Toyota has made its hybrid intentions well-known lately, and is spreading the eco-groovy vibe of its new technology to its Lexus luxury division. A hybrid version of the RX has already been out for a few years, as well as a hybrid derivative of the GS sport sedan. Now, along comes the Big Kahuna of the bunch, the LS600h, Lexus' six-figure answer to the top-of-the-line BMW 7 series and Mercedes S-Class.

But is this car the answer to a question nobody asked? First of all, are customers willing to shell out an additional $20-30,000 dollars for that shiny "h" affixed to the rump? And secondly, the hybrid powertrain doesn't get all that remarkable mileage, except in city driving. 2008 EPA estimates for the sedan are 20 city and 22 highway. Granted, this is under the stricter 2008 testing protocol, which will give almost all vehicles a 10-20 percent haircut in their mileage estimates. But this isn't much better than the standard LS460. Even under the estimated 2008 guidelines, the long-wheelbase 460 gets 16 city and 24 highway mpg, making for a 19 mpg combined average, compared to a 21 mpg combined average for the high-dollar 600h. Let's see, is 2 miles per gallon worth a five-figure premium?

The difference of two miles per gallon could be easily achieved just through a change in driving habits. So what other features differentiate the mighty 600h from its lesser siblings?

Read more here... (http://blogs.automotive.com/6212796/opinion/lexus-ls600h-only-gets-22-mpg/index.html)

Honestly, I agree that the price IS a little high for the LS600h. I think there are a lot of people who don't buy Mercedes because of their arrogant pricing. Their new S550 sedan starts at $87,475. That's ridiculous - especially when you consider what you get for that price. You need to bring the car up to at least $100,000.00 to get the features you'd expect for an $87,475 car. If Lexus is going to take this pricing strategy, I'm afraid they're going to lose a lot of customers who simply buy their Lexus because of what they get for their money.

Lexus is the number one luxury automaker company in the world Many people typically think like you, but you are wrong...

Lexus LS 460 L
Lexus LS 600h L

The hybrid version,is over 100K but is still cheaper then those other expensive cars, it has been rated the SAFEST, CLEANEST, MOST QUITE AND SMOOTHER, AND BEST CAR ON THE PLANET, as it won the 'World Car Of the Year' for 2007; offering lot more then just luxury.
It comes with a camera built in front the drivers face to monitor their actions and if it detects anything wrong , it would announce it to the driver, but if the driver doesn't have any response, 'the LS 600h L will automatically steer the vehicle our of harms way' and it decides were the safest spot is for the LS until you get back in control; something not offered in the BMer or M. Benz.
It also has a rear power trunk door, power door closers (no other car on the planet offers this feature), night time LED lights (which means more power then xenon but less harmful to others ) , its got the new revolutionary park assist that parks itself (not other car in this segment has that), and on top of that, it offers the high end performance of a 12 cylinder while using the fuel of a Civic. equivalent to a 6 cylinder. This car would recognize if someone were to break in, it then automaticlly dismantles itself , something no other car does.

Do your research and see why the LS shapes better then any other car and see that the LS still has a better value; lower maintenance costs etc.

The price is very high for a car that only gets 22 MPG. For that price you should be getting around 35-40 MPG I think

That kind of does suck for a car that has that kind of a price tag. I'm not sure if I would purchase one or not.

That's very sad... a car of that value should get a lot more miles per gallon.

It's not the end of the world guys... though I do agree that it isn't enough lol :)

I'm not sure I understand why the price of the car has anything to do with its fuel economy.

Anyhow, that's gonna be a great used car bargain.. a-la VW Phaeton. Lexus is reaching a bit here... even for Lexus.

And personally, I've had it with Toyota's Hybrid parade. My 1998 LS gets 20mpg in the city with an old V8, so 22mpg for a hybrid is pretty sad. This will put it in perspective for you... The new GM FULL Hybrid V8 SUV's? They will get 20mpg or MORE depending on driving habits, and they are huge truck based vehicles!

Toyota's excuse for this is that the LS600hL is a PERFORMANCE hybrid, but that's a pretty weak argument. Bottom line? They are trying to stroke the ego of those who want a full-size luxury car with a V8, but feel guilty about their environmental "impact" :rolleyes: , when you look at the hard numbers on paper though... it's just not there.

I thought the full-size hybrid SUVs from GM were getting 24 miles per gallon on the highway. That's pretty great considering my Escalade gets like 16.

I thought the full-size hybrid SUVs from GM were getting 24 miles per gallon on the highway. That's pretty great considering my Escalade gets like 16.

That's correct. 20 is the city mileage, which is the only number I really care about. 20mpg to me is just within acceptable limits, with that kind of fuel economy I dont have to fill up as frequently as I did with the Range Rover or Escalade, though the most I ever got in my 03 Escalade was about 13, the Range gets around 14.8.

One of the reasons why I don't drive a larger vehicle lol... I would rather get 30-40 MPG in a hybrid car than 20 MPG in a huge SUV.

That does kind of suck... but people who spend that kind of money on a vehicle obviously has the money for the gas.

That does kind of suck... but people who spend that kind of money on a vehicle obviously has the money for the gas.

I totally agree.. if they have money to purchase the car they obviously have money for the gas that goes in it.

I guess that isn't to bad gas mileage for the type of vehicle that it is.

Its a high-tech gimmick, like BMW's garbage iDrive system

Its a high-tech gimmick, like BMW's garbage iDrive system
Apparently.. I haven't seen one on the road yet - so I suppose they're not selling all that well.. I think I'd rather have an S550 fully loaded...

Honestly, I agree that the price IS a little high for the LS600h. I think there are a lot of people who don't buy Mercedes because of their arrogant pricing. Their new S550 sedan starts at $87,475. That's ridiculous - especially when you consider what you get for that price. You need to bring the car up to at least $100,000.00 to get the features you'd expect for an $87,475 car. If Lexus is going to take this pricing strategy, I'm afraid they're going to lose a lot of customers who simply buy their Lexus because of what they get for their money.Yes the price of 600h are higher it crosses the purchasing power of customer.Most of the people find themselves enable to purchase this car .Lexus must be in the reach of people .

That's about moderate for that type of vehicle I think... it gets better gas mileage than my car thats for sure.

I would drive one if I had the money to buy one and enough left over to put some gas in it lol.