2008 Lexus LS600hL Road Test

Model tested: Lexus LS600hL
Recommended Retail Price: $240,000.
Options fitted: None fitted.
Standard equipment, fuel economy, subtle ride.
Handling, looks too much like the LS460, boot room.
CarAdvice rating: 



(4.00)
- Photographs and review by Paul Maric and Anthony Crawford
“There are thirty-two advanced automotive systems listed under the LS 600hL’s Technical Glossary. Lexus has most likely created the most technically advanced automobile on the planet today”
Paul Maric:
Okay, so the Lexus LS600hL looks near identical to its LS460 sibling, but looks are where the similarities stop. The LS600hL uses a 5.0-litre V8 engine, but also features an electric motor which produces 165kW. Coupled with the 290kW V8, the LS600hL produces 327kW when all systems are running. It’s a massive figure, but only so much is needed to pull all 2.4-tonnes with any great pace.
Power is handled by a CVT (Continually Variable Transmission) and is sent through a torsen all-wheel-drive system. But driving the Lexus isn’t as interesting as riding in the back seats, let me explain why.

Take a seat behind the front passenger seat and hit the Ottoman switch. Instantly, the front passenger seat folds forward and the rear seat is turned into an Ottoman, fitted with foot-rest. Once you’re settled, turn on the heated/cooled seats and select your massage program – Shiatsu or Stretch. From there, you can turn the in-seat vibrate function on or adjust your personalised heating controls.
Rear seat passengers are graced with wireless headphones and a flip-down LCD screen for movies. You can chill your favourite Cab Sav in the cooler, or flip out the small table to do some work on the way to your jet – at your airport. In comfort mode, the ride is devilishly smooth. Electric rear and side sunshades also block out peasants who insist on looking in.

Back in the driver’s seat, if parallel parking isn’t your thing, the LS600hL also has it sorted. Line up next to a parked car and select reverse. From there you place the rectangle in your desired spot via the LCD screen and hold on; the car literally reverses and turns the wheel into your parking space. In theory, it works great, but in practice it’s a relatively useless gimmick. By the time you activate the system, you could have parked, run your errands and made it back home in time for the stock report.
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