Divine comfort awaits all those fortunate enough to sit on board. Access to both the front and rear seats is easy. While the LS 600h L only accommodates four people, they are treated like kings. The multiple seating adjustments up front (16 for the driver and 12 for the passenger) and in the back are one thing; the heating/cooling settings at all four seats are another.
The driver -- "chauffeur" is probably more accurate -- benefits from a perfect driving position while everyone else can relax and enjoy a supremely comfortable ride. Lexus has a reputation for offering vault-like quiet interiors and the LS 600h L is certainly the most vivid example.
Advancements
As mentioned earlier, though, the highlight of this Japanese sedan is the hybrid powertrain. Combining a 5.0L V8 with a pair of electric motors, the system generates 438 horsepower and 385 pounds-feet of torque.
It's a wonderful hybrid for sure, but accelerations are even more impressive. Output is surprising, especially from 0 to 40 km/h (only the batteries are counted upon to propel the vehicle). As for fuel economy, the hybrid mode allows extremely efficient operation for such a large saloon, as evidenced by my average of 11.4 liters per 100 kilometers.
The steering is precise and nicely weighed. Handling and stability are exceptional, while the smooth ride gives the impression that the road is a velvety carpet. What's more, the suspension offers Comfort and Sport modes so as to customize the car to your driving preferences. Ventilated discs ensure strong braking performance, while maneuverability is excellent thanks to the various electronic assists, particularly the brand's Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS), which is truly fascinating. Visibility is good though somewhat affected by the small outside mirrors.
I want to clear a few things about the APGS: unlike most journalists who have openly criticized this technology, I must say that I learned how to use it to my advantage in a very short amount of time. Of course, it's not a gadget that you'll rely on everyday, but in some situations, it can prove quite handy while impressing all your passengers. A few years from now, the technology will be even more sophisticated and this type of system will likely be much more effective. Still, I like it already.
The driver -- "chauffeur" is probably more accurate -- benefits from a perfect driving position while everyone else can relax and enjoy a supremely comfortable ride. Lexus has a reputation for offering vault-like quiet interiors and the LS 600h L is certainly the most vivid example.
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| Divine comfort awaits all those fortunate enough to sit on board. |
Advancements
As mentioned earlier, though, the highlight of this Japanese sedan is the hybrid powertrain. Combining a 5.0L V8 with a pair of electric motors, the system generates 438 horsepower and 385 pounds-feet of torque.
It's a wonderful hybrid for sure, but accelerations are even more impressive. Output is surprising, especially from 0 to 40 km/h (only the batteries are counted upon to propel the vehicle). As for fuel economy, the hybrid mode allows extremely efficient operation for such a large saloon, as evidenced by my average of 11.4 liters per 100 kilometers.
The steering is precise and nicely weighed. Handling and stability are exceptional, while the smooth ride gives the impression that the road is a velvety carpet. What's more, the suspension offers Comfort and Sport modes so as to customize the car to your driving preferences. Ventilated discs ensure strong braking performance, while maneuverability is excellent thanks to the various electronic assists, particularly the brand's Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS), which is truly fascinating. Visibility is good though somewhat affected by the small outside mirrors.
I want to clear a few things about the APGS: unlike most journalists who have openly criticized this technology, I must say that I learned how to use it to my advantage in a very short amount of time. Of course, it's not a gadget that you'll rely on everyday, but in some situations, it can prove quite handy while impressing all your passengers. A few years from now, the technology will be even more sophisticated and this type of system will likely be much more effective. Still, I like it already.
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| It's a wonderful hybrid for sure, but accelerations are even more impressive. |