POWERFUL LUXURY HYBRID? 2008 LEXUS LS 600HL REVIEW

EV Channels Review

The 2008 Lexus LS 600hL is presented as a unique, powerful luxury hybrid with a 5.0L V8 engine producing 439 horsepower. While it offers substantial torque and a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds (quicker than the LS 460), the reviewer notes a significant drawback: its fuel economy is no better than the standard LS 460, achieving only around 19 MPG city and low 20s highway. The hybrid system adds considerable weight, negatively impacting handling, which is described as more akin to a "yacht on the ground" with noticeable body roll, especially compared to the F Sport variant. The interior is praised for its exquisite comfort and luxurious appointments, including extensive wood trim, Mark Levinson audio, and advanced features for its time like automatic rear sunshades and dual rear remotes. However, the reviewer ultimately prefers the F Sport LS 460 for its superior handling and the more engaging driving experience of its automatic transmission, questioning the overall purpose of the 600hL given its lack of significant fuel economy gains and compromised dynamics. Despite these criticisms, the LS 600hL is acknowledged as a sophisticated, comfortable, and unique vehicle, representing Lexus's experimental foray into high-performance hybrids.