Quick Spin: 2013 Lexus LS 600h L
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,957
Likes: 501
From: Maryland
Just to point out, the last non-FI 760i/Li (which was MY2007, so only one year before the 600h debut) only made 438hp so the 600h was certainly in the right ballpark. IMO the traditional distinction of the V12 over the V8 was higher torque anyway. It wasn't until everyone started twin turboing their V12s 
that the hp numbers started getting ridiculous.
that the hp numbers started getting ridiculous.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,309
Likes: 31
From: Canada
Just to point out, the last non-FI 760i/Li (which was MY2007, so only one year before the 600h debut) only made 438hp so the 600h was certainly in the right ballpark. IMO the traditional distinction of the V12 over the V8 was higher torque anyway. It wasn't until everyone started twin turboing their V12s that the hp numbers started getting ridiculous.
that the hp numbers started getting ridiculous.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 6
From: Florida
There is no comparison between 600h and 460 unless you are basing it off printed sheet of paper. 600h drives so much better than 460, its more solid and torque is instant. Two different beasts all together. Just shame on Lexus for not even repackaging the batteries on refresh, that's the least they could have done to keep it relevant. Complete hybrid system refresh would be welcome but I guess they are saving it for next gen LS or that new LS-LC thing
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,001
Likes: 85
From: Southeastern PA
The LS600hL will always be compared to other cars, as noted with the above mentioned Bimmer, Audi, and Benz (and even its non-hybrid brethren).
However, I think Lexus made it a point to make this car unique. It is what it is. You get certain figures of horsepower, speed, fuel efficiency, and cost; and all other intangibles such as earth-friendliness, exclusivity, and simple "**** you I've got money" flaunted pride: which no other car can claim to have.
This is not a practical purchase. It surely is an emotional one.
However, I think Lexus made it a point to make this car unique. It is what it is. You get certain figures of horsepower, speed, fuel efficiency, and cost; and all other intangibles such as earth-friendliness, exclusivity, and simple "**** you I've got money" flaunted pride: which no other car can claim to have.
This is not a practical purchase. It surely is an emotional one.
Hybrid or no, as you'd expect with a package like this, fuel economy isn't exactly stellar. The EPA rates the LS 600h L at 19/23/20 miles per gallon (city/highway/combined). My average over the week was 19.2 mpg.
For comparison, let me introduce you to the non-hybrid LS 460 L AWD, powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that makes 360 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the 600h, the 460 is slower to 60 mph by 0.4 seconds and its fuel economy numbers are 16/23/18 mpg. That's right: The highway economy number is the same as the hybrid, and the combined rating is only reduced by two mpg.
For comparison, let me introduce you to the non-hybrid LS 460 L AWD, powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that makes 360 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the 600h, the 460 is slower to 60 mph by 0.4 seconds and its fuel economy numbers are 16/23/18 mpg. That's right: The highway economy number is the same as the hybrid, and the combined rating is only reduced by two mpg.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,211
Likes: 260
Sorry--a 3 mpg gain in city driving is not "earth friendliness". This, to me, is a car for an uneducated Lexus loyalist, with money to burn. No one that does their homework would conclude that spending an extra $35,000 to gain 3 mpg city is really a worthwhile investment. Buy a Tesla.
I think their big mistake was to make it AWD... they should have just made it RWD, add extra 50hp from batteries and it would be quicker and much better mpg.
Sorry--a 3 mpg gain in city driving is not "earth friendliness". This, to me, is a car for an uneducated Lexus loyalist, with money to burn. No one that does their homework would conclude that spending an extra $35,000 to gain 3 mpg city is really a worthwhile investment.
Value is dependent on the perception of the buyer.
Like I said, it's an intangible, meaning that the consumer that gets it gets it, and the consumer that doesn't doesn't.
If it was only about the 3 MPG difference, we can list all the cars on the road that get 23 MPG and call it "better" than the LS600hL.
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