I was just wondering, why does this car exist (especially regarding the price)? Lexus LS 600h L - 5.0L V8 hybrid - 439 hp, 380 lb-ft - 19/20/23 MPG - $120K+ There are many other non-hybrid V8 luxury sedan options with nearly as much power or more for less money and are more efficient in many all cases. Examples: Audi A8 (A8 L) - 4.0L V8 Turbo - 420 hp, 444 flb-ft - 18/22/30 (18/22/29) MPG - $84K+ ($88K+) Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic - 4.7L V8 Turbo - 405 hp, 440 lb-ft - 18/21/26 MPG - $61K+ Mercedes-Benz S550 - 4.7L V8 Turbo - 449 hp, 516 lb-ft - 17/20/26 MPG - $93K+ Mercedes-Benz CLS550 - 4.7L V8 Turbo - 405 hp, 440 lb-ft - 17/20/25 MPG - $72K+ Audi S6 - 4.0L V8 Turbo - 420 hp, 406 lb-ft - 17/20/27 MPG - $73K+ Audi S7 - 4.0L V8 Turbo - 420 hp, 406 lb-ft - 17/20/27 MPG - $80K+ Audi S8 - 4.0L V8 Turbo - 513 hp, 479 lb-ft - 17/20/27 MPG - $113K+ BMW 550i - 4.4L V8 Turbo - 445 hp, 480 lb-ft - 17/20/25 MPG - $64K+ BMW 650i Gran Coupe - 4.4L V8 Turbo - 445 hp, 480 lb-ft - 17/20/25 MPG - $89K+ BMW 750i - 4.4L V8 Turbo - 445 hp, 480 lb-ft - 17/20/25 MPG - $87K+ Even the insane Audi RS7 and MB E63 and CLS63 have a better highway fuel economy than the Lexus, and cost less: Audi RS7 - 4.0L V8 Turbo - 560 hp, 516 lb-ft - 16/19/27 MPG - $105K+ Mercedes-Benz CLS63 4Matic - 5.5L V8 Turbo - 550 hp, 520 lb-ft - 16/19/25 MPG - $100K+ Mercedes-Benz CLS63 S 4Matic - 5.5L V8 Turbo - 577 hp, 590 lb-ft - 16/19/25 MPG - $100K+ Mercedes-Benz E63 4Matic - 5.5L V8 Turbo - 550 hp, 520 lb-ft - 16/19/24 MPG - $93K+ Mercedes-Benz E63 S 4Matic - 5.5L V8 Turbo - 577 hp, 590 lb-ft - 16/19/24 MPG - $100K+ This thing is in the same price range as a Porsche Panamera GTS and BMW M6 Gran Coupe. Does anyone have an explanation why this car exists, and who buys it? I know these are EPA numbers so there is some variation on actual gas mileage, but the price of the Lexus seems rediculous, as does the very low highway MPG rating. I'm not trolling, just trying to understand something that doesn't make sense to me.
If you have never owned an LS, you would not understand. The LS is the finest car made period and at $120K its a steel. Go sit in one at the dealer and check on all the fine details in the craftsmanship of the this car.
The Lexus hybrids are not for fuel efficiency, they are for POWER!!!! (said in Jeremy Clarkson voice). The LS600h is a fine car. It is meant to be driven in, not necessarily driven. The reclining back massage seats alone are superb.
I fail to believe it is any nicer than any of the other comparable cars listed above. As stated above, many competitors in that market class have MORE power than the LS hybrid, consume less fuel, and cost less. Heated, ventilated and massage seats are a $4500 option on the BMW 7 series (which is considerably less base). I checked just about every box in a BMW 750iL on their website and it came out to $117K (including M-Sport, custom paint, custom marino leather, nightvision and B+O soundsystem). How in the world is the LS hybrid more expensive than that base (and the luxury rear seats are listed as an option, but somehow there are only two listed options on Lexus's confiruator)? An Audi A8 L with every box checked except Alcantara leather headliner is $120K.
Then you haven't been driven around in one. Yes some have more power, consume less, and cost less. But you do not get the seamless no gear shifting from anything on your "comparable" list. If you have ever ridden in a BMW 7-series, it is torturous. The suspension is way too stiff for such a luxury roller. Similar to the Audi's and the Merc's. They have all bought into the "stiffer suspension means sporty and needs to go on our luxury boat line". Lexus is the exact opposite. It is cushy and floats which people often absolutely hate as drivers or love it. Commonly said that you feel "disconnected" because it is so plush. But when you are being driven around talking with someone, you don't want to hear the engine, you don't want to feel the road, you just want to take your sofa recliner to the airport while enjoying a nice glass of wine. Your comparables are really just cost based. It is like saying why would you buy a Prius when you can buy a Corolla? Again, a false comparison.
Sure they all seem to have the same high status appointments, but in 10 years, or even 20 years, how will these appointments look, function or appeal to you. Lexus starts with the finest leather, plastics, dyes, paint, rubber available in the world. The LS, is not like any other Lexus, not to say other models are cheap, just not designed or made the same as an LS. 1st Gen LS (F1 project) are still today better made than most new cars today. Until you own one, you will not understand how fine the LS really is!
Precisely, except the ES300h The RX 350 increases it in the RX450h. The ES350 decreases in the ES300h (proudly own the ES300h, but wish I had the 350) The GS350 increases it at the GS450h. (Leased a '14 GS350, just a few weeks back. Didn't see the mpg in the hybrid as a huge factor as it has a millage restriction. ) The Ct is basically a IS hybrid, hatch back. The upcoming ISH, in my opinion, should reduce power because the ISF exists if you want power. Ls hybrid is simply to stay in the "high range" market. When there is the S63 and the Alphina B7 to raise the bar lexus had to make something with more features and capabilities to keep up as their flagship. The LSH should of been design to be even faster, it's heavier and less power full to its comparable market. The targeted audience of the Ls are grandparents because it's very boaty and very "unsporty". I am enjoying the GS350 it's ride is a bit more stiff, than the ES just because it's a bit more sport oriented. Some may also use it as a status symbol.
Although I don't like the E-class comparisons, the op's comparisons should've been limited to other luxury brand flagships. Why isn't jaguar in there?
Not to me. Some people with BIG money are very conservative with it, while others love to flaunt it. Phrases for today, inconspicuous consumption, luxury shame , stealth wealth, and guilt down sizing. Inconspicuous consumption is my favorite. That's if I traded my 2012 Winter Gary Prius for a medium gray Lexus LS 600h L. Some might notice, others might not. Waiting for anything is effortless while you're sleeping.
Some people are brand royal to certain manufacturer. I have a family friend who won't buy any other brand except for anything Toyota. Yes, they do have a 600h. There's really nothing from Japan that are in the same class as the 600h.
Only for people who are rich and then it just does not matter. I would like to experience that lifestyle just once.
I can do that, and a few Porsches and a BMW, too: Lexus LS 600h L - 5.0L V8 hybrid - 439 hp, 380 lb-ft - 19/20/23 MPG - $120K+ Jaguar XJL Supercharged - 5.0L V8 Super - 470 hp, 424 lb-ft - 15/18/23 MPG - 94K+ Jaguar XJR LWB - 5.0L V8 Super - 550 hp, 502 lb-ft - 15/18/23 MPG - $119K+ Jaguar XJ Supercharged - 5.0L V8 Super - 470 hp, 424 lb-ft - 15/18/23 MPG - 91K+ Jaguar XJR SWB - 5.0L V8 Super - 550 hp, 502 lb-ft - 15/18/23 MPG - $116K+ Porsche Panamera S - 3.0L V6 Turbo - 420 hp, 384 lb-ft - 17/21/27 MPG - $93K+ Porsche Panamera 4S - 3.0L V6 Turbo - 420 hp, 384 lb-ft - 17/21/27 MPG - $98K+ Porsche Panamera GTS - 4.8L V8 - 440 hp, 384 lb-ft - 16/19/24 MPG - $93K+ Porsche Panamera 4S Executive - 3.0L V6 Turbo - 420 hp, 384 lb-ft - 17/21/27 MPG - $126K+ BMW M6 Gran Coupe - 4.4L V8 Turbo - 560 hp, 502 lb-ft - 14/16/20 MPG - $117K+ Still inexplicable.
There's a few here in Dublin, which is surprising since it costs almost €190,000 which is over $250,000! Lexus LS 600h L - Ultimate High Performance Luxury Saloon | Lexus
But none can match the 19mpg city mileage and not all are AWD (the LS600h L is a long wheelbase version with AWD) and turbos tend to use a bit more fuel in the city than the stated numbers especially if you tap into the turbo often. The idea back in 2006 was to great a V12-like experience (smooth, endless surge of power in a limousine, a different feeling from a turbo V8 luxury sport sedan) with V6-like fuel economy. This vehicle is 8 years old without a major redesign (It has had 2 midlife updates). It's nice that the competition caught up and yes, today, it doesn't compare favourably to the cars you listed. But like some say, it's the ownership of the LS (which never had a V12 option, unlike the German competitors) so this was Toyota's answer in 2006.
It may be from 2006 but that does not make it old, it has more tech in it then most new cars today. Again for this money its hard to beat compared to what the other brands have to offer in the same price range.
I'm not sure if you guys in the States get the 4.2TDI Audi A8, but it might be a competitor for the LS600h See link below Audi A8 L 4.2 TDI quattro 2014 review | Auto Express
