Lexus LS 600h (2006 – 2012) Review
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Lexus LS 600h (2006 – 2012) At A Glance
Hybrid technology delivers V12-like performance with V6-diesel economy. Refined and supremely plush. Almost fanatical quality standards.
Anonymous looks.
"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.
Reviews for Lexus LS 600h (2006 – 2012)'s top 3 rivals
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Lexus LS 600h (2006 – 2012) handling and engines
- Engines range from 4.3 to 600h
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 20–36 mpg
Think about it for a moment. A two-and-a-half ton limo that can pull 60mph in 6 seconds, go on to an electronically limited 155mph, cruise at 112mph at just 2,000rpm, return 30.4mpg and steams in at just 219g/km CO2 so it's also the only limo that doesn't get hit with £400pa tax.
The ‘Hybrid' signs on the side clearly tell the public you care about the environment, perhaps not quite as much as a Prius owner, but at least you aren't leaving everyone else to choke in your exhaust fumes.
Prior to driving there was some alarm at the electronically controlled electric steering, which is high ratio at low speeds, low ratio at high speeds, yet quickens up in "pre accident" scenarios. Some of us wondered if this would translate to "fear steer".
Yet out on the road it offers a better impression of driver "feel" than any previous Lexus LS. It isn't perfect because it isn't linear. Electronics have taken over from castor and mechanical precision. But the car is aimed at drivers who might not happen to be as interested driving as the rest of us (mainly Americans), and the electric steering combined with the other chassis electronics might just save their lives together with anyone else's that they might otherwise crash into. Even driving on simulated ice the car collects itself and stays under control. We certainly had no alarming moments, despite using the ferocious acceleration to the full on ordinary roads and maxing the car many times (when space and prudence allowed) on the autobahns.
I could go on and on about equipment levels. Thankfully there is no interpretation of i-drive. Instead, individual buttons control individual functions and you never get so locked into a menu you could crash into the car in front. But there is so much kit that to describe it all would take a book, so instead I'll refer you to the equipment list below, laboriously transcribed on the plane.
To sum it up, despite the steering and the heavily intrusive ESP (of which only 30% can be switched off), this is a car I liked on all levels.
It works on logical argument for delivering 0-60 in 6 seconds, 155mph, 30mpg and 219g/km, which is almost V12 performance at V6 diesel economy.
But it's also satisfying and so comfortable to drive. I reckon I could do 1,000 miles in a single stint without a twinge.
If my present little earner were to suddenly end, I might find myself asking, "do any potential LS600h owners need a chauffeur?"
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600h | 30 mpg | 6.3 s | 218–219 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Lexus LS 600h (2006 – 2012)
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
Lexus LS 600h (2006 – 2012) interior
- Boot space is 330–552 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 5025–5150 mm |
| Width | 1830–1875 mm |
| Height | 1465–1480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2925–3090 mm |
In the long-wheelbase version, presuming you have a chauffeur, you can specify a "Relaxation Pack".
This consists of what amounts to a Business Class reclining chair that at the press of a button also moves the front passenger seat forwards and out of the way so you can sleep, enjoy some champagne from the built in cooler, watch a DVD on a large built-in ceiling screen, have numerous different types of back massage, or perhaps even do some work.
At 100kmh the sound level inside the car is a mere 60db, the lowest of any car, anywhere ever. "At 60mph, the loudest noise you can hear in this new Lexus motor car is the sound of your own breathing." (Apologies to the late David Ogilvy.)
But if you don't like silence you can employ the standard 16 speaker Mark Levinson "Reference Surround" sound system.
Lexus has coined its own catchword for its attention to detail: "L Finesse", which reads to me like the product of too many meetings. It also uses the expression, "The Pursuit of Perfection". To me, "Pursuing Perfection" would have summed it up better, but perhaps that was rejected and once rejected could not be revived. However there is no doubt that listening to every criticism of its previous LS models has led to standards that border on the fanatical.
For example, during production, the paint is "water polished' and any imperfection that may have existed is either eliminated, or the paint finish is rejected. There has been a lot of bad press recently for while paint, Glass's Guide marking it down as worth £3,000 less to used buyers than black. Unfortunately that only takes account of past behaviour, because the LS600h is at its outstanding best in water-polished pure white. (The white car in the photos is the standard wheelbase version.)
Lexus LS 600h (2006 – 2012) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 5025–5150 mm |
| Width | 1830–1875 mm |
| Height | 1465–1480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2925–3090 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1910–2430 kg |
| Boot Space | 330–552 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £57,263–£93,936 |
| Insurance Groups | 50 |
| Road Tax Bands | K |
| Official MPG | 24.4–30.4 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until September 2012
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 5.0 V8 High 4dr Auto | £93,936 | 30.4 mpg | 6.3 s |
| 5.0 V8 L 4dr Auto | £90,636 | 30.4 mpg | 6.3 s |
On sale until October 2009
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 5.0 V8 Auto | £84,735 | 30.4 mpg | - |
| 5.0 V8 LWB Auto | £86,935 | 30.4 mpg | - |
On sale until April 2009
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 4.6 V8 Auto | £61,535 | - | - |
| 4.6 V8 SE Auto | £69,365 | - | - |
| 4.6 V8 SE-L Auto | £75,240 | - | - |
On sale until June 2006
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 4.3 Litre Auto | £57,263 | - | - |
Model History
August 2006
New LS600h shown. A 443bhp all-wheel-drive hybrid luxurious saloon combiniing 5.0 litre V8 with two high output electric motors and 2-stage E-CVT transmission.
5,030 mm (16’ 6”) or 5,150mm (16’ 11”) long by 1,875mm wide by 1,474mm high.
European sales from 2007. World’s first full hybrid V8 powertrain, featuring new lightweight 5.0 litre engine with high output electric motors and new large capacity battery pack. Maximum power of more than 443bhp matches the performance of conventional, normally-aspirated petrol V12 engines. Permanent four-wheel drive and electronically controlled epicyclic CVT. Combined cycle fuel consumption of more than 30.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 219g//km out perform all petrol and diesel rivals. Class-leading active, passive and preventive safety features, including Advanced Pre-Crash Safety, Advanced Obstacle Detection, Emergency Steering Assist and Driver Monitoring systems. Long wheelbase 5,150mm model's extra length dedicated entirely to extra rear cabin space. Luxury innovations on LS 600h L include a 'Relaxation Pack' of reclining rear seats, one with footrest, backrest massage, rear seat cushion airbags and body-heat-sensing climate control.
October 2007
On sale in UK from around £60,000 to around £85,000. Has official combined-circuit fuel consumption of 30.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 219g/km.
Prices:
LS 600h £81,400
LS 600h L £83,645
LS 600h L with Rear Seat Relaxation Package £88,000
THE ONLY LIMO THAT DOES 0-60 IN 6 SECONDS, 155MPH, YET ALSO OVER 30MPG AND JUST 219g/km CO2.
For existing owners at 12-2-2008 Congestion Tax free until October 2010. For new owners, Congestion Taxed at £8 a day from 27-10-2010.
September 2009
From 2010 MY the only Lexus LS to be sold in the UK. Comprehensively revised, incorporating updates to the exterior and interior designs, a redesigned seating configuration, significantly updated equipment and enhanced driving dynamics. The world’s only full hybrid vehicle in the premium luxury sedan segment, the Lexus LS 600h will be instantly identified as the high performance flagship of the LS model range through bespoke exterior and interior styling cues, improved packaging, and numerous enhancements to the vehicle’s Lexus Hybrid Drive system.
September 2009
Improvements for 2010 model year: LS 600h and long wheelbase LS 600h L full hybrid models revised. Lexus Hybrid Drive system now meets Euro V emissions standards. More compact hybrid battery packaging. New ECO driving mode with efficiency-adjusted throttle and air conditioning performance. New hybrid-exclusive exterior styling features and new exterior colours. Rear Seat Relaxation Pack introduced in five-seat configuration. New HDD Lexus Navigation System. Automatic headlamp high beam system. Available to order in the UK from mid September 2009 with customer deliveries from early 2010.
March 2010
More details of advanced technology and more passenger comfort for 2010, reinforcing its position as one of the most sophisticated and luxurious cars on the market. The revised range now centres on the five-seat LS 600h L long-wheelbase model, equipped with a Rear Seat Relaxation Package
Lexus has made the LS 600h L’s Rear Seat Relaxation Package available as an option for five as well as four-seat models. It provides a series of features that provide a truly first class travelling environment.
The package equips the left hand rear seat (on right-hand drive models) with an electrically adjustable ottoman foot and thigh rest and an adjustable massage function that can replicate techniques from Shiatsu to acupressure. The seat is fitted with seat cushion airbag and, to give a clear view, the front passenger headrest can be electrically folded down. All rear seats have an electric recline adjustment.
The features include a more sophisticated climate control system that monitors the passengers’ body temperature for more effective control of the cabin environment. For the four seat version, a fixed centre console is provided with a built-in cool box, DVD and CD store and a retracting and adjustable wood inlaid tray.
Where four seats are specified, the rear seat entertainment system features a roof-mounted nine-inch VGA LCD monitor; with the five-seat option the screen is centre console mounted.
The advanced headlight system is further improved with the adoption of automatic high beam operation. A sensor in the rear view mirror detects on-coming traffic, streetlights and vehicles ahead and automatically switches the headlight high beam on and off as conditions require.
The Lexus LS was the first car in the world to feature LED technology for low beam headlights. It offers exceptional illumination power across the full width of the road, without causing glare for oncoming traffic. The units use less power than conventional lamps and light up almost instantaneously. Their design, with a transparent blue ring around each of the three projector lenses, gives the LS 600h an unmistakeable headlamp signature.
The effectiveness of the headlights is further increased by the Intelligent Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), which swivels the headlamp units in line with vehicle speed and steering angle to improve illumination through bends at junctions and when turning into parking places.
The performance of the LS 600h’s electronically controlled braking has been improved by 12.5 per cent. The 380 mm ventilated front discs brakes are equipped with six-piston callipers, discs and pads of which have been jointly developed with Brembo. Featuring high mu pads to reduce abnormal noise and vibration, the new brakes provide excellent feel and the fade-free, high speed stopping power.
In common with its sister Lexus models, the 2010 LS 600h adopts a 40GB hard disc drive (HDD) system to support its satellite navigation. The HDD also provides 10GB storage for an on-board sound library of digital files.
The 2010 LS 600h can be identified from its new front grille and front and rear bumper design. Signature LED sidelights have also been added, together with turn indicator lamps integrated in the door mirrors. The range of exterior colours has been revised, including the introduction of a new shade, Crystal Sapphire.
The 2010 LS 600h gains new LCD dashboard instrumentation and improved “butterfly” design headrests. All versions of the car now benefit from the Rear Seat Upgrade Package, which includes four-
zone climate control, a multi-function rear centre armrest with through-hatch into the boot, rear side airbags, electric sunshades on the rear doors, electrically adjustable rear seats with memory settings, lumbar massage and integrated air conditioning and roof-mounted air conditioning diffusers.
|
MODEL |
OTR PRICE |
VED BAND |
INSURANCE GROUP |
|
LS 600h |
£90,660 |
K |
50E |
|
LS 600h L |
£87,440 |
K |
50E |
|
LS 600h L Rear Seat Relaxation Package (4 or 5 seats) |
£96,645 |
K |
50E |
What to watch out for
DO NOT JUMP START. Hybrids should be trickled charged, not jump started (bulletin from Toyota how to do it correctly). If a recovery agent connects jump leads directly to either hybrid battery and than to his battery the sudden charge can damage circuits with in the hybrid system (not necessarily the ECU). It seems that not all recovery companies are familiar with the correct jump start process . Damage can be caused which will not be apparent at the time.
15-07-2012:Regenerative braking, and the fact that rear brakes do very little of a car's braking anyway, mean that corrosion can build up on rear brake discs and is not cleaned off by the pads, resulting in a life of as little as 20,000 miles.
17-07-2017:Report of inverter cooling system packing up on 2009 Lexus LS600h at 135,000 miles. Estimate for repair was £24,000.
