2011 Lexus LS 600h L Hybrid Reviews
Lexus LS 600h L Hybrid Seamlessly Blends Refinement and Performance
438 Total System Horsepower Delivers Smooth and Quick Acceleration in AWD Package
Standard Hard Disk Drive Navigation System With Bluetooth Phonebook Download Capability
The LS 600h L – the “L” signifying the long-wheelbase LS platform — provides the highest level of performance, technology and luxury in the LS line. 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 innovative V8 features an electric motor-driven Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Electrically controlled intake cam (VVT-iE).
Lexus hybrid technology allows electric-mode-only operation when certain conditions are met at low speeds or stop-and-go driving conditions, reducing fuel consumption and noise.
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. The engine-driven generator, MG1, can charge the battery pack or provide additional power to the drive motor, MG2, as needed.
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 vehicle control during acceleration, 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 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 world’s first low-beam LED headlamps provide superior road illumination, and the standard Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) helps to illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it.
This system is available for the LS 600h L (and the LS 460 models) with Lane Keep Assist. As part of APCS, the LS also offers the Driver Attention 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. For theater-level entertainment, the LS 600h L features a standard 19-speaker 450-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound audio system. The audio system also features Bluetooth streaming audio.
Additional standard features include climate-controlled front seats; a driver’s seat that features a standard slide-away feature that makes ingress/egress more comfortable; 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 optional Premium Package II includes butterfly rear headrests; driver’s side rear seat with lumbar massage; 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 LS 600h L also offers a telematics system, Lexus Enform with Safety Connect, available by subscription (complimentary one-year trial subscription included). The LS hybrid is factory ready for subscriptions to a variety of innovative XM services including XM NavTraffic, XM NavWeather and XM Sports and Stocks services. XM services require separate XM subscriptions.
