Yes, I've been at it again. Busy times. This is the interior of the most amazing luxury saloon on the market. You might think it's 'just a Lexus' but wait til you read all about it - never has a Shiatsu massage worked so well - and it's not even a drop dead gorgeous Japanese masseure.
Lexus LS 600 h L –Road Test Feature
It’s almost satisfying at times to indulge in life’s little secrets. All of us can think of those few selective indulgences that give us great personal pleasure, yet to others they may appear to be nothing more than a means to an end. Such a rare pleasure is this new top of the range Lexus LS600h. To many, it may well be just another luxury car. To its choice owners, however, – it is an absolute indulgence in new standards of ultimate luxury car refinement.
The rear seat of a motor car is hardly the most logical place to begin a road test, but in this case it is entirely justified - it is simply the most impressive and rewarding place to be in this car. Not only is the cabin remarkably sumptuous and comfortable, but seated in the rear you can fully appreciate the visual display of high technology, craftsmanship, and quality; from the tastefully appointed dash, to the subtle combination of polished dark veneer and leather flowing throughout. Allow your eyes to work slowly backwards from the centre console towards your rear seat, and you’re tempted to twiddle with the multi function controls for the Mark Levinson Reference Sound System, and be engulfed in the sound of its 15 channel 450 Watt DSP amplifier. That done, you may wish to adjust the highly sophisticated rear climate control unit which, unbelievably, even houses a body temperature sensing unit. With cabin temperature sorted the relaxation package can be completed by activating the State-of-the-Art Shiatsu, or an alternative back and shoulder massage.
But Madam/Sir!, before selecting the kind of massage you would like, one may be inclined to activate the electronic thigh and footrest, which simultaneously folds down the front passenger seat headrest, and moves the entire passenger seat forward to allow you to fully stretch your legs. Supplement this by reclining the back support to an angle of up to 45 degrees, and you are nicely positioned to be handed your glass of champagne – which is about the only thing this car doesn’t do for you.
hybrid
Well actually, that’s not totally true, because whilst the LS600 is unable to pour your champagne, another thing this car doesn’t do is make any noise. Can you imagine how odd it feels to get behind the wheel of a car, turn the ignition key, hear nothing, select a gear, press the accelerator, and the car just glides off under power, smoothly…..yet in total silence. No engine noise; nothing. A bit eerie it is indeed, especially the first time you experience it, but wonderful nonetheless; and the perfect antidote to a stress filled day. This is the result of the latest hybrid engine technology, and it is what the ‘h’ stands for on the LS 600 badging.
In simple terms, hybrid engines are capable of operating in both petrol or electric modes alone, or a combination of both. For the 600h the hybrid engine comprises of a 5.0 litre V8 petrol engine, an electric motor, a generator, a high performance nickel –hydrogen battery and a special gear mechanism to govern the high speed interaction of the system components. The vehicle constantly recharges itself on the run through a combination of acceleration and braking, and has become increasing popular as a concept for the benefits in reducing fuel consumption, environmental pollution, and of course noise. Right now it’s all the rave, and Toyota (the parent Company of Lexus) are its pioneers.
The hybrid engine owes its initial popularity to the popular Toyota Prius, not least from the PR value of newly environmentally conscious Hollywood Celebs, such as Leonardo De Caprio and Cameron Diaz – who indeed own and drive them. It soon found its way into the luxury sector for the first time with the Lexus RX 400 Sports Utility Vehicle, followed by the Lexus Sports Saloon - the GS 450h, and now finally this Lexus flagship – this LS600h.
Performance
What surprised me, initially with the RX 400h and even more with this car, is that the hybrid engine doesn’t at all impair overall performance. This is important for the typical luxury sector customer, where the vehicle is expected to be a strong and competent long distance cruiser. Had I been in any doubt, a derestricted section of the German Autobahn just outside of Berlin, on the occasion of this car’s launch, allowed my admittedly indulgent right foot to have a play. Right foot to the floor and the LS600h was quickly up to three figure speeds, effortlessly, and with no sign of waning as I targeted the 155 mph manufacturer restricted maximum; nothing else on the road seemed willing or able to keep pace with us. Point proven.
A quick glance at the official performance stats confirms the same; 0-60 mph in 6.3 secs, 383 bhp and 520 Nm of torque – that is truly excellent performance for a car of weighing 2,730 kilogrammes. Lexus expect conscientious corporate Chairmen to be buying this car; for it is an arguably environmentally friendly choice, with top levels of refinement and luxury, and no sacrifice in performance. Competitors such as Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar and Audi will have some thinking to do - especially if it catches on.
lulled to sleep
I was being piloted by my fellow co driver and motoring journalist colleague signalling to turn off into a motorway Café; it was my turn to drive. After some 70 miles or so of relaxing in the back seat of the most refined motorway cruiser I have ever experienced, with Mark Levinson’s speakers soothing the mind with Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, and an imaginary Japanese beauty massaging my back and shoulders, (that’s how convincing the electric massage seats are)….I must admit that I fell asleep. My co-driver found it amusing, and over dinner that evening Lexus Personnel saw it as an absolute compliment.
Yet the feeling of comfort and luxury in the LS600h is no less so once behind the wheel. There is an array of switchgear integrated into the curves of the dash. Yet it’s all user friendly and not in the slightest bit confusing. The driver experience begins once again in silence, and the only reassuring confirmation that you have switched all the right things on is the fact that the vehicle is actually moving, as there is no engine noise until you hit circa ….mph. And it’s all so silent, you almost feel as if you should be whispering to your passenger in conversation, as normal conversation disturbs that wonderful cocoon of silence in which you are embraced.
motivated to drive
I glanced in the rear view mirror in envy as my ‘ex chauffeur’ reclined his seat, adjusted his leg rest, and activated a ‘Shiatsu’. ‘He won’t be smiling for long’, I thought, as I peeled off the motorway onto some challenging cross Country B-roads. Call it cruel if you wish, but I slipped the transmission from standard automatic to ‘electronic sequential shift’, adjusted the suspension to the firmer sport setting, and went into Dick Dastardly mode. The LS600 responded eagerly to my new ‘Boy Racer’ style, remaining absolutely composed, safe, and sure footed throughout. There’s plenty of torque for overtaking, the acceleration only easing off when you are close to the upper end of the rev range. Achieving smooth progressive braking at low speed seemed compromised by the natural torque ‘pull’ of the engine, but at high speed the braking felt better suited to the greater inertia of the car , ensuring smooth and controlled, progressive braking inputs .
The LS600h stays balanced and surefooted on the bends. Whilst undoubtedly a large car, the firmer suspension setting on the 600, together with balanced braking distribution, a 40:60 rear weight bias, combined with the added security of four wheel drive ensured the car remained tight, stable, firm and safe on high speed cornering.
I wouldn’t say the same for the new electronically controlled steering. Whilst it was indeed fine for town driving, it certainly seemed to lack the confidence enhancing firmer driver feel of a good standard hydraulic system. And that matters at speed. So subtle is the difference, however, that if you’re not a ‘hard’ driver or an enthusiast you may well fail to notice the difference.
I steeled a glance in the rear mirror a second time (with a grin), just to see if I’d succeeded in unsettling my rear seat co driver sufficiently to disturb his peace. No such luck. Is it my imagination or is he really dozing off? That guy must be my alter ego.
In closing I must however, make a bold statement; The Lexus LS600h is simply one of the World’s most refined luxury saloons – you are unlikely to find a car smoother on the road than this, other than possibly the Maybach - which starts at a price of a quarter of a million pounds. In terms of ride quality and refinement the LS 600 h is peerless..
It is also a technological milestone. Lexus designed this car by creating technology to respond to every conceivable human need in their drive towards the ‘Pursuit of Perfection’. It may seem a clichéd term, but should you choose to opt for the Lexus experience (for that is what it is) you will find that is a commitment they truly believe in.
Kevin Haggarthy
No. of Words 1,540
Specification
Engine and Performance
Type V8
Displacement 4,969 cc
Max. power output 389 bhp
Top speed 155 mph (restricted)
0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration 6.3 secs
Fuel Consumption
Urban cycle 25 mpg
Extra-urban cycle 35.3 mpg
Combined cycle 30.4 mpg
CO2 emissions (combined cycle) 219 g/km
Insurance Group 20
Price £83,645 - £88,000 (with rear seat relaxation package)
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