LS Road Test: Lexus LS 600 hL Video

[Merc1]

2007 Lexus LS 600 hL - Road Test - Motor Trend Video

IMO, the S600 has nothing to worry about in performance or anything else, beyond fuel economy. From this first drive the LS doesn't come close to matching performance of the S600.

M

 

[ateekt]

Awesome ride indeed, two thumps up ...!

 

[Mr. M]

Thanks for the video Merc1 - I can't help but gawk at the Lexus in awe... A very worthy competitor.

 

[Merc1]

Tough To Justify

In a class where exclusivity counts, the $104,715 hybrid LS should rattle a few cages. Only 2,000 will be built this year for sale in the United States, and we have little doubt each will be sold quickly.

Still, this car is hard to justify on its merits. It's no quicker or more refined than its far cheaper, conventional brother, the LS 460 L, and it has a smaller trunk. Even its fuel economy advantage is conditional at best.

Truth be told, for those who want a socially responsible luxury car, the LS 600h L isn't even the best choice at the Lexus store. The slightly smaller GS 450h is also a hybrid, but uses a V6 instead of a V8 and consequently gets better fuel economy — an EPA-rated 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. An argument can even be made that the base LS 460 is the "green" LS model. It's simpler to assemble, uses fewer energy-intensive parts, should be easier to recycle at the end of its life, and gets 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

With the word "Hybrid" boldly displayed on each of its rear doors, the LS 600h L certainly makes a unique and strong statement in the luxury-car world. It's certainly the world's first politically correct luxury automobile, but we think it should be more than that.

Video and Full Article:

Full Test: 2008 Lexus LS 600h L

I knew the car would be no match for the V12s, especially Mercedes all-encompasing S600.

M

 

[Bruce]

I knew the car would be no match for the V12s, especially Mercedes all-encompasing S600.

M

I honestly would not base a verdict off one test - which btw, happens to be it's first.

Although I do agree..

I really love this car, but some aspects of it are purely ridiculous. The trunk is just 11.7 cubic feet? The LS460 trunk was already smaller than it should be, but this is absurd. For that fact alone, I'd have to buy the 460.

Not to mention, an extra 887lbs. At least has better braking distances than the 460, but overall - no thanks.

 

[Merc1]

I wouldn't either, but this LS in all forms has never lived up to the performance numbers Lexus gave. I've only seen one test out of at least a dozen in which the LS460L actually matched the factory numbers. There has been far too much hype about this car, especially from the Lexus loving people on various other sites, yet in reality the LS460L and now this 600 version don't match the hype. A S600 will maul this car. Adding 900lbs to a car and taking away the trunk space to save a few gallons of fuel only to wind up slower than the competition is just plain dumb, IMO.

A moderately optioned LS460L makes the most sense, not this hybrid nonsense.

M

 

[Bruce]

There has been far too much hype about this car, especially from the Lexus loving people on various other sites, yet in reality the LS460L and now this 600 version don't match the hype. A S600 will maul this car.

I am one of those Lexus lovers, but I do admit, when it comes to performance that neither the 460 or the 600h have ever lived up to thier performance )not surprising with Toyota, they've always done that..) Having said that, I still think the LS (the 460 in particular) is a great car. It's not the most sporty car in it's segment, nor the fastest - but I still admire it very much.

Adding 900lbs to a car and taking away the trunk space to save a few gallons of fuel only to wind up slower than the competition is just plain dumb, IMO.

I agree

A moderately optioned LS460L makes the most sense, not this hybrid nonsense.

Agreed once again.

 

[Merc1]

Another review of the LS600hL, from TheCarConnection.com:

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Breakthrough or poor substitute?

On paper, that puts the LS600h up solid against its V-12 competitors. On the road, the sedan is quick, though no benchmark. It'll turn 0-60 times of 5.5 seconds, though Audi's A8L gets there in 4.8 seconds. The overall feel is confident and inspiring, with a nice V-8 resonance, though not the silky V-12 exhaust note aficionados love.

All-in-all, the goal of the LS600h is to "show Lexus as not only refined but innovative," says general manager Carter. "We want to appeal to those prestige buyers who have previously not shopped Lexus."

Does LS600h deliver? When it comes to looks and technology, the new sedan just might crack the European hold on this segment of the market. There are still those who'd prefer a V-12 for its own sake, though others might enjoy the bragging rights of driving an environmentally friendly package.

Price is also a plus. Yes, it may be the most expensive Lexus ever, but LS600h comes in at least $15,000 less than European competitors - more like $25,000 considering comparable equipment packages.

The new sedan is a worthy offering, comfortable, lavish, prestigious, and surprisingly fun-to-drive. While we might have a few minor complaints, the overall package is quite spectacular and we expect the market to pay serious attention when the first LS600h sedans roll into Lexus showrooms.

2008 Lexus LS600h Car Reviews - The Car Connection

M

 

[Mr. M]

I wouldn't either, but this LS in all forms has never lived up to the performance numbers Lexus gave. I've only seen one test out of at least a dozen in which the LS460L actually matched the factory numbers. There has been far too much hype about this car, especially from the Lexus loving people on various other sites, yet in reality the LS460L and now this 600 version don't match the hype. A S600 will maul this car. Adding 900lbs to a car and taking away the trunk space to save a few gallons of fuel only to wind up slower than the competition is just plain dumb, IMO.

A moderately optioned LS460L makes the most sense, not this hybrid nonsense.

M

But the point about having a V12 is for refinement, smoothness and quietness in the first place. I seriously don't care how this car goes from 0-100 or how it tackles slaloms, I'm more concerned about how the car travels in the city from A to B and how comfortable the thing is. And there is where it shines. The only problem is, the V8 in the LS460L is so good that the V12 doesn't seem to offer anything more in refinement. I agree here then that the LS600L is abit of a useless exercise.

But then again, you get exclusivity and hey, as a perk, better fuel consumption... What's not to love?

 

[Merc1]

But the point about having a V12 is for refinement, smoothness and quietness in the first place. I seriously don't care how this car goes from 0-100 or how it tackles slaloms, I'm more concerned about how the car travels in the city from A to B and how comfortable the thing is. And there is where it shines. The only problem is, the V8 in the LS460L is so good that the V12 doesn't seem to offer anything more in refinement. I agree here then that the LS600L is abit of a useless exercise.

But then again, you get exclusivity and hey, as a perk, better fuel consumption... What's not to love?

Well refinement is one thing, but the V12 in the S600 offers mind-boggling performance, something the LS600h L can't even come close to offering. True the V8 in the LS460 models is as about as refined as you can get, but the thrust of a S600 isn't there. Now I've said all along that the LS600hL might match the V12s in the A8 and 760Li in most ways, but the S600, not even close.

As far as an upgrade over the LS460L, the extra 30K over a LS460L doesn't provide much of an upgrade. The LS600hL is simply a poor value compared to the LS460L. It burns more gas on the highway than the LS460L and isn't any faster, according to Edmunds. IMO, the car is pointless going by the Edmunds test, we'll see what others have to say about it.

M

 

[Merc1]

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Should I buy one?

Prices have yet to be confirmed ahead of the car going on sale in the UK in October 2007. It’s expected to start at £84,000. That’s a lot, but it’s also a lot less than an equivalently specced Merc.

Then again, you may need to add a chauffeur’s salary on top, for while it’s surprisingly engaging to drive, the best place to be is the back, especially if you get the long-wheelbase car with its optional individual ‘ottoman’ chairs.

They’ll even give you a fabulous back massage, which should ease the pain from all that patting yourself on the back for being so green.

Full Article:

Lexus LS - Road Test First Drive - Autocar.co.uk

M

 

[Bruce]

Overall, an appropriate review I'd say.

Thanks for posting, Marcus.

 

[TagMan]

merc1,
Read the Edmunds review. Hope you have had a chance to see my posts regarding this car at the old stomping ground. I am hardly impressed with it's shortcomings. Check both the Luxury Lounge, and the LS600hL forums if you are interested. Take care.
TagMan

 

[Merc1]

merc1,
Read the Edmunds review. Hope you have had a chance to see my posts regarding this car at the old stomping ground. I am hardly impressed with it's shortcomings. Check both the Luxury Lounge, and the LS600hL forums if you are interested. Take care.
TagMan

Oh I'm sure I don't even have to look to see what is being said over there. Let me guess? The 104K base price is a milestone for the Lexus brand makes it just as prestigous as Mercedes and BMW. The LS600hL is just as good if not better than the S600 because it gets better gas mileage. Nevermind that it is no faster than a S550 or LS460 and can't hope to compete with a S600. Simply put I'm sure the clueless Lexus worshipers over there think it is the best car in the world bar none? Am I close?

Anyway, good to hear from you, but I have no desire to even look at Edmunds forums anymore.

M

 

[TagMan]

Oh, you've got the main Lexican chant down pretty good... you've heard it for soooo long. Anyway, I've been laying into them HARD for two days straight, non-stop. Cyclone4 actually says he's cancelling his order for one! And frankly, I'm glad for him because I didn't want to see him piss so much money down the drain.

The LS600hL specs out no better than an LS460L, and sacrifices 35% of it's trunk space only to deliver WORSE acceleration and much WORSE highway fuel economy. With so much that is not better than the LS460L, it becomes darned obvious... unless you must have AWD, and are willing to pay a fortune for it... there's essentially no point to the LS600hL!!... biggest and most expensive marketing hype Lexus has ever perpetrated on the public.

Take care, merc

TagMan

 

[Merc1]

Oh, you've got the main Lexican chant down pretty good... you've heard it for soooo long. Anyway, I've been laying into them HARD for two days straight, non-stop. Cyclone4 actually says he's cancelling his order for one! And frankly, I'm glad for him because I didn't want to see him piss so much money down the drain.

The LS600hL specs out no better than an LS460L, and sacrifices 35% of it's trunk space only to deliver WORSE acceleration and much WORSE highway fuel economy. With so much that is not better than the LS460L, it becomes darned obvious... unless you must have AWD, and are willing to pay a fortune for it... there's essentially no point to the LS600hL!!... biggest and most expensive marketing hype Lexus has ever perpetrated on the public.

Take care, merc

TagMan

Let me guess, Oac, Lenn and Houdini think it is the greatest car to ever grace the earth right? When you mention the above points, they gloss over it with some bs about saving the planet or that it is prestige thing right? Nevermind that prestige never mattered before when it was a Mercedes thing! You're right I know their lame arguments all too well. Ignorance is bliss. Just a sidenote, I in part wasn't about to kiss Edmunds' hosts asses to get back on their just to debate cars with a bunch of folks who aren't car enthusiasts at all, they're Lexus enthusiasts and their lack of knowledge about cars in general is stunning. I didn't see where it was worth the effort. I'm sure they're expecting me to return to combat some of the lastest Lexus hype, but alas...I won't be.

M

 

[TagMan]

I applaud you for associating yourself with more knowledgable and enthusiastic car buffs. I know you were there at Edmunds for a LONG time. Me... I'm still a rookie compared to you.

Hope you're enyoying the CLK, and life in general. Gotta run. I'll check in with you once in a while.

TagMan

 

[ateekt]

Great ride indeed ...!

Lexus is the only/best brand in world, next to high-end Germans & LS is a great achievement for Toyota ...!

 

[cawimmer430]

My scanner won't install in my computer so I can just give you the fine points.

There was a lot of praise but also a lot of negative comments, especially regarding the pathetic trunk space and load capacity.

The LS handled well if driven in a relaxed manor, but the moment one tried driving sporty with it, it's poor handling became apparent. It's no match for any of the German V12s in this class when it comes to handling - or performance. 6.3 seconds to 100 km/h is slow when compared to the Mercedes S600 for example (4.5 seconds).

Fuel economy in the mix was good, but outside on country roads and the Autobahn, the LS600h will use a lot of fuel. The engine was quiet and the comfort was good, except on uneven road surfaces where the suspension made a lot of noise.

The interior was heavily criticized for two reasons. One, the poor ergonomics. There are buttons for various features all strewn across the interior. AMS felt the logic behind this was confusing. Second, the interior materials are cheap for this class according to AMS. This type of interior would be ok in the midsize class (E-Class, 5er, GS, A6 etc.), but not here.

Lexus hopes to sell 5,000 Lexus LS in Europe. They expect that 60% of LS's sold will be Hybrids. Optimistic?



+Quiet engine
+Fuel economy (9.3 L/100 km mixed)
+Very comfortable
+AWD/traction
+LED lighting
+Interior space
+Low wind noises
+High speed comfort


-Slow acceleration for this class (6.3 seconds)
-Extremely small luggage space (330 liters now instead of 505 liters [LS460])
-Extremely poor load capacity (200 kg!!!)
-Noisy suspension on uneven road surfaces
-Poor handling / vague steering
-Cheap interior materials / poor interior ergonomics
-High fuel consumption outside urban environments



EDIT: Here are the scans. THANK REE FOR THESE. WHEN YOU SEE A POST OF HIS, GIVE HIM A THANKS. MY SCANNER IS BROKEN / WON'T INSTALL.

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http://img176.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ls6003ub5.jpghttp://img295.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ls6004iq8.jpg

 

[PanterroR]

-Slow acceleration for this class (6.3 seconds)
-Extremely small luggage space (330 liters now instead of 505 liters [LS460])
-Extremely poor load capacity (200 kg!!!)
-Noisy suspension on uneven road surfaces
-Poor handling / vague steering
-Cheap interior materials / poor interior ergonomics
-High fuel consumption outside urban environments

I ain't gonna defend Lexus, but this part:

-Cheap interior materials / poor interior ergonomics

Are we so sure about that? C'mon, leave the bashings aside, i don't believe this... It's their top model after all...