Topic: 2010 Lexus LS600h L; Day 1

[Autos_Editor]

If you can think of it, the car James is driving this week - the Lexus LS 600hL - probably has it. But this is a hybrid after all, so there is a hint of responsibility to this excessive car, even though the gasoline engine is a big V8.
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[edcar]

Can you say, Das Elektrisch Boot?

Why would they put a 5.0 liter motor in the hybrid when the gas version uses a 4.6 liter one? Was it just so they can claim HP ratings equivalent to a normally aspirated 6 liter V-12? How do say weird in German?

Styling wise, I think the LS looks better than the S-class on the inside and out (don't like the MB's head or tail lights or lcd screen cum instrument cluster). BMW's 7 series looks like it has drawn a few styling cues from Lexus of late. That's actually a good thing in my opinion. Inside, the LS is pretty decent, but the grey paint on the centre stack looks low-rent compared to the BMW interior. In the last year or so, I have seen only a few LS600H's here in downtown Vancouver, rare as snow on Cypress!

It's interesting to read that the CVT works well...I drove a 2006 RX400H for 6 weeks and found the CVT odd and didn't like the massive torque steer that the FWD-biased AWD system induced on occasion...maybe there have been tweaks. I look forward to the coming days to see what James thinks.

[tpl]

I'll be interested in how well the LED headlights work compared to HID.

[airbalancer]

Sound like if you taking a trip to Florida or across Canada , this would be a great hiway cruiser

[lebowski]

Can you say, Das Elektrisch Boot?

Why would they put a 5.0 liter motor in the hybrid when the gas version uses a 4.6 liter one? Was it just so they can claim HP ratings equivalent to a normally aspirated 6 liter V-12? How do say weird in German?

Styling wise, I think the LS looks better than the S-class on the inside and out (don't like the MB's head or tail lights or lcd screen cum instrument cluster). BMW's 7 series looks like it has drawn a few styling cues from Lexus of late. That's actually a good thing in my opinion. Inside, the LS is pretty decent, but the grey paint on the centre stack looks low-rent compared to the BMW interior. In the last year or so, I have seen only a few LS600H's here in downtown Vancouver, rare as snow on Cypress!

Totally agree on the styling. I think Lexus really nailed it with this one - it's a beautifully restrained and unique design, and it looks worlds better than the S-class, whose design they so often mimicked in the past. I think it's their best-looking car since the original GS300.

[TDot]

Hey! Is that a Hyundai Genesis?! I know if I spent 144,000$ I'd want it to look more unique. Yeah it is attractive and non-offensive in design, but come on where is the originality these days? Has anybody looked at a Jaguar or even an Infiniti lately? Those are attractive and unique. BORING.

[Blueprint]

Wing, DO try the parallel-park gizmo !

[wing]

Not sure I'll have room / time to explain in the blog but I haven't been able to get the parallel park to work, it's too damn confusing.

But I have got the regular parking to work and it works well, although I could and can park faster than the system.  The Ford system requires you to be going less than 40km/h to find a spot and then it detects and away it goes.  The Lexus system requires you to be going less than 5km/h then it finds the spot, that is far too slow at least in my area of town, people go 20-40km/h in parking lots!

The Lexus system also has a serious flaw, it does not work on a hill, I attempted to use the system to back into my driveway and it gave up when it got stuck partially in the driveway and alerted me to not use the system on a hill.  The Ford system is far superior, hopefully Lexus enhances theirs because in its current form it is more of a toy than a tool.

[Alex_S]

<div style="text-align:left">

<img src="http://www.canadiandriver.com/galleries/2010/thumbs/7509-lexus600hl_jb_2-7509.jpg" border="1" align="right" />
If you can think of it, the car James is driving this week - the Lexus LS 600hL - probably has it. But this is a hybrid after all, so there is a hint of responsibility to this excessive car, even though the gasoline engine is a big V8.
<a href=http://www.canadiandriver.com/2010/02/16/day-by-day-review-2010-lexus-ls600h.htm>Read More...</a></div>

As always, great article.  Question, any issues with accelerator?  Brakes up to part?  How about Corolla-esqe steering gremlins?   Naw, just playin.. This is a great ride i'm sure but partial to MB's and BMW's personally.. 

[CatsEye68]

Wing, DO try the parallel-park gizmo !

It would be great fun to try that on one with a sticky accelerator.

[Shaoul]

This is a car to respect rather than love. It looks uncannily like a super-sized Corolla (hopfully without the wonky accelerator/steering, lol!), which is not exactly flattering. It's not in the same league of elegance/prestige as the current Mercedes S-Class (didn't like the bland looking predecessor) or, especially, the 2010 BMW 7 series, which looks MUCh better now that the "Bangled" design cues are largely gone.

[vdk]

This is a car to respect rather than love. It looks uncannily like a super-sized Corolla (hopfully without the wonky accelerator/steering, lol!), which is not exactly flattering. It's not in the same league of elegance/prestige as the current Mercedes S-Class (didn't like the bland looking predecessor) or, especially, the 2010 BMW 7 series, which looks MUCh better now that the "Bangled" design cues are largely gone.

So then why would you respect it?  Respect for an old school Bimmer or Benz, etc. A new 7 series? 

[safristi]

...Sybartic schoolmarm Saf present....................day 2 end of ist para   it's "GREET" not "great"...and

   "open the rear console bin and you reveal a REAR entertainment system!!!"....damn those fans,heaters and vibrators MUST really be something....... ...just put on the LEVINSON and boogie mit yer booty............

[Shaoul]

This is a car to respect rather than love. It looks uncannily like a super-sized Corolla (hopfully without the wonky accelerator/steering, lol!), which is not exactly flattering. It's not in the same league of elegance/prestige as the current Mercedes S-Class (didn't like the bland looking predecessor) or, especially, the 2010 BMW 7 series, which looks MUCh better now that the "Bangled" design cues are largely gone.

So then why would you respect it?  Respect for an old school Bimmer or Benz, etc. A new 7 series? 

No; respect for the Lexus and love for the Mercedes/BMW. Got it?

[vdk]

This is a car to respect rather than love. It looks uncannily like a super-sized Corolla (hopfully without the wonky accelerator/steering, lol!), which is not exactly flattering. It's not in the same league of elegance/prestige as the current Mercedes S-Class (didn't like the bland looking predecessor) or, especially, the 2010 BMW 7 series, which looks MUCh better now that the "Bangled" design cues are largely gone.

So then why would you respect it?  Respect for an old school Bimmer or Benz, etc. A new 7 series? 

No; respect for the Lexus and love for the Mercedes/BMW. Got it?

Anyone can get a new 7 series, S Class or an LS. No reason to respect them.

[bluelines]

Hideous interior. Lexus has been doing that nasty shiny wood and timex-like displays since forever. It looked dated 15 years ago. It also doesn't matter which Lexus it is (perhaps with the exception of the IS-F), they still seem like very well built appliances rather than exciting cars. The Lexus would be last on my list if I was in the market for this type of car. The new Audi A8 would probably be #1 followed by Maserati Quattroporte, BMW 7, new Jag XJ then Merc. S-Class.

[ovr50]

Consumers Report did an article in a recent magazine of theirs regarding pay-back time for hybrids and diesels. The TDI versions of VWs do a pay back in about a year. This vehicle never pays back and gas prices in the US would have to go to over $16 a gallon before the fuel-saving aspect of this makes sense.

How do you spell "jump on the so-called green wagon" - Lexus LS600h L. Strictly a "make me feel good" car for Hollywood actors and other assorted poofs. 

[sacrat]

Hey! Is that a Hyundai Genesis?! I know if I spent 144,000$ I'd want it to look more unique. Yeah it is attractive and non-offensive in design, but come on where is the originality these days? Has anybody looked at a Jaguar or even an Infiniti lately? Those are attractive and unique. BORING.

[sacrat]

Why not styled like a Genesis. They cost about the same. Oh wait, i missed that extra digit at the beginning...

[airbalancer]

None of the quirks from less expensive hybrids exist in this vehicle. The engine starts and stops unbeknownst to the driver or passengers and the braking system feels “normal” with no way to discern regenerative braking from friction-based braking.

I do not understand, I can not tell then the brakes change in the Prius