Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Lexus LS 600h L

NEW FOR 2009:

– Minor option package changes

An all-new model for 2008, the Lexus LS600h L luxury hybrid is unchanged for 2009, save for alternations to its packages. The previous standard heated and cooled seats with side airbags are now part of a Premium Package, and the standard default is heated rear seats.

Based on the long-wheelbase LS 460L model, the LS 600h L uses a 5.0-litre V8 with an electronically-controlled CVT and Lexus Hybrid Drive, which uses high-output electric motors and a large-capacity battery pack to produce what the company says is the performance equivalent of a V12 with the fuel economy of a V6. The dual-stage transmission allows the driver to select one of three acceleration response modes, and choose engine brake force from eight different ranges.

The LS 460h L comes in a single trim line, and includes 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, Mark Levinson surround sound stereo with six-CD/MP3 changer, XM satellite radio, auxiliary input and wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, climate-controlled leather front seats, heated rear seats, 16-way driver and 12-way passenger power adjustment with memory, navigation system, advanced parking guidance system, electronic analog gauges, auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto up/down on all windows, cargo net, heated wood and leather-wrapped wheel with power tilt and telescopic, wallet-size Smart Card key, power-assist doors, power trunk open and close, power rear sunshade, clearance and backup sensor, garage door opener, LED map lights, driver and passenger knee airbags, first-aid kit, auto-dimming reverse-tilt heated mirrors with puddle lamps, power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlamps and taillamps, adaptive front lighting with auto-level and washers, and fog lamps.

Two option packages are available. The Premium Package adds four-zone independent automatic climate control, rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones, rear seat side airbags, power heated and air conditioned rear seats, premium leather seat surfaces, rear cool box, rear side window sunshades, Escaine roof headliner and leather-covered instrument panel and doors. The Premium Executive Package includes the Premium Package items and adds four-passenger seating, 18-inch alloy wheels, infrared body temperature sensor, pre-collision system, obstacle detection system, driver monitoring system, shiatsu massage seat, right rear seat retractable ottoman, radar cruise control system and rear-seat fold-out table.

The LS 600h L is a “full” hybrid, capable of running on gasoline or electricity, or a combination of both. Whisper-quiet and feature-laden, it provides performance not expected of a hybrid, with an all-wheel system for improved driveability and a suspension system that keeps passengers from noticing even the slightest bumps.