In the high-stakes poker game of luxury sedans, Lexus always ups the ante when it comes time to redo its flagships LS sedan.
It started back in 1989 when Lexus introduced two models to the world, as part of Toyota's assault on the luxury market. It started off as an LS 400 (with the number roughly designating engine size), and progressed through the LS 430 to the latest generation of LS 460. The latest redesign brought with it a longer wheelbase model for the first time.
And now comes the world's first hybrid V8 model, in the LS 600h L. In presentation and price, it is well worthy of the flagship mantle for the Lexus line.
Isn't the LS460 a much better value? The 600 has a huge premium attached to it, is a far heavier car which kills performance and the fuel economy is actually a bit worse despite being a hybrid. And I'm not going to touch on the argument about whether or not it stacks up in the prestige category with, say, the Mercedes S-class because I don't have the money to touch either one.
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2001 Camaro SS
310 RWHP, 330 RWTQ stock @ 12,000 miles
28 mpg highway
Isn't the LS460 a much better value? The 600 has a huge premium attached to it, is a far heavier car which kills performance and the fuel economy is actually a bit worse despite being a hybrid. And I'm not going to touch on the argument about whether or not it stacks up in the prestige category with, say, the Mercedes S-class because I don't have the money to touch either one.
Yes the 460 is a "much better value", which are 3 words that uber-richasses couldn't care less about The customer-base is pretty much the type of people that would buy a Maybach per say.
I understand what you guys are saying. Gas mileage for the elite is not a top consideration sure, but then again what's the point of doing the hybrid powertrain in that case?
There's a big Lexus guy on one of the boards I frequent who was saying he just doesn't believe this car fits with Lexus' original core goal, that is highest quality luxury at an un-snobbish price. I guess I can see where he is coming from. In the 460 the quality won't be any worse -- it actually might be better since there's less gadgetry to worry about -- the 460 will actually perform better and makes just as big a statement at the country club.
I'm interested to see how such a high-dollar Lexus does in this market. It is going against some very well-established players.
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2001 Camaro SS
310 RWHP, 330 RWTQ stock @ 12,000 miles
28 mpg highway
Well, think of it this way. I'm not making a case specifically for this Lexus, but just uber-luxury sedan in general. In most cases, these uber-luxury sedans boast a very large displacement engine, which isn't really for performance but for comfort, the comfort of a non-stressing engine just pulling the (rather heavy) car along with next to no effort, and no noticeable vibration and noise, which in this class of vehicles are of utmost importance.
You do want instant power for the get-go, but at the same time the need for the lack of vibration and noise aforementioned, which equates to total comfort, the whole point of these uber-luxury cars.
I think by combining the "hybridness" to the uber-luxury formula, it furthers improves on that "comfort." Since the engine isn't necessarily ON all the time, especially at stop-lights, when you take off it only employs the electric motor, hence the vibration and noise are further reduced, to both the interior and from the outside as well. The fuel saved by running on electric motor only when cruising at slow speeds within an urban environment is merely an icing on the cake, but usually not something the owners would care about as a priority.
Hope that answers your question. Although the disclaimer would be that it depends on the individual, but if I'm an uber-richass looking into buying such a conspicuous vehicle, I guess the total comfort would be my priority for shelling out that much money for one of these uber-luxury sedans.
^^^I agree.
Its (the LS600) pretty much a poor man's Maybach...which isn't a bad thing.
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U.S. media is a systematic censorship on free speech. They don't like what they hear they don't report. Don't want to upset the political and advertising sponsors. Its so corrupted. While they don't have to agree with certain views, its their job to report and let US decide.
Everyone should read Edmunds review on this car (for info, not because Edmunds is always correct!). The 460 is a better value, and gets better mileage. The advantage the H brings to the table is it's "green" (Lexus' word, not mine). Imagine you are an exec at Apple or something and want to show your wealth but be "responsible", you could look at this car. There is some insight regarding who buys these cars in the Edmunds article. For less dough the 460 still a great buy in this class, and it parks itself, woohoo!
Jeff
Everyone should read Edmunds review on this car (for info, not because Edmunds is always correct!). The 460 is a better value, and gets better mileage. The advantage the H brings to the table is it's "green" (Lexus' word, not mine). Imagine you are an exec at Apple or something and want to show your wealth but be "responsible", you could look at this car. There is some insight regarding who buys these cars in the Edmunds article. For less dough the 460 still a great buy in this class, and it parks itself, woohoo!
Jeff
for 2008, the EPA ratings have changed and you can't really compare the mpg results of a 2007 to anything 2008 since they are tested differently.
I am sure the hybrid version of the LS saves more gas.
I dunno but in Canada, that loaded LS600h L is ~ the price of a base S550 4Matic. A few mpg off the LS460 won't matter. The difference between the S550's mpg and the LS600h L mpg is larger. Same for the 760iL.
Also, it's quiet when the engine's off and no vibration. Besides, it puts out less CO2 than your average V12 engine that's for sure.
Another is the AWD system and LED headlights which aren't available for the LS460.
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2010 Prius Technology Package (Cdn)
OEM Cargo Mat, OEM All-Weather Mat, LED ext/int lights, 5000K HID, OEM Fogs, Euro Mudguards
Theres something very important you guys are forgetting. Lexus hybrids are ment to give out the power output of a larger engine with the fuel economy of a smaller engine. Like the LS600h wasn't ment to have better fuel economy than its base V8 conterpart. Its ment to give better fuel economy with the power output of a V10 or V12, whichever one Lexus was aiming at. And it pretty much does that. Hence the name LS600h (460 = 4.6...600 = 6.0).
for 2008, the EPA ratings have changed and you can't really compare the mpg results of a 2007 to anything 2008 since they are tested differently.
I am sure the hybrid version of the LS saves more gas.
19/27 for the 08 and 16/24 for the 07 long wheel base model, according to a NEW procedure estimate via the EPA web site. That's not a big jump. That being said, the 08 does give virtual V12 power from a V8 package -- too bad the hybrid system comes at a cost (which kills the performace gain) in the form of added weight. You also lose trunk space. For the price premium, the 460 is still a much better value.
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