Still, the conventionally powered LS boasts a clean ULEV rating. The one bright spot concerns the hybrid's lower emissions, as it earns SULEV status. Equally disappointing is the fuel economy, registering an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 20 mpg in combined driving, which naturally isn't much different from the regular LS 460 L's 16/24/19 mpg except in the city cycle. In recent testing, Edmunds managed a run to 60 mph from a standstill in 6.0 seconds - a tenth of a second slower than a gas-powered LS 460 L we tested. And like other related hybrid systems, this system recharges the battery pack via regenerative braking when decelerating. The air-conditioning system runs off electric power, allowing the gas engine to shut down at stops. Like other Toyota-built hybrid systems, the LS 600h L's powertrain can propel the car solely under electric power at low speed and for limited distances. The transmission also has three driver-selectable driving modes - Normal, Power and Snow - for changing road conditions. Power is routed to all four wheels through a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT) that features manual shift control. With all motors working together, peak output is 438 hp. The 2012 Lexus LS 600h L is powered by a full hybrid system made up of two electric motor/generators and a 389-horsepower 5.0-liter V8. In the end, the Lexus LS 600h L might have been the first hybrid-powered prestige sedan, but times have changed and it is no longer the best. To a lesser degree, the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid may be of interest as well. The Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec diesel and Porsche Panamera Hybrid all return better gas mileage at an MSRP that is cheaper. But overall, we suggest looking into the few other competing vehicles on the market. But in Edmunds testing, this LS hybrid accelerates more slowly than not only its 12-cylinder rivals but also the conventional LS V8.Ĭertainly, the LS 600h L delivers the exceptionally luxurious interior and crypt-quiet silence for which Lexus has always been noted. In Lexus' defense, it positions the LS 600h L as a car able to deliver performance comparable to V12-powered luxury sedans while returning fuel economy like a V8-powered car. With an MSRP about $40,000 more than a conventional LS 460 L and a fuel economy advantage of just 1 mpg EPA combined, it would take the average driver almost 300 years to recoup the added purchase cost with fuel savings. While the 2012 Lexus LS 600h L is indeed a hybrid vehicle, it shouldn't be considered green - unless you count the green in your wallet that it'll deplete, that is. Recent research showed that South Africans are not in love with the Lexus brand as much as they are with the likes of VW Audi Mercedes Benz and BMW.When you think of green cars, the usual image is likely an eco-friendly commuter pod that gets you on the right side of the karma equation. This car gives you everything you just decide how and when let it really roar. And isn’t that what technology should be about? Giving you power and freedom to choose when you’ll use that power. The drive is whatever you want it to be-civilized should you choose, or tail-wagging fun. It looks classy but has a flair of sportiness. It arguably has the last word in refinement, luxury and comfort too. You do have the choice of diesel alternatives from other brands, but this car does everything you may need a diesel car for. At $88,400 it’s competitively priced especially considering the fuel-saving and emissions saving this car offers. I had no issues of space in the front and rear and the boot space has not been compromised even with the battery packs being packed in there.Ĭhoosing a Lexus GS450h F-Sport would be an easy choice for me if I was in the market for this level of car. (These guys take energy-saving seriously). The electric-powered seats feature heating and cooling and has technology to only feed air to the seats that are actually occupied. The idea is good, but the system is way too sensitive and can be quite annoying.įurther experience of the interior of this car makes you realize the levels of craftsmanship and detail surrounding you. Lexus has made use of a “mouse” type controller for the multimedia display and though it is placed in an easily reachable spot it isn’t user-friendly, especially when driving on uneven surfaces. The 12.3-inch display is one of the best on the market and carries a lot of information, should you want it. I particularly liked the simplified facia design that has been made possible by Lexus incorporating a huge multimedia unit into the dashboard. Let’s not forget that we are talking about a luxury sedan capable of seating five adults in a contemporary cabin with an oh-so-crisp Mark Levinson sound system.
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