No manufacturer has embraced hybrid technology as enthusiastically as Toyota. The Prius was the first petrol-electric hybrid to be accepted universally, made all the more popular by Hollywood A-listers desperate to flaunt an eco-conscience. We had the opportunity to drive the Lexus at Toyota-owned Fuji Speedway, barely a month after it hosted the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix. Of course Toyota didn’t let us rip on the F1 track; rather we were confined to a short course on its periphery where the entire Toyota range of hybrid vehicles, including a Camry hybrid, Alphard mini van and of course its US market hybrid RX400h SUV were on hand. While pictures may not convey a true impression of size, in the metal the LS600, especially in this, the long wheelbase variant, is massive. Over the past few years Lexus, in an effort to take on the best of the Germans, has been moving away from its sombre styling and the LS showcases a modicum of aggression and styling flair, particularly around the LED-festooned headlamps. The profile, of course, is remarkably ordinary with only the hybrid badge at the bottom of the rear doors distinguishing her from the garden variety LS, though at the rear the twin chromed tailpipes do convey a strong impression of power. And power she surely has. Under the bonnet is 394.5PS 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine to which is mated an electric motor that boosts total power to an amazing 445PS. Power transmission is via a seamless CVT transmission and of course huge computing power ensures seamless kick-in and kick-out of the petrol engine. The electric motors feed power to the front wheels while the engine drives the rears and that gives the hybrid Lexus four-wheel-drive, adding to the techno wizardry. You don’t actually start the car as push the key in and slot it into drive. Move off gently and only the electric motors work, giving the already silent Lexus astonishing refinement. You don’t hear a thing, not even the whine of the electric motors and when the V8 does kick in as speeds increase or the battery runs out of juice you’re only aware of it from the schematic display on the central panel.  What our drive did confirm was a superbly plush ride though handling would struggle to match the best from Mercedes, BMW and Audi. Where the Germans will get nightmares is on the build quality front; the Lexus could probably drive across battle-scarred Iraq without a squeak or rattle coming into the picture. The long wheelbase LS gets reclining rear seats with built-in massagers and every bell and whistle you can imagine. However the cockpit environment left me a little underwhelmed - where the German prestige saloons have moved to central controllers the Lexus has buttons for every single function and it looks downright messy. Only recently has Toyota introduced the Lexus brand in Japan and already sales have far exceeded expectations. With such positive response to its flagship brand Toyota is toying with the idea of bringing the Lexus badge to other markets and India figures strongly on the agenda. If and when Toyota brings Lexus into the country the LS range will be the first offering and if by then the government puts into place homologation procedures for hybrid vehicles the LS600hL would prove to be a strong alternative to the S-Class, 7-Series and A8, especially for those with a nagging eco-conscience.  |
|
Tags: |
| Lexus LS LS600 HL Luxury Hybrid |
Comment on "Luxury cruise"
ADVERTISING
