TFTR Car Reviews

What? No Chauffer?
2008 Lexus LS600h L

Bill - The LS600h L is Lexus’ flagship sedan and the first vehicle to feature a full hybrid V8 powertrain that’s capable of operating in electric only mode or combination with the gasoline engine. At this point to Cathy’s dismay, I have to toss a few numbers around. One: base price on the LS600h L, $104,000, Two: 438 horsepower from the V8 engine, Three: base price on the BMW 760Li V12, $122,600, 4, 360 horsepower, and 5, 600, the designation of the LS which was chosen because if equates to the 6-liter V12 BMW engine that put’s the LS in the ultra-luxury car class.

Cathy - Bill, I don’t mind the number tossing but I didn’t see you throw Bentley in to the mix. Maybe you are comparing torque to torque or engine to engines but in that luxury class, you need to add Bentley.  The Executive Class seating package on the Lexus was very much like the normally chauffeured Bentley’s regal feel.

Bill – That is true, the 600h L is the epitome of the Lexus L-finesse styling which accentuates elegance and refinement, with interiors that offer unbelievable comfort and convenience along with a host of technological features that is entirely too long to list here.

Cathy - I want to list some Bill because that is what I felt warranted $116,000 for the executive class package. There’s a 4.72-inch stretch allowing astonishing rear-seat legroom. The seats are heated or cooled, twin rear power seats, rear side airbags and four-zone climate control. A rear seat DVD entertainment system, power door sunshades and exquisite wood trim. The kicker was the powered right rear seat which can recline to 45 degrees with a multifunction massager and leg rest plus wood-trimmed tray tables. It was like being at a spa.

Bill – While you were at the spa, I was impressed with the power from the V8 and two electric motors that get power to the ground via dual-stage electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission. That set-up delivers an EPA of 20/22 which is not too terribly bad for this full size 5200lb behemoth and while 0-60 times are under 6 seconds, the most impressive “speed” number is the 50-70 passing speed of just a tad over 3 seconds. The car definitely doesn’t feel as heavy as it is.

Cathy – More numbers? I couldn’t believe that when you put the armrest down in between the two rear thrones there were so many buttons to press and an actual remote to work with the DVD player, lights and temperatures. The best was the little hidden ice chest built in to the backseat.

Bill - Great more places for you to store drinks.Just some of the technology in the 600h includes a hard disk drive NavSystem with a backup camera, Bluetooth voice activation and the ubiquitous XM satellite with real-time traffic info that is very nifty. There is a pre-collision radar system that monitors the road and senses if a crash is imminent and no, I didn’t test it out.

Cathy – And the executive level, which I liked, has the Advanced Parking Guidance System which self parks and two vanity mirrors for the rear passengers with flattering lighting. I actually looked ten years younger in those mirrors. Bless you Lexus.

Bill – Funny, I still looked bald. Even though this car is far from inexpensive, you have the opportunity to own one of the best ultra-luxury sedans in the world for under $125,000 dollars; I’m not sure where else you can go to beat it. It is a bit green, and there are always trade offs, and it certainly won’t make everyone happy but while the LS600h L isn’t perfect, it’s not far off.

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