Chauffeur Not Included
Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press
Very rarely do I say I would rather be the passenger in a vehicle than the driver, after all, I like to be the one in control. It’s my job. But the 2010 Lexus LS 600h L is one of those vehicles that I would have no problem sitting in the back of, relaxing and enjoying the experience of this particularly unique luxury sedan.
2010 Lexus LS 600h L
Granted, this is one phenomenal vehicle to be behind the wheel of. It is luxury with a capital “L.” From the look of the polished wood trim juxtaposed with the leather covered upper instrument panel, to the feel of the premium leather seats against my derriere, to the touch of the suede-lined roof against my fingers, it’s just divine. Even the touch-screen and new-for-2010 HDD based Navigation System is incredibly easy to use and friendly to the eyes. Yes, it’s a luxury vehicle yet it’s also a driver-friendly vehicle.
Some luxury sedans require learning a secret code to understand what each button means. Not in this Lexus. The only drawback of this vehicle is the position of the 9” LCD monitor for the rear DVD player. It is mounted to the rear end of the centre console and does not fold down. Needless to say I hit my elbow a few times when entering the sedan and it made it very arduous to place my handbag in the back when someone was sitting shotgun. Then again, I wouldn’t have this problem if I was the passenger not the driver, would I?
Another characteristic this Lexus enjoys that is not only critical for a limousine but dumbfounding considering the car’s length is its turning circle. It might sound like an odd thing to mention, but even with its sizeable P245/45R19 all-season tires and 19” aluminum alloy wheels and long wheelbase, it can turn on a dime or more accurately 12 meters (39.4 ft). Everyday driving is a breeze. Upon first glance, or any glance for that matter, the LS 600h L is not a small vehicle. Its size might even be a little overwhelming to some, but from behind the wheel it doesn’t feel big or bulky, is extremely smooth on the pavement and very easy to park. After all, the LS has pretty much every corner covered when it comes to sensors thanks to its Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS) and the rearview camera, which is as clear as my mom’s new HD television.
Where I had the most fun, though, was in the back seat. I’m not talking about ‘that’ kind of fun either! While I was parked outside waiting for my husband, I decided to hop in back where my sister-in-law was already sitting. There I had the Friday night of my life. Where else can I get to sit in the back of the most expensive hybrid Lexus makes and enjoy a vibrating shiatsu massage with my feet perched comfortably on a retractable ottoman? Massage and ottoman features are only available on the right side (passenger side) of the LS 600h L, the side I was seated on so I literally was in the lap of luxury. Too bad we forgot to bring a DVD because the Premium Executive Package that includes these items also adds a DVD entertainment system with satellite TV. And when we wanted some privacy to people watch, all it took was a push of a button for the power rear window sunshades to pop up. Gosh, I could live in the back of this vehicle. All it needs is a fridge and a shower. I think we sat there for over an hour and I’m pretty sure this is one of the few instances when I told David to take his time; I was in no rush. Astonished by this, he said to me, “This car must have magic woven into its fibers.” I concur and expand: the rear seat has magic fingers.
What happens under the hood is also pretty magical. Features aside, what makes this luxury sedan so amazing is the fact that it’s a hybrid. Lexus is no stranger to the ‘green’ world since its model lineup has four hybrid options. The LS 600h L gets the most powerful available, a 5.0-litre, 32-valve, V8 engine which works in conjunction with three electric drive motors and a dual mode, Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). The result is a net 438 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, so there is no shortage of get up and go. Also, Lexus Hybrid Drive is a full hybrid system meaning it can use the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) alone, the electric motors alone, or both together, meaning the ICE and electric motors are optimized to make fuel economy as good as it can be or power as instantaneous as possible, depending on the situation.
When it comes to fuel economy, I still marvel at how well the LS 600h L performs, especially since it’s an All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle. On average it uses and estimated 10.6L/100km in the city and 9.1L/100km on the highway. Considering all the horses under the hood, that’s amazing. Throughout my test period I drove close to 400kms, barely reached under half a tank and didn’t spend a small fortune filling it up. Buying the car itself is another story since its base MSRP is $119,950. With the Premium Executive Package ($24,050) the MSRP jumps to $144,000. I’ll be saving my pennies for quite some time.
Speaking of dreams, the 2010 Lexus LS 600h L is a dream to drive or be driven in. Its refined ride, to-die-for features and Hybrid Drive system makes this a truly exceptional vehicle, not only on the inside and out, but underneath the hood, too.
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