The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. Four generations of the sedan have been produced, all equipped with V8 engines and rear-wheel drive. Since 2006, all-wheel drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants have also been offered. In 2007, V8 hybrid powertrains were introduced on the first Lexus LS Hybrid models, the LS 600h/LS 600h L sedans. Spearheading Hybrid technology in the motor world, Toyota has several patents which are used by other auto manufacturers to avoid legal issues. Because they have been able to come up with a couple of firsts in the hybrid technology.

Toyota is a definite front runner and has unselfishly shared some of these innovations to other car manufacturers. But of course, those that belongs to the Toyota stable is fortunate to be able to be a part of this developments. Like their luxury marquee, Lexus, there have been a couple of vehicles that has been integrated with hybrid systems.

The Lexus LS 600h combines the extravagant luxury of Lexus’ top-of-the-line sedan with a dash of environmental consciousness, thanks to its hybrid powertrain. It’s not a truly green car, managing fuel-economy just slightly better than average for a Super Luxury Car.
The Lexus LS 600h was the first Super Luxury Car to offer a hybrid powertrain, and though it has new competition.

It remains one of a very small number of cars to combine the opulence of an ultra-premium sedan with the environmental benefits of hybrid technology. The LS is what Lexus calls a “no compromises hybrid”. One designed to perform like a high-end luxury car, with few of the performance trade-offs typical of hybrid cars. That means it is a bit more fuel-efficient than most V8-powered cars, but only a bit.

Saving up on fuel and helping the environment doesn’t have to mean that we have to drive a small car that has an engine that could barely climb up a hill. We do not have to sacrifice comfort, safety and power. With an Environmental Protection Agency estimate of 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, many reviewers are disappointed that the hybrid powertrain doesn’t deliver better fuel economy.

Photo: Laurel- American In Paris Beads

Others emphasize that it beats all of its V-12 competitors with mileage similar to some midsize V-6 sedans, and the Lexus LS 600h L’s tailpipe emissions are cleaner than many four-cylinder engines. While the Lexus LS 600h L shows “exquisite craftsmanship,” according to Edmunds.com, when it comes to value the large hybrid sedan comes up short. Many critics say the nonhybrid Lexus LS 460 or long-wheelbase LS 460 L are better buys.

Compared to the Lexus LS 460, the heavier LS 600h L delivers similar performance and only 2 mpg better average fuel economy. And it’s not as if you can’t get the creature comforts in the substantially cheaper LS 460 range. All Lexus LS models offer a full complement of available luxury features, such as power reclining rear seats, built-in beverage coolers, seat-massage features, four-zone automatic climate control and an “Advanced Parking Guidance System” that allows the car to park itself.

With the Lexus Hybrid lineup, backed up with Toyota’s experience and technology, we can have the best of both worlds. You can even read some reviews and check out which one would suit your lifestyle best. Check out for a Lexus hybrid car dealer near you, there are a lot of deals and special prices you can avail of.

Sources: consumersearch.com, wikipedia.org, usnews.rankingsandreviews.com

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