Luxury Hybrid Car

The "Lexus LS" was developed as its flagship model to coincide with the launch of Lexus in America. It was also released in Japan in 1989 under the name "Celsior," and it goes without saying that it became popular as Toyota's new luxury car.

Subsequently, it evolved into the second generation in 1994 and the third generation in 2000. The fourth generation, which debuted in 2006, appeared as the Lexus-exclusive "LS" as Lexus dealerships had opened the previous year. Initially, the "LS460" equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 was introduced, and the following year, 2007, the "LS600h," the top-of-the-line LS model, and its long-wheelbase version, the "LS600hL," were added.

As the "h" in the model name suggests, the LS600/LS600hL is Toyota's pride and joy, a hybrid vehicle. While it is powered by a 5-liter V8 engine, the combination with an electric motor delivers performance comparable to a 6-liter V12 engine. Despite this, it achieves fuel economy of 12.2 km/liter in the 10-15 mode test, rivaling that of 2.5-liter class vehicles. With the powerful acceleration, quietness, and idling stop mechanism, along with the appeal unique to hybrid cars combining motor assist and engine power, it has become an indispensable presence for environmentally conscious VIPs.

Lexus LS600h/LS600hL
Body | Overall length 5030 (LS600hL: 5150) x Overall width 1875 x Overall height 1475mm
Engine | 5.0-liter V8
Maximum output | 290kW [394ps] / 6400rpm
Maximum torque | 520Nm [53.0kgm] / 4000rpm
Motor | AC synchronous electric motor
Maximum output | 165kW [224ps]
Maximum torque | 300Nm [30.6kgm]
Drivetrain | 4WD
Transmission | Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
Price | ¥9.7 million (LS600hL: ¥13.3 million)
(As of July 2008)


BRAND HISTORY
Toyota launched its luxury car brand LEXUS in the American market in 1989. The aim was to offer a new value proposition distinct from American and German luxury cars, leveraging Toyota's advanced technological capabilities, superior quality, and exceptional customer service.

When the "LS400" (domestic name: Celsior) and "ES250" (domestic name: Camry) were introduced to the American market in September of the same year, the LS400 quickly won Best Import Car by February of the following year, 1990. Thereafter, Lexus's reputation continued to grow, and with an expanding lineup, it solidified its position as a luxury car brand.

Following its success in America, Lexus expanded into Europe in 2004 and announced its business development in Japan in May of the same year. In August 2005, it launched its luxury car business in its home country. Initially, the lineup lacked the flagship "LS," consisting of the "GS" (successor to Toyota's Aristo), "SC" (Toyota's Soarer), and "IS" (successor to Toyota's Altezza). However, with the introduction of the long-awaited new LS in September 2006, and its hybrid version, the "LS600h/LS600hL," in May 2007, Lexus met the expectations of the luxury sedan buyer demographic.


Meanwhile, Lexus has been focusing on building a sporty image, announcing the sports model "IS F" in October 2007 and entering the prototype sports coupe "LF-A" in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race in May 2008, suggesting further expansion in popularity is anticipated.