Lexus LS 600h (2006 – 2012) Review

Lexus LS 600h (2006 – 2012) At A Glance

4/5

+Hybrid technology delivers V12-like performance with V6-diesel economy. Refined and supremely plush. Almost fanatical quality standards.

-Anonymous looks.

Insurance Group 50
On average it achieves 99% of the official MPG figure

"Waftastic" reads like a word Mike Myers may have invented to describe emissions from the F.B., or perhaps even a new Austin Powers cologne.

But it also aptly describes an LS 600h L, the biggest, best and so far only hybrid limousine you can buy.

It has a new 294PS 5.0 litre V8 petrol engine, a 224PS regenerative electric motor, a battery of batteries, four-wheel drive and an epicyclic ‘CVT' transmission.

And it is the only limousine in the world that can waft away from a kerb completely silently, emitting nothing whatsoever into city atmospheres, achieving everything Ken Livingstone apparently wants apart from an ostentatious display of hard-earned wealth.

2007 Road Test Lexus LS600h

Real MPG average for a Lexus LS 600h (2006 – 2012)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

99%

Real MPG

20–36 mpg

MPGs submitted

20

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

What are the best five cars for cabin quietness and insulation from wind and road noise at speed?

"What are the best five cars for cabin quietness and insulation from wind and road noise at speed?"
The most surprising I have ever driven was the Peugeot 407 Coupe. Astonishingly quiet even at high speed. Otherwise, a Mercedes-Benz S500e, a Lexus LS600h (new Lexus hybrid next week), new BMW 7-Series, Citroen C6.
Answered by Honest John

Should I have my Lexus re-chipped?

"My Lexus LS diesel has covered 83,000 miles and is trouble free, but my only concern is lack of power and poor economy (30-35 mpg). I'm considering having it re-chipped, would this be a good idea?"
Flaw of the car. The gearing is too high. I wouldn't have anything chipped at this sort of mileage. And any fuel economy benefit will be wipes out many times over by the insurance hike.
Answered by Honest John

Are my rear brake discs wearing prematurely?

"I need some guidance on the expected life of the rear brake discs on my Lexus LS600hL. The car is three years old, has just completed 30,000 miles and is under extended warranty. On the 20,000 mile service (in December) it was noted that both the front and rear brake pads were only 20 per cent worn. However, during the recent MOT it was advised that the insides of the rear discs were badly corroded and needed to be changed at my expense. Can you tell me what would you expect normal life of rear brake discs to be?"
It depends how hard the car is braked. Discs corrode all the time if the car is left standing, especially overnight. 95 per cent of the braking of a car is at the front, so while normal braking cleans overnight corrosion off front discs, you have to brake hard to bring the rear discs into play and clean them up. I guess that this is even more of a problem with a big hybrid because of the amount of regenerative braking taking place. It's probably an unforeseen consequence of the design of the car. Will note in www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar
Answered by Honest John

Lexed car?

"My present car is a Lexus LS430, which is more than 3 years old and has completed 29,500 miles in a faultless manner. I am considering changing it for a new MB S Class (latest facelift). Now that they only sell two models in the UK with short wheelbase: the S350 CDI and the S350 direct petrol injection, I am wondering which model would suit my needs best? I do approx 5,400miles in the UK during the year, mainly short trips, and about 4,500miles in Europe each year, am I better off paying a little more for petrol and RFL by buying the S350 petrol, or the S350 CDI, which would be better on continental roads and cheaper to run? I have been reading your many letters recently about diesel engines with unreliable particulate filters. I would welcome your opinion as to my best course of action (Perhaps even keeping the LS 430)"
I think you might run into trouble with the particulate filters of the Diesel, though MB’s DPF is a reliable additive based system. But why not also consider a Lexus LS600h petrol electric hybrid? That's a fantastic piece of kit.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Lexus LS 600h (2006 – 2012) cost?