2010 Lexus LS Hybrid
2010 Lexus LS Hybrid Review
The much-anticipated 2010 Lexus LS Hybrid is set to enter production by late 2009. Surprising and pleasing many Lexus watchers, it appears that the 2010 Lexus LS hybrid will offer a sport package.
One of the best ways to assess the LS hybrid is to look at previous versions, including the very popular 2009 LS hybrid. While there are many small hybrids on the market, there are very few luxury hybrids available - and just one V8 hybrid, the Lexus LS. In 2009, the LS hybrid averaged 20 mpg city/20 mpg highway.
The 2010 Lexus LS Hybrid ranks 6 out of 7 Super Luxury Cars. The Lexus LS 600h combines the extravagant luxury of Lexus’ top-of-the-line sedan with a dash of environmental consciousness, thanks to its hybrid powertrain. It’s not a truly green car, managing fuel-economy just slightly better than average for a Super Luxury Car.
The LS is what Lexus calls a “no compromises hybrid”-- one designed to perform like a high-end luxury car, with few of the performance trade-offs typical of hybrid cars.
The LS hybrid has new competition for the 2010 model year. Mercedes-Benz has released its S-Class Hybrid--Be sure to check Lexus deals for possible discounts on the LS.
The Lexus LS 600h L sedan, the first vehicle to bring fuel-efficient gasoline-electric hybrid technology to the prestige luxury segment, debuts revised styling and new telematics systems for 2010.
The LS 600h L is powered by the ultra-quiet Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which was the world’s first to combine a V8 gasoline engine with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drivetrain.
The LS 600h L hybrid powertrain system uniquely combines a 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine with two powerful electric motors and a large-capacity battery pack. The trunk also contains a 12-volt auxiliary battery that powers the audio, navigation, and other systems.
The LS 600h L powertrain uses two motor generators: MG1 and MG2. A regenerative-braking system further boosts efficiency. A state-of-the-art, full-time all-wheel drive system adapts to road surface conditions to help provide excellent vehicle control during acceleration, high-speed driving and cornering
Multi-link front and rear air-suspension systems help maintain superb vehicle posture and driving performance while maintaining the ultra-comfortable ride that is synonymous with all Lexus vehicles.
Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) optimizes the steering gear ratio according to vehicle speed, enhancing responsiveness and driver control.
The VDIM stability system incorporates and manages all of the car’s dynamic handling sub-systems, including: Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system, EPS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and engine torque via the electronically controlled throttle. The available Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) was the world’s first system designed to help detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path when it debuted on the 2009 Pebble Beach® Edition LS 600h L. This system is now available for the 2010 LS 600h L (and the LS 460 models) with Lane Keep Assist. As part of APCS, the LS also offers the Driver Monitor System, which was another world first.
The "LS 600h L" is based on the long-wheelbase LS chassis, providing nearly five inches more legroom than the standard LS 460 model. This flagship sedan provides the highest level of comfort and convenience features in the LS series. Standard features include a hard disk drive (HDD) Lexus Navigation system with a backup camera, Bluetooth technology, Voice Command casual language voice-recognition system, plus an integrated XM® Satellite Radio receiver.
For theater-level entertainment, the LS 600h L features a standard 19-speaker 450-watt Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound audio system. Additional standard features include climate-controlled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, power rear sunshade, one-touch open/close power trunk, power door closers, headlamp washers, SmartAccess with push-button start and card key, electronic parking brake, Intuitive Park Assist, and laminated side glass.
Once the driver has correctly positioned the car and identified the desired parking spot via the navigation screen, APGS utilizes the rear back-up camera parking sonar sensors and electric power steering system to guide the car into the space, while the driver controls speed via braking.
The package also features rear climate controlled power seats with memory and power headrests, rear seat-mounted side airbags, a rear heater control panel, four-zone climate control, rear audio controls, additional wood trim, rear air purifier, rear headliner and side air ducts, power rear-door sunshades, and a rear seat entertainment system equipped with a power ceiling-mounted nine-inch screen for DVD viewing.
The package also includes a rear-seat wood-trimmed table, and the rear-seat entertainment system features a rear DVD player and wireless headphones.
The Lexus LS 600h L offers an all-new telematics system, Lexus Enform™ with Safety Connect™, available by subscription. Lexus Insider™, a complimentary, opt-in service is also available without a subscription on all Lexus Enform-equipped vehicles.
