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2010 Lexus LS600h L
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Last week’s tester, the Lincoln MKT, was all about the luxury — or so I and everyone else thought. Folks, it doesn’t get much more luxurious than this week’s tester (save for the exotics): this week I am behind the wheel of Lexus’ luxury hybrid flagship model, the 2010 LS 600h L.
Starting at $119,950 the LS600h L is available in only two trims, the base model at the above-mentioned price or one can opt for the Executive Package (the premium package was dropped for 2010). The Executive package bumps the price by a compact car’s-worth $24,050, for an as tested price of $144,000 before taxes freight and delivery.
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But hey, you get a lot of car for $144,000, as you may expect. I won’t bother listing the basics – if you can think of it, it probably has it. Things that are unique include: LED headlamps, an ottoman for the right rear passenger seat, infrared body-heat climate control system with four automatic zones, heated and cooled seats all around, rear DVD entertainment system, 19-speaker Mark Levinson reference surround sound system… I could go on for days.
Let’s not forget this is a hybrid, so despite its being a little excessive in most regards, at least it attempts to redeem itself with a hybrid drive system. With a 5.0-litre V8 engine at the core powering an all-wheel drive system that is aided by electric motors, the Lexus LS600h L is rated at 438hp and 385lb-ft of torque.
Many will scoff as the big Lexus manages to put the power down through an electronically-controlled CVT transmission but with my limited time behind the wheel so far I have to say this is the best CVT, nay, best automatic transmission I have ever experienced.
And, of course, one cannot forget to mention — this Lexus parks itself as well!
2010 Lexus LS600h L
MSRP as tested (excluding destination): $144,000
For more information on Lexus and the LS600h L visit Lexus Canada
