Safety soars
Along with all the inflatable protection one would expect in a premium flagship, the LS 600h L is further equipped with the world's first, Driver Monitoring System. This technology uses six near-infrared LCDs to detect driver inattention in relation to approaching objects. If the driver's head is turned more than 15-degrees off-centre when an object is detected ahead, an audible warning will sound and the brakes will briefly engage to alert the driver.
If evasive action isn't detected, the system will prepare the car for emergency braking and pretension the front seatbelts. To fully explain the complexity and technicality of the Driver Monitoring System would consume a full issue of Mechanic's Illustrated. From the research I have done, it appears Lexus has extensively tested this technology and verified its accuracy and reliability.
One last bit of wizardry, much of which is widely know in autodom, is the ability of the LS 600h L to park itself- within reason of course. Engaging the system procures and eerie feeling as the steering wheel spins on its own to accurately position the big sedan parallel to the curb or slotted between cars parked in a row in a typical parkade arrangement.
Overall I found the self-park technology entertaining. Everyone wants it demonstrated and it induces plenty of discussion yet in reality it's more trouble than it is worth- at least to anyone with basic spatial reasoning aptitude and the ability to turn their head.
Incredible car - staggering price
The Lexus LS 600h L is undoubtedly the most sophisticated luxury car available today. It brings together multiple examples of juxtaposed conventions, such as performance and economy, and, ride and handling that are traditionally long roads apart. It also delivers stunning refinement and glorious opulence.
A showstopper for many will be the vehicle's price; MSRP without the Executive Package is $132,000, the Executive Package (and you know you want it) hammers the luxo-ride home at $158,700- yikes! At just $32,000 and change, the Camry Hybrid is looking mighty appealing.
True V12 power combined with V6 economy
Astounding refinement
Head-spinning technology
Small trunk (due to battery pack behind rear seat)
Financially out of reach to all but the deepest pockets
photo:Rob Rothwell
Along with all the inflatable protection one would expect in a premium flagship, the LS 600h L is further equipped with the world's first, Driver Monitoring System. This technology uses six near-infrared LCDs to detect driver inattention in relation to approaching objects. If the driver's head is turned more than 15-degrees off-centre when an object is detected ahead, an audible warning will sound and the brakes will briefly engage to alert the driver.
If evasive action isn't detected, the system will prepare the car for emergency braking and pretension the front seatbelts. To fully explain the complexity and technicality of the Driver Monitoring System would consume a full issue of Mechanic's Illustrated. From the research I have done, it appears Lexus has extensively tested this technology and verified its accuracy and reliability.
 |
| The safety features in this luxury saloon are numerous. |
One last bit of wizardry, much of which is widely know in autodom, is the ability of the LS 600h L to park itself- within reason of course. Engaging the system procures and eerie feeling as the steering wheel spins on its own to accurately position the big sedan parallel to the curb or slotted between cars parked in a row in a typical parkade arrangement.
Overall I found the self-park technology entertaining. Everyone wants it demonstrated and it induces plenty of discussion yet in reality it's more trouble than it is worth- at least to anyone with basic spatial reasoning aptitude and the ability to turn their head.
Incredible car - staggering price
The Lexus LS 600h L is undoubtedly the most sophisticated luxury car available today. It brings together multiple examples of juxtaposed conventions, such as performance and economy, and, ride and handling that are traditionally long roads apart. It also delivers stunning refinement and glorious opulence.
A showstopper for many will be the vehicle's price; MSRP without the Executive Package is $132,000, the Executive Package (and you know you want it) hammers the luxo-ride home at $158,700- yikes! At just $32,000 and change, the Camry Hybrid is looking mighty appealing.
 |
Astounding refinement
Head-spinning technology
 |
Small trunk (due to battery pack behind rear seat)
 |
Financially out of reach to all but the deepest pockets
photo:Rob Rothwell
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