Lexus’ LS 600h at Paris
The LF-CC was the crown jewel of Lexus’ booth at Paris. It might be the cool an classy coupe that captures the imagination of auto enthusiasts world-wide, but it’ll be the LS600h that carries the brand as it’s flagship.
The biggest change is the grill, which gives the otherwise sedate LS a more aggressive presence. That’s not always a good thing when talking about high-end luxury, but in this case it’s an improvement over the alternative of being bland. That said, I think it looks pretty good regardless. Also, I’m not sure putting a demure front end on 440hp 5L V8 was entirely appropriate anyway. It deserves it.
The key factor that separates the top-of-the-line Lexus from it’s German rivals is it’s hybrid technology.Initially, it seems silly plan to slap a hybrid system on top of a powerful V8. In reality there are some real benefits. What other hybrid-sedan nets 438 hp while maintaining 23 mpg highway and 20 mpg city? BMW’s hybrid 7 series can’t do it (only 348hp) and neither can Mercedes Hybrid S Class (only 275 hp). Though, in a strange twist, the Lexus is also far more expensive that those two. It might be better to compare it to their pure gasoline offerings.
