LS - 4th Gen (2007-2017) Discussion topics related to the current flagship models LS460, LS460L and LS600H

LS 600h L named Chauffeur Car of the Year

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-08-08, 11:40 AM
  #1  
encore888
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
 
encore888's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 8,695
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Lightbulb LS 600h L named Chauffeur Car of the Year

http://www.easier.com/view/News/Moto...le-172349.html

http://www.thechauffeur.com/

Already a favourite among CEOs in the city, the top of the range Lexus LS 600h L has been awarded chauffeur car of the year, by The Chauffeur magazine in the highly competitive £50,000 to £100,000 category.

Judged closely against the German flagship saloons from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, Lexus won the top spot in the toughest category for the most popular vehicles chosen by the chauffeuring industry. Key factors behind the judges’ decision included the Lexus hybrid system which allowed for lower emission and competitive fuel economy, build quality, and the reclining and massaging rear seats which can adapt for shiatsu back and shoulder massages with varying intensity.

Also contributing to the award was the Lexus Chauffeur programme which offers unique finance packages, designated staff within the Lexus Centre network for sales and service, plus access to the loan of a PCO (Public Carriage Office) licenced Lexus enabling chauffeurs to continue working in the event of their own vehicle being off the road for any reason.

Paul Gibson, Editor of The Chauffeur magazine commented: “I am delighted to present this prestigious award to Lexus for its excellent LS 600h L, which easily fought off its rivals in this sector of the competition. The vehicle represents true luxury and gives the chauffeur everything he needs to carry out his job successfully.”

Andy Simpson, Lexus Manager for National, Corporate and Remarketing said, “We are delighted to win this award in such a competitive category. This helps to reinforce the significant benefits of Lexus hybrid drive for the business user whether as an individual car or vehicle fleet.”

A selection of Lexus cars including the LS 600h L will be on display at Chauffeur Drive 08 which takes place on 20 and 21 April at the Farnborough Five exhibition centre. For more information visit drive08.co.uk.

The ‘L’ signifies long wheel base over the standard LS 600h saloon and provides extra rear legroom and can also be specified with the rear seat relaxation package. This includes the massage functions mentioned above, independent rear DVD player, fixed centre console with removable table and body temperature sensing climate control.
The magazine's site hasn't been updated for the winners yet, but the winner for the £50,000 to £100,000 category was the LS 600h L and the under £50,000 category was the Jaguar XJ. The entrants in the £50,000 - £100,000 category were the Lexus LS 600h L, Mercedes S-Class LWB, BMW 730d LWB, and Audi A8 3.0 TDi LWB.

Looks like hybrids are definitely brand-defining for Lexus in the UK. According to Roadsafe, 28% of total Lexus sales in the UK are hybrid; and 80% of those are 'conquest sales'; and the LS 600h L sales are stated to include 10% of previous ultraluxury owners (Bentley) and 60% of luxury owners (BMW 7-series or Mercedes S-Class) according to the Times.
Attached Thumbnails LS 600h L named Chauffeur Car of the Year-lexusls600hdrv_1_560.jpg  
Old 04-08-08, 11:54 AM
  #2  
PhilipMSPT
Cycle Savant
iTrader: (5)
 
PhilipMSPT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: In rehab...
Posts: 21,527
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

In all honestly, I would rather be driven in the LS instead of driving it...
Old 04-08-08, 07:44 PM
  #3  
bitkahuna
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
 
bitkahuna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Present
Posts: 73,768
Received 2,127 Likes on 1,379 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by encore888
Looks like hybrids are definitely brand-defining for Lexus in the UK. According to Roadsafe, 28% of total Lexus sales in the UK are hybrid; and 80% of those are 'conquest sales'; and the LS 600h L sales are stated to include 10% of previous ultraluxury owners (Bentley) and 60% of luxury owners (BMW 7-series or Mercedes S-Class) according to the Times.
With premium gas in the UK at over $9 a gallon even the well-healed feel the pinch, plus in London, hybrid owners don't pay the DAILY 'congestion charge' ($15 I think so that would be $4k a year if it's a work commute!). And driving in London is typically average 15mph type driving, so the hybrid would definitely help there.
Old 04-08-08, 09:45 PM
  #4  
Nospinzone
Moderator
 
Nospinzone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: MA
Posts: 4,168
Received 407 Likes on 315 Posts
Default

Great! I know myself and some of my fellow chauffeur buddies voted for it.
Old 04-09-08, 08:16 AM
  #5  
XeroK00L
Lexus Fanatic
 
XeroK00L's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: The Bay Area, CA, USA
Posts: 5,813
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by encore888
The entrants in the £50,000 - £100,000 category were the Lexus LS 600h L, Mercedes S-Class LWB, BMW 730d LWB, and Audi A8 3.0 TDi LWB.
The award is great and all but the competitors were 6-cylinder diesels (not sure why they don't bother spelling out the S-Class's model name). I wonder how Lexus would've fared if it had been pitted against its V-8 or V-12 gasoline competitors. Categories based on pricing may be more realistic, but are technically unfair.
Old 04-09-08, 10:03 AM
  #6  
Gojirra99
Super Moderator
 
Gojirra99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 30,054
Received 187 Likes on 128 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Nospinzone
Great! I know myself and some of my fellow chauffeur buddies voted for it.
I will be the chauffeur 95%+ of the time, so should I feel happy about this ?
Old 04-09-08, 11:54 AM
  #7  
encore888
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
 
encore888's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 8,695
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

We have heard about some of the CEOs who have the LS 600h L in the UK, I wish there were more named...and of course we have some CEOs here, on this board and in N. America, who own the car. I'm sure they could all afford a chauffeur...
Old 04-24-08, 10:51 PM
  #8  
encore888
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
 
encore888's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 8,695
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Default

The vid of the judging process has been posted:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=i1CRSi_sgTg

I would've loved to be there with all those fine cars!
Old 04-24-08, 11:15 PM
  #9  
XeroK00L
Lexus Fanatic
 
XeroK00L's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: The Bay Area, CA, USA
Posts: 5,813
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by encore888
The vid of the judging process has been posted:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=i1CRSi_sgTg

I would've loved to be there with all those fine cars!
Cool vid. Thanks!
Old 04-25-08, 02:54 AM
  #10  
pnyboy27
Lexus Champion
 
pnyboy27's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: WA
Posts: 2,910
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

i would just love to be taken around in that thing..and it doesnt matter where..either the back seats or the front! this car is just crazy! i love it!
Old 04-25-08, 07:30 AM
  #11  
Gojirra99
Super Moderator
 
Gojirra99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 30,054
Received 187 Likes on 128 Posts
Default

Thanks for the video
Old 04-25-08, 10:36 AM
  #12  
RXSF
Moderator
 
RXSF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 12,044
Likes: 0
Received 69 Likes on 42 Posts
Default

lol the chrysler seems out of place. haha
Old 04-26-08, 09:22 AM
  #13  
Diemellz
Advanced
 
Diemellz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 524
Received 8 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by RXSF
lol the chrysler seems out of place. haha
also the volo, e-class, 550i

no comment on the judges, over the maybach SMFH
Old 04-29-08, 04:50 PM
  #14  
Dlau
Driver School Candidate
 
Dlau's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: CA
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default A LS600h spotted in Las Vegas

A LS600h spotted in Las Vegas Bellagio Hotel along w/ S550 Chauffeur cars
Attached Thumbnails LS 600h L named Chauffeur Car of the Year-dsc_3250-r.jpg  
Old 04-29-08, 05:43 PM
  #15  
rominl
exclusive matchup

iTrader: (4)
 
rominl's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Lovely OC
Posts: 81,670
Received 184 Likes on 143 Posts
Default

one sick car


Quick Reply: LS 600h L named Chauffeur Car of the Year



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:45 AM.