keyboard is a collosal waste of time and energy on someone who is worth so little to me and this site.

Troll indeed, grab a mirror.

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JRobUSC - 3/25/2008 4:52:29 PM

+3 Boost

Let's start a new list. I'll do the title, you guys take care of the rest:

Top 10 Things Lexus Fans Will Bring Up To Validate To The World Why Lexus and Lexus Owners Are Better Than Everyone Else at Everything

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1970toyotamarc - 3/25/2008 5:08:36 PM

-2 Boost

Lexus fans dont need to create validations for the superiority of Lexus. Lexus vehicles do a fine job validating themselves, much to your continued frustration. We Lexus fans often point out that Lexus vehicles dont just excel in one or two areas, but provide amazing overall packages. A list like this, from Forbes of all pubs, validates that.

BMW4me4ever - 3/25/2008 5:08:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

what are you talking about xero? who cares what cars pollute the less? Why dont we talk about the most enviromentally friendly factories in the World in the Auto industry? Everyone know that the BMW facility in the US, is number one. Actually, the plant reduces more pollutants and toxics than all the hybrid cars that are driven in the world ....

JRobUSC - 3/25/2008 7:53:19 PM

+1 Boost

Xero, you never see me make a list of what German cars do so well because I don't need to. The magazines all do it for me when they compare Lexuses to BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes models and the Lexuses come in last place.

JRobUSC - 3/26/2008 8:33:03 AM

-1 Boost

a) those "failed race car drivers with at best high school diplomas" make more money than you,
b) they are "car enthusiasts", and this is a "car enthusiast" website, so their informed opinion is certainly more valuable than, say, that of a blinded Lexus fanboy who loves Lexus regardless of the obvious shortcomings of the cars and company, and
c) Lexus is #1 in the U.S., they're nothing worldwide. Everyoone else in the world, including the Japanese, recognize Lexus for what it is -- Toyotas in tuxedos, and boring ones at that.

Listen, you love them, we all get it. They're too boring for me. I grew up with sports cars, so nothing Lexus makes is going to excite me. Lexus is the automotive equivalent of a La-Z-Boy. So you can have your softer leather and "road cocoon" drive, I'll take a car that puts a smile on my face every time I drive it over one that puts me to sleep every time I'm in it.

JCH335i - 3/25/2008 4:52:55 PM

+1 Boost

Hybrids are for vegitarians and hippies

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1970toyotamarc - 3/25/2008 4:55:35 PM

+2 Boost

J.D. Power expects over 1 million hybrid vehicles to be sold in the U.S. by 2012. By then, there will be more than 80 hybrid models to choose from"

Thats a lot of vegetarians and hippies. But it's all just hybrid hype. (sarcasm, natch)

1970toyotamarc - 3/25/2008 5:09:36 PM

0 Boost

Where are the diesels......????

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BMW4me4ever - 3/25/2008 5:14:13 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

1970 ... this is based in the US. The new diesels have just started to arrive. BMW introduces their into the US in the fall. But hey, lexus finally wins a car comparison.

1970toyotamarc - 3/25/2008 6:20:25 PM

+1 Boost

BMW...my comment was clearly rhetorical. Obviously I know the cleaner diesels are not here in the US yet. And I certainly would not expect any of the current diesels (which are on sale in most states) to be on the list. Fact is, once the cleaner diesels show up, they will not make the list either.

Targa - 3/25/2008 6:57:57 PM

0 Boost

Apparently where ever you are from.

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stash84 - 3/28/2008 10:02:18 AM

+1 Boost

smellchecker is a loser

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BMW4me4ever - 3/25/2008 5:12:51 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

at least lexus dominates in one car comparison. way to go lexus

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answer - 3/25/2008 5:46:17 PM

+9 Boost

Nah. I think you get deboosted because you've got a habit of being an ass.

Dutchman - 3/25/2008 5:39:36 PM

+3 Boost

From wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus

"Lexus in Australia claim the original name is short for Luxury Export to United States. (LExUS)."

rebadged Toyota

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1970toyotamarc - 3/25/2008 6:28:53 PM

+2 Boost

Selective use of quotes there. Not that it adds anything to the article about Lexus's green credentials, but if you want to keep clinging to that Autralian myth, you go right ahead.

Meanwhile, the full quote from Wikipedia...
"According to Toyota, the name has no specific meaning and is just meant to be pleasing and easy to remember, although Lexus in Australia claim the original name is short for Luxury Export to United States. (LExUS)"

First off, who is speaking for Lexus in Oz, it doesnt say, which usually means that no one actually said it. ("Some Say" Journalism, you must love Fox News.) And donthca think its just a little strange that this comes from Oz, where Lexus is obviously sold, if Lexus is only meant for the US?

Like I said, keep clinging to the half quote if it makes you feel better.

answer - 3/25/2008 5:53:38 PM

+4 Boost

Lexus should really focus on being in the middle of all these studies and comparison tests.

Seems like when Lexus is at the forefront everyone here blasts them. And when they are at the bottom the same folks chide them for that too.

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BMW4me4ever - 3/25/2008 6:12:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

This whole article is basically pointless. It is just a way for Lexus fans to gloat. Especially, since the diesels have yet to hit the US shores. Lexus is the only luxury car maker that offers some type of hybrid technology. The Bluetech diesel with the new urea has just started to arrive from Mercedes. BMW & Audi's versions wont be here til the fall.

Instead of focusing just on cars, why not focus on the factories that produce these cars in the US or handle the painting of the cars. That is where we can make our greatest impact on the enviroment. BMW paint facility that uses landfills as its primary source for energy, has a much greater impact on the enviroment than every Hybrid car in the US combined. THe EPA has awarded BMW for 3 years in a row.

This is why I dislike autospies at times for allowing people to post such flaming one sided articles.

1970toyotamarc - 3/25/2008 6:44:22 PM

0 Boost

BMW, why focus on the cars???? Really??? Is this a site called Autofactoryspies or Autospies?

But if you do want to obsess about green factories, any 5 second Internet search will show you how far advanced Toyota is in greening up its factories so that the company is more environmentally sustainable in both vehicles themselves AND the production of the vehicles. Reduced energy consumption, recycling, planting trees, reduced CO2 production. All of these are going on at Toyota factories.

And sorry to burst you bubble, but Bluetecs will not change these lists. To go back to the terminology of last week's ACEEE lists, cleaner diesels might no longer be considered the "meanest" vehicles. But you are deluding yourself if you think that a vehicle like the upcoming ML320 Bluetec with its 18/24 and T2B5 will ever make a "greenest" list.

BMW4me4ever - 3/25/2008 7:52:28 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Xero you should do some research before commenting on what you not know.

"Spartanburg, S.C. (5/5/2006) — BMW Manufacturing Co. announced today that it will use recycled methane gas generated by the Palmetto Landfill near Spartanburg to provide energy to its paint shop.

BMW is working with long-standing partner Durr Systems of Plymouth, Mich., to modify and upgrade equipment so landfill gas can be used to fuel the paint shop. Durr Systems specializes in developing and implementing energy performance projects in industrial facilities and is a partner in the Environmental Protections Agency's (EPA) Landfill Methane Outreach Program, which helps businesses lower operating cots, protect the environment and build a sustainable future.

"BMW is the first automotive paint shop to integrate the use of landfill gas in its process equipment," said Dave Ciuffoletti, Durr's vice president of sales. "BMW should be congratulated for its environmental stewardship. By taking advantage of a renewable resource, BMW has truly become the world's first green paint shop."

By utilizing previously unused energy from landfill gas, BMW Manufacturing is reducing area emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, by approximately 17,000 tons and is recovering enough energy to heat 10,000 homes per year. The quantity of greenhouse gases reduced is the equivalent of driving a car around the globe 4,300 times, or more than 100 million miles"

Yes are hybrid cars good for the enviroment right now. Later down the road when the batteries have to be replaced, not so much.

1970 ... BMW's Diesel technology that is being introduced into the US, is a cleaner version. the lexus fans can gloat in their 1st victory in a comparison test in over a year. it is okay.

Dutchman - 3/25/2008 6:33:38 PM

0 Boost

I feel better knowing you went to wikipedia to read the whole article....I'll cling to my love of german cars and continue to loathe Jap tin cans.

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ChicaneShooter - 3/26/2008 6:46:30 AM

+1 Boost

so, do you loath "Jap tin cans" because in ww2 many of the same (IJN destroyers) wreaked havoc on the Dutch navy? sinking cruisers that were far heavier and more heavily armed? LOL! yeah, go ahead and resent japs. they were FAR better fighters than psuedo krauts. LMAO!

ChicaneShooter - 3/26/2008 6:54:36 AM

+1 Boost

and today, they are better engineers and car BUILDERS. assembling the latter with better electronics and other components, making the whole car far more RELIABLE, lower maintenance, and DIRABLE.

ChicaneShooter - 3/26/2008 7:04:21 AM

+2 Boost

...DURABLE.

Targa - 3/25/2008 7:00:29 PM

+1 Boost

They won't make it... the first Gen of these cars sold like crap..... don't think the will be doing that again....

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Dr550 - 3/25/2008 8:51:41 PM

+1 Boost

The SC430 is the biggest waste of sheetmetal. Lexus vehicles stay in fashion for 6 months at the least. Even the Japanese, traditionally consevative, want their autos to express style.

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Rupert - 3/25/2008 7:16:29 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Exactly as I expected.
Of course, if this was a European study, it would be different, as we have the smaller engine options and the diesels, which Lexus lacks. BMW would probably be first, and Lexus last, unless you wanted to include Infiniti, which are sold in some European countries. They would be really last.

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answer - 3/25/2008 7:35:18 PM

-3 Boost

If this study were done by Martians then the adkljfasl$##! with their asdkkafsasii^&%&# engines would have won hands down.

Rupert - 3/25/2008 8:09:33 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

How clever of you to make such good satire.

answer - 3/25/2008 10:42:56 PM

+2 Boost

I find satire serves as a good alternative to the constant double-standard "debates" the German only fanboys enjoy sharing with everyone.

enthusiastx11 - 3/25/2008 8:10:34 PM

-1 Boost

"You don’t need to buy a small and cheap car to drive a vehicle that’s kind to the environment."

please. you drive therefore you pollute. period. enough with all the moral relativism.

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Rupert - 3/25/2008 9:19:17 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

No car is kind to the environment.

Htay7500 - 3/25/2008 8:26:43 PM

+2 Boost

or I could be in my specialized or trek.

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huu76 - 3/26/2008 12:43:59 AM

+1 Boost

2008 EPA ratings are consistently achieved.
Car and Driver returns 20mpg.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/2008_new_car_reviews/2008_lexus_ls600hl_short_take_road_test

Motortrend returns 19mpg
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/luxury/112_0706_2008_lexus_ls_600h_l/specifications.html

Autozine, tested 25mpg UK
http://www.autozine.co.uk/text/548.html

Motorbar averaged 25.3mpg UK
http://www.motorbar.co.uk/lexusls600hl.htm

The only time it achieved craptacular mpg is when they pit it against a Maserati and some other V8s in a perfomance shootout (it did relatively well in mileage).

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ChicaneShooter - 3/26/2008 7:14:16 AM

+2 Boost

stoolchecker--

actually, it takes FAR MORE skill and finesse to drive a car with high fuel efficiency AND relative speediness. i do. i not only exceed the epa ratings for my car, but those in a smaller class as well.
AND, i always get from any given pt A to pt B quicker than 99 - 100% of other traffic that starts off at the same time. the RARE occasional driver that mite get there quicker, does so at the expense of FAR MORE fuel burnt.

ANY IDIOT can mash a gas pedal. but it takes smarts to not abuse it and STILL make good speed. AND excellent MPGs.

JRobUSC - 3/26/2008 12:21:52 PM

0 Boost

huu, that's awesome about the LS600h. Remind me, how did it do compared to the Audi A8 4.2TDI again? Oh yeah, 50% worse fuel economy. And it was slower. And more expensive.

Hmm. Congrats though on finally hitting the revised EPA rating with the LS600h. I wonder if Audi, MB, and BMW can hit their (higher than the LS600h) EPA ratings with the diesels they're bringing out.

TurboSpyder - 3/26/2008 10:50:01 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

This list is from Forbes Auto? I just checked out their "Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Luxury Cars" list and guess which car was the most fuel efficient?

1. Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec

http://www.forbesautos.com/advice/toptens/top-10-most-fuel-efficient-luxury-cars-story.html

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TurboSpyder - 3/26/2008 10:54:01 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

"Seven of the top 10 most fuel-efficient luxury cars sold in the U.S. come from European manufacturers. Most are versions of models developed for Europe, where high gas prices (due to high taxes on fuel) make efficiency a higher priority than it is in the U.S., Omotoso says. Japanese luxury-car companies Acura and Lexus make the remaining three models on our list."

evilm - 3/26/2008 2:38:36 PM

+2 Boost

Why are Lexus lovers such liars.Are you so pathetic that you have to lie and deceive to prop up their under achieving cars.

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kpaxx - 3/27/2008 10:36:09 AM

+1 Boost

The LS600h green argument goes out the window when consider the environmental impact of making the batteries, motor, etc.!

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xj13 - 3/28/2008 2:19:05 AM

0 Boost

GIVE ME AN S CLASS AMG ANY DAY OF THE WEEK BABY.

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lexusrox123 - 3/28/2008 5:37:50 PM

+1 Boost

if u want a ls600h but ur too cheap, get a 460!! its just as good , just w.o the hybrid. and guys, quit bickerin'!! its annoying, seriously;) the 600 wasnt meant for fuel economy as much as better performance stats. the good mileage is just icing on the cake. but still imo, lexus should make a v12 ls. it would get just as good mileage as a ls 600. since the 600 is so heavy, the mileage suffers, but a v12 engine ls would be lighter, and thus get good mileage.

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lexusrox123 - 3/28/2008 5:38:03 PM

+1 Boost

if u want a ls600h but ur too cheap, get a 460!! its just as good , just w/o the hybrid. and guys, quit bickerin'!! its annoying, seriously;) the 600 wasnt meant for fuel economy as much as better performance stats. the good mileage is just icing on the cake. but still imo, lexus should make a v12 ls. it would get just as good mileage as a ls 600. since the 600 is so heavy, the mileage suffers, but a v12 engine ls would be lighter, and thus get good mileage.

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