The Lexus LS hybrids, both LS 600h and current model LS 500h, belong in the full-size luxury (F) segment of vehicles produced by Lexus from 2006 to the present. The LS 600h is the first-ever F-segment sedan to use a hybrid drivetrain. It marked another first in Lexus's storybook, and while its rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz have joined in the bandwagon with their plug-in hybrids, the Japanese sub-brand has already made headway in developing its multi-stage hybrid green car.
The fourth generation of Lexus LS (code: XF40) gave birth to the flagship’s hybrid variants – LS 600h (standard wheelbase, chassis code UVF45) and LS 600h L (long wheelbase, chassis code UVF46). Alongside these first hybrids, the development and production continued for their non-hybrid LS siblings, LS 460 and LS 460 L.
In the fifth generation, LS 600h would be designated as LS 500h, while LS 460 would become LS 500.
XF40: 2006-2017
Designs to revise the third generation (XF30) started as early as 2001. The non-hybrid designs were completed in 2003, while those for the hybrids were finalized in 2004. Lexus utilized the new N-platform and L-finesse design language for this generation’s models.
In 2005, Lexus unveiled the LF-Sh hybrid sedan concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, following it up with the introduction of the production version LS 600h at the 2006 NY International Auto Show. For the second time, the LS series won the Japan Car of the Year award, after its first award way back in 1989 by the first-generation flagship LS 400.
The 2007 ‘green’ flagship was tech-laden, from its drivetrain and safety systems to its infotainment suite and luxurious cabin.
Starting from its powertrain, we have a 5.0-litre 2UR-FSE V8 engine equipped with a high-output electric motor (with NiMH battery) that drives power to the all-wheel-drive system via CVT L110F automatic. The engine is rated for 294 kW of power and 520 Nm of torque, but with the Lexus Hybrid Drive electric motor, the system is capable of delivering up to 327 kW of power. Both standard and long-wheelbase hybrids get this setup.
The LS 600h will hit 100km/hr from standstill in 6.3s, has a top speed of 250 km/h, and consumes petrol at 7.76L/100km. While it is head to head with Mercedes-Benz S 500 in terms of top speed, the Merc does a swift 0-100km/hr in 4.6-4.8s. The LS 600h, though, is a 2-tonner, so the 6.3s sprint time is not something to sneeze at. It also gets the green light for its SULEV badge, making it earth-friendlier than any of the vehicles in the luxury class.
It is techno-packed with intelligent sensors and equipment; for instance, one of the cameras has a facial-recognition capability that detects when the driver is about to doze off or not attentive to the road and sends a warning accordingly. While it keeps the driver on his toes, it pampers its passengers to snooze as much as they like on their luxury seats equipped with a massager.
There was only one trim offered in Australia, the F-Sport model. Aside from the usual equipment, it added knee and head airbags, adaptive headlights, roof-mounted shark-fin antenna, air suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, intelligent/active cruise control, multi-purpose centre console box, dusk-sensing headlights, exterior mirrors auto-dimming and tilt when reversing, first aid kit, footwell lights, leather gear knob, ABS, EBD, engine immobilizer, PreSafe, warning systems for lane change/lane departure/low fuel), SatNav, sports seats, sports suspension, sound system with 19 speakers, and full-size alloy spare wheel.
A facelift in 2012 significantly changed the front-end of the LS, including the non-hybrid variant. The new fascia, which would henceforth represent Lexus, is called the Spindle Grille. It is an intricate design and metalwork of interlocking L pattern. It occupies almost the whole façade of the car, and many malign it for its bigness, calling it tasteless, aggressive, and even ugly. What the new Lexus is definitely not, though, is that it is not inconspicuous or ordinary. Once the LS 600 (with h or without) is on the streets, it gets noticed. It lets its presence known.
For this, the Spindle Grille achieved its goal of making a bold statement. Not only that – the huge V8 inside gets to breathe easier with the wider air intake that the new grille provides. The precise artfulness of the grille also symbolises Lexus’s exceptional craftsmanship in lifting an intricate design from the computer and transforming it into a delicately machined output.
XF50: 2017-Present
The fifth generation (LS 500 and LS 500h) replaced both the hybrid and non-hybrid fourth generations (LS 460 and LS 600h). Developed under the 200B program, models in the XF50 generation all came powered with a V6.
To the disappointment of all the spindle-grille naysayers out there, Lexus carried it over to the current generation. It does seem like the critics would have to live with Lexus’s whale of a grille and maybe start warming up to it. The previous LS 600h continued to sell in Australia alongside the more current V6-toting LS 500h. The models in the range all have a wheelbase length of 3,125 mm.
Unlike its predecessor LS 600h, which had the market all to itself, the 500h has company. Foremost are the German plug-in hybrids Mercedes-Benz S560e and BMW 745e, though the Japanese flagship has the advantage of having a multi-stage hybrid drivetrain.
Now for its specs, under its hood is a 3.5L 8GR-FXS V6 engine (220 kW, 350 Nm) paired with two electric motors that use a Li-ion battery. This hybrid system then pushes up to 354 kW of power to the AWD drivetrain through a 10-speed Aisin AWRHM50 Multi Stage Hybrid System automatic transmission. The system has an improved fuel economy of 6.6L of premium unleaded petrol for every 100km. It has also improved its 0-100km/hr sprint time to 5.2s.
The 500h has Lexus's Safety System+2.0 as standard equipment. It includes an airbags package (front side, driver/passenger, knee/head for front and rear), adaptive cruise control, child safety locks, brake assist, auto-leveling headlights, blind-spot monitor, ESC, TCS, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and other active safety features. An optional Advanced Safety Package will include CoDrive, an active/intelligent driver-assistive system.
Its techno offering includes rain-sensing wipers, SatNav, steering wheel audio controls, a trip computer, back-up camera, hands-free liftgate, keyless entry, power mirrors (heated, auto-dimming), and other smart devices.
Premium cabin comforts offer multi-zone A/C and climate control, leather seats (cooled and heated, power, with adjustable lumbar support), wood-grain interior trim, and a panoramic sunroof. The entertainment suite includes a 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and all the smart gadgetry and connectivity tech.
What’s Ahead?
The Lexus LS hybrid did catch Mercedes-Benz and BMW unawares when it was launched, and so it led the hybrid pack for a while. As expected, these industry leaders would not simply hand in the crown without a fight. Throw in Audi 8 and Jaguar XJ, and you know that the race has just begun. What the Lexus has accomplished was finally drop its cloak of invisibility and make a trailblazing performance. It has earned respect as a newbie in the luxury class. Now there's more work for it to do to stay in that spot.
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-JMSL