Buyer’s Guide: 2010 Lexus LS 600h L

NEW FOR 2010:

– New interior and exterior refinements
– Standard navigation system, backup camera, power rear door sunshades, automatic high beam system, and USB port

For 2010, the Lexus LS 600h L hybrid receives some styling changes, including a unique grille, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, Escaine synthetic headliner, premium leather upholstery, and leather-covered upper instrument and door interior panels. New standard features include a hard disc-based navigation system with integrated backup camera, power rear door sunshades, intelligent high-beam headlight system and USB audio connectivity.

Based on the long-wheelbase LS 460 L model (covered separately), the LS 600h L hybrid 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.

Features include 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt and telescopic heated wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, soft-touch heater controls, six-DVD Mark Levinson surround sound audio system with library music system, auxiliary input, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, XM satellite radio, 16-way driver and 12-way passenger climate-controlled premium leather seats, driver’s side memory, heated rear seats, auto up/down windows, water-repellant front door glass, front and rear acoustic glass, power rear door sunshades, Eco indicator, LCD gauge cluster, voice-activated navigation system with backup camera, advanced parking guidance system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, Escaine headliner, leather-covered instrument panel and door pads, cargo net, LED map lights, floor mats, power sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors with puddle lamps and reverse tip-down, rain-sensing wipers, windshield de-icer, adaptive auto-levelling LED headlamps with washers, LED taillamps, fog lamps, driver and passenger knee airbags, first-aid kit, and tire pressure monitoring system.

The sole option is a Premium Executive Package, which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, four-zone automatic climate control, rear-seat DVD entertainment system with remote control and wireless headphones, nine-inch LCD rear monitor, infrared body temperature sensor, milliwave radar cruise control, pre-collision system, rear seat side airbags, lane keeping assist system, right rear seat retractable ottoman with seat cushion airbag, driver monitoring system, obstacle detection system, rear-seat armrest with 12-volt power outlet, and heated and ventilated rear seats with shiatsu massage and memory.