The pinnacle of the Lexus fleet that takes luxury and performance to new lengths
It is the world's first V8 hybrid AWD luxury car. Equipped with the most powerful Lexus Hybrid Drive system to date, the LS 600hL delivers the performance of a 6.0 litre engine yet the economy and emissions of more modest vehicles. Its portfolio of world firsts include an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E–CVT) with an intelligent constant AWD system. High technology meshes with hand craftsmanship in a cabin made more spacious by the long wheelbase. Immerse yourself in the comfort of a rear seat complete with reclining ottoman seat and Shiatsu massage system. The LS 600hL promises to redirect the future of performance luxury cars.
Lexus Australia is pleased to announce that the HV (Hybrid) Battery Warranty coverage on Lexus Hybrid vehicles has been extended from 5 years / 100,000 kilometres to 8 years / 160,000 kilometres (whichever occurs first) commencing with the new model RX450h on sale from July 2009. This extended warranty coverage will also apply retrospectively to all Lexus Hybrid vehicles sold by Lexus Australia since introduction in 2006. Owners should contact their Lexus Dealer to activate this retrospective warranty.
Exterior
Flowing design, incisive simplicity
Its styling evokes the sense of seamless anticipation for the journey ahead. Its long bonnet and extended cabin renders the LS 600hL the ultimate expression of the 'L–finesse' design language. Such a body form is not only elegant but efficient, contributing to the impressive fuel economy and remarkably quiet cabin dynamics.
New dimensions in spaciousness
As you step inside, you realise that the longer wheelbase not only means a more fluid design on the outside, but more spacious dimensions on the inside.
The ease of Intelligent Parking Assist *
Imagine slipping into a parking space without even turning the steering wheel. Simply align the car ahead of your intended park, touch the buttons on the Electro Multi Vision (EMV) display, select reverse and Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA)*
The world's first LED lowbeam headlamps
As another world first, intensely powerful LED lowbeam headlamps provide you with remarkable night vision. They illuminate almost instantly, consume less power and last longer than conventional headlamps. With five projector beams positioned in two rows, they assert a dynamic look to the frontal treatment. Then on winding roads, three lamps are redirected by the Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting (AFS) system
Rear View Camera* with Rear Guide Assist
For easier reversing, you have the guidance of a Rear View Camera discreetly mounted above the licence plate. Select reverse and a colour image of what's immediately behind your rear bumper appears on the Electro Multi Vision (EMV) screen. Rear Guide Assist gives you a more precise indication of distances.
Self closing doors and power bootlid
Should you leave front or rear doors ajar, they self–close the final few millimetres automatically on your behalf. With similar ease, the power bootlid opens with a simple click of the remote, and closes with just a gentle downward touch.
Smart Card opens doors for you
The slim Smart Card allows you to unlock the doors by simply gripping the handle, without ever taking the key card from your pocket. After placing your foot on the brake you can then start the car at the touch of a button, or open the power bootlid with a simple click of the remote.
The brilliance of paintwork wet–sanded by hand
To ensure a deep, rich lustre and a flawless gloss, skilled craftsmen hand rub the paintwork between coats.
Intuitive rain sensing wipers
To allow you to keep your mind focused on your driving, the LS 600hL is equipped with rain sensing wipers. They activate automatically on your behalf the moment the sensor on the windscreen detects the first drops of rain.
Distinctive 19" alloy wheels
A unique seven–spoke alloy wheel design complements the LS 600hL's distinctive styling, while low profile 245/45R19 tyres enhance its precise handling. There's also a full sized 19" spare steel wheel in the boot. So you can drive with total peace of mind if a tyre is changed in the event of a puncture.
* Note: Park sensors and Rear View Camera are designed as driver assist devices only and should not be used as a substitute for skilled driving and safe parking practices. The driver should watch the area into which the vehicle is to be reversed, react appropriately and ensure compliance with all road rules. Keep reversing speeds under five kilometres per hour. Camera images may be affected by the weather and light conditions. Always observe skilled driving and safe parking practices.
Interior
Energy you can see
You'll be kept informed of what's driving you via two Energy Monitors, one within the instrument cluster and another on the Electro Multi Vision (EMV) display. The Energy Monitors keep you updated on which power system is driving you, be it electric power, the V8 petrol engine, or both. They also tell you when the Regenerative Braking system is recharging the battery.
Glare resistant Optitron instrumentation
To provide you with absolute clarity whatever the ambient light, the instrumentation features a sophisticated four dial–type Optitron meter with a Thin Film Translator (TFT), for optimum readability.
Visibly more efficient
A hybrid system indicator to the left of the instrument cluster displays an 'ECO' zone which indicates the most fuel efficient driving while the 'CHG' indicates when electrical energy is being generated.
Hand–stitched premium instrument panel
Appealing to your appreciation of fine fashion, the instrument panel is finished in genuine leather accents.
The warmth of woodgrain-look
The premium steering wheel is heated for comfort, and finished in woodgrain-look. In addition, the gear shifter and assist on the doors are finished in woodgrain-look.
Recline, relax and revive in the Ottoman seat
Behind the driver's seat, a sumptuous rear seat with power operated ottoman footrest provides the ultimate in comfort and support. It incorporates an upper back recliner offering adjustment and reclines to ensure the optimum in relaxation (four–seat LS 600hL model).
Rear Seat Relaxation System
The left rear passenger's seat offers an inbuilt Rear Seat Relaxation System, all at the touch of the remote control. It provides a soothing massage in a choice of 'Shiatsu', Shoulder, Back or 'Stretch' modes, to gently revive the body and relieve fatigue during longer journeys.
The personalised comfort of four–zone climate control
All four occupants can each enjoy their preferred comfort setting with the four–zone independent climate control. A total of 14 vents ensure even distribution of air. Strategically located sensors, which are even able to detect rear occupant's body temperature, maintain cabin comfort levels despite the impact of factors like direct sunlight. Rear seat passengers have the convenience of temperature controls in the rear seat console.
Remain cool with power sunshades
Rear seat occupants can relax with the added comfort of power operated sunshades. These elegant screens emerge from the rear doors and across the rear window, at the touch of a button. With similar ease, the rear window sunshade automatically retracts whenever reverse gear is selected, allowing the driver to clearly see out the rear window.
Audiophile quality 19 speaker audio system
The whisper quiet cabin of the LS 600hL provides the perfect environment for a 19 speaker, 450 watt audio system by world renowned audiophile designer Mark Levinson. A 15–channel amplifier, the WMA/MP3 compatible 6–disc in dash DVD/CD changer and Automatic Sound Leveliser combine to deliver a virtual concert hall audio experience.
Rear–Seat Entertainment System
Rear seat passengers can enjoy the cinema experience of a power operated 9" LCD screen. Integrated with the ceiling, the screen lowers smoothly to play DVD movies at a touch of the remote. Additionally, movies can be played on the front Electro Multi Vision (EMV) screen when the vehicle is stationary.
Performance
The power of a 6.0 litre engine
Feel the surge of power as the LS 600hL is capable of truly exhilarating performance while delivering remarkable fuel economy, consuming a mere 9.3 l per 100km.
Two power sources working together
Experience a sense of relentless acceleration as the V8 engine and a high output electric motor work together. The electric power develops maximum torque from zero revolutions, for instant response, while at higher speeds the V8 engine is the primary power source.
Whisper quiet electric acceleration
As you press the 'start' button, only the electric power is activated in the LS 600hL. From standstill, the electric motor accelerates almost silently, complementing the refined ride dynamics. Power release occurs the moment you touch the accelerator, yet virtually no hydrocarbon emissions are produced.
Low emission levels
Breathe easy as this immense power comes with truely impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions of 219 g/km - comparable with a conventional V6 engine.
A dual-injection boost
The performance sensation is due in part to a dual-injection fuel intake system that boosts performance and efficiency. Flexibility and response at all engine speeds is further enhanced by dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The inlet camshaft valve timing is electric-motordriven (VVT-i), for more precise adjustment.
Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT)
Experience the seamless acceleration of a transmission that allows your speed to increase unabated, without the noticeable gear changes of a conventional automatic transmission. As the world's first transmission developed specifically for a V8 hybrid powertrain, E-CVT further opimises fuel efficiency by keeping both power sources operating at optimum efficiency..
The precision of full time AWD
Feel the sense of control as an advanced All Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Developed exclusively for the LS 600hL, this AWD system incorporates a TORSEN limited slip differential (LSD) that optimises torque distribution between the front and rear wheels to maximise available traction.
You're cushioned on air suspension
LS 600hL has multi-link air syspension front and rear. For blissful ride quality, computer controlled Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) continually tailors the ride quality dependent on road conditions. Alternatively, you may select your own ride settings for personalised precision and control.
Drive in virtual silence
When you want to slip in quietly late at night, 'Electric Vehicle' or 'EV' drive mode allows you to drive on electric power alone, so there's no exhaust purr to disturb the family or neighbors.
The confidence of a long life battery
Extensive work by Lexus engineers has resulted in the development of a long-life 288V Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Battery. To optimise weight distribution, it is optimally located in the rear of the vehicle.
Nothing is wasted, not even braking energy
When slowing down or braking, the electric motor acts as a generator. It harnesses the kinetic energy that would normally be wasted, and captures it as electrical energy to replenish the battery.
Safety
The reassurance of Pre–Collision Safety
For added peace of mind, the Lexus Pre–Collision safety System (PCS) can help reduce collision injury and damage. A radar sensor in the front grille constantly scans for objects in front of the car. If the system determines that a collision is unavoidable, it retracts the front seatbelts, and signals the Brake Assist system to increase braking force and hence help reduce collision speed.
Relax as Active Cruise Control watches ahead
For more relaxed highway cruising, Active Cruise Control (ACC)** monitors the road ahead of you. The radar sensor in the front grille also works as part of the Active Cruise Control (ACC). You can simply set your preferred highway speed via touch controls on the steering wheel. Then, should the radar detect another vehicle in your path, Active Cruise Control decelerates your speed and even applies the brakes if necessary. Your nominated speed is resumed once a safe following distance can be maintained.
Airbag protection goes to new lengths
Exclusive to the LS 600hL, a submarine airbag in the Ottoman seat cushion helps optimise the position of the lower torso in a collision, for greater seatbelt restraint. LS 600hL's SRS airbag package includes dual stage twin chamber front airbags, side airbags and knee airbags for the front seat occupants. There are also full length curtain shield airbags and SRS rear side airbags for rear seat passengers.
The confidence of Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
You're embraced by a comprehensive package of technologies to provide greater safety, including Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) andTraction Control . The braking system combines an Anti–lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake–force Distribution (EBD).
Taking corrective actions for your safety
Should you encounter challenging road conditions, an advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system offers a greater sense of control. It integrates the braking, throttle and steering controls, for enhanced drivability.
Brake Hold keeps you secure
To keep you from moving while stopped, a brake hold function maintains brake pressure on all four wheels, keeping the car stationary. The brakes are automatically released the moment you touch the accelerator pedal.
Responsive LED tail lights
The rear tail lights incorporate LED lamps, which illuminate faster than conventional incandescent lamps. So when you apply the brakes, following traffic is alerted sooner.
*PCS is a driver assist technology and should not be used in place of safe driving practices. Driver should continue to monitor the road ahead.
**ACC is a driver assist technology and should not be used in place of safe driving practices. Driver should continue to monitor the road ahead.
***VGRS not available on all Lexus models.