2010 Lexus LS 600hL released in Australia

By Tim Beissmann | March 09th, 2010

Following its debut at last September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL is now available in Australia offering added technology, revised styling and sharpened pricing.

The Lexus Hybrid Drive system has been upgraded for the 2010 model year to meet Euro V emissions standards.

The 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine and 165kW electric motor combine for a maximum power output of 327kW. This means 0-100km/h comes up in 6.3 seconds, while fuel consumption and CO2 emissions remain tidy at 9.3 litres/100km and 219g/km respectively.

The new “ECO mode” monitors and manages performance of the air conditioning system and throttle response to maximise efficiency, while repackaging of the battery system has increased boot space by 40 litres.

Outside the usual refresher tweaks are evident with updates to the grille, fog lamps, bumpers and the addition of LEDs. The customary “hybrid blue” headlights make an appearance, as does self-healing paint which claims to maintain the vehicle’s finish over its lifetime.

A new full-colour TFT LCD display is the champion of the interior and is joined in the LS 600hL by countless other dials, touch screens and displays that control everything from navigation instructions and coolant temperature to hybrid system status and audio functions.

On that, the new entertainment system does deserve a mention. The standard Mark Levinson unit delivers 7.1-channel surround sound through no less than 19 speakers and features fully-controllable USB connectivity.

The seats top off the interior changes for the new model, with inflator-operated active headrests in the front which project forwards and upwards to reduce the risk of whiplash in rear-impact accidents.

The outboard rear passengers also get new adjustable headrests and added bolsters to improve hip support, while legroom in the four-seat model has grown by 40mm on the passenger side when the front seat is pushed fully forward to aid entry and egress.

Benefiting from the recent tariff reductions, the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL costs $243,900 in four-seat configuration and $250,900 as a five-seater (both down $9000).

Prices are manufacturer’s list prices and do not include dealer delivery or statutory charges.

Shak

C’mon mate is more than that. That’d be like calling the S63 a C200 with a big engine and bigger wheels.

Shak

Why did the previous comment get deleted. Mine makes no sense now.

The Other Brad

Yer I noticed that =) Think it’s just worth nuking the entire thread when such things happen, otherwise people think you’re loony.

Baddass

I’m pretty sure that the last model had a combined output of 327kW as well. And considering the petrol engine has about 280-290kW anyway, I it must be the same combined power output.

http://www.caradvice.com.au Tim Beissmann

Right you are Baddass. Correct now.

Grammar Nazi

It genuinely looks like a Camry. I’m not saying it looks bad, but the family resemblance is unmistakable. For reference:

http://www.lincah.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/2010-toyota-camry-picture-7-588×307.jpg
Monster

I really doubt the car can produce a combined 327kW. Once the petrol engine has reached its max power output, it won’t be able to cope with the extra force from the electric motor.

Shak

What are you talking about, the electric motor drives the wheels directly, it doesnt have to go through the engine at all.

Monster

Well in theory it can produce 327 kW, but in practice I don’t think it can. Yes. the motors can drive the wheels directly but we are talking about the”combine” power which means the petrol engine and the electrical motor are both engaged at the same time. So in this case the electric motor will ‘go through’ the engine.

Now when the engine is running at maximum power, usually close to its peak rpm, and you give the engine the full force of the electric motor, what will happen?
Most likely the petrol engine will back off to protect itself, so you won’t get the full power from the engine, and you won’t get the combined power of 327kW.
Of course the gearbox would have shifted gears before all this can be allowed.

Lexus can release a dyno chart to back up their claim, until then I don’t buy it.

Ryan

I will listen to engineers who designed the product and know what they are talking about, than an armchair expert like yourself. No offence.

Simon

Ok so it’s a Lexus, not a Toyota. So why do they always look so similar?
It really says nothing to me.
aim

Thats a very nice camry (why dont they make different cars?) if i wanted to buy a lexus i wouldn’t buy it for this reason: no matter how much better it is, deep down its a camry
The Oracle

Apparently because this car is a hybrid, it is exempt from the NSW government’s new weight tax. So now you can save $30 on your $250K, 2 tonne, 5.5m V8 limo. What a bargain and what a stupid idea is that tax.
Gavjon

Is this a Hybrid Fat Camry? $250k for it thou, seriously……….
mrxandthexfactor

Why is everyone calling this a Camry what part of it makes it look like a camry and i mean its designed with the L Finesse design not the vibrant clarity (?).
It’s a great car to be honest
LessQQ

It seems confused.

Not quite a sportscar, not quite a family car.

Seems contradictory, V8 engine but a hybrid? 4 door saloon but 327kw? Priced in with supercars, but incredibly big and heavy.

All I can say is this is an odd car.
LessQQ

If this came with bulletproofing as an option then maybe it could pass off as a safety car for executives/politicians.

That would make sense for having a V8 too and being a saloon.
F1MotoGP

Maybe it is not the Mercedes level yet but is getting there. Tolerance on engine is 1/1000th of millimeter. Check Lexus The Hard Way video.