2009 Lexus LS 600h L

The Lexus LS 600h L (*Est. $106,035) hybrid luxury sedan is the Lexus brand's flagship and the most expensive hybrid car on the market. While many of Lexus' competitors choose to put mighty 12-cylinder engines into their range-topping luxury sedans, Lexus made its most powerful sedan a technological showcase. The long-wheelbase LS 600h L is powered by a 5.0-liter, V-8 engine and electric motor, rated together at 438 peak horsepower and delivered to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission. Reviewers say the powertrain is remarkably smooth and quiet, and it's often difficult to tell when the gas engine starts and stops or when the vehicle is running on pure electric power. Reviewers talk of extremely strong acceleration -- Jonny Lieberman describes the power at a driver's disposal as "rocket sled-esque forward thrust"  -- although the big Lexus hybrid isn't quite as quick as competitors with V-12 engines.

With an Environmental Protection Agency estimate of 20 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, many reviewers are disappointed that the hybrid powertrain doesn't deliver better fuel economy. Others emphasize that it beats all of its V-12 competitors with mileage similar to some midsize V-6 sedans, and the Lexus LS 600h L's tailpipe emissions are cleaner than many four-cylinder engines.

While the Lexus LS 600h L shows "exquisite craftsmanship," according to Edmunds.com, when it comes to value the large hybrid sedan comes up short. Many critics say the nonhybrid Lexus LS 460 (*Est. $62,825) or long-wheelbase LS 460 L (*Est. $77,260) are better buys. "A standard LS 460 is a staggering $40k cheaper, making it extremely difficult to justify purchasing the hybrid model as no amount of fuel savings could recoup the additional cost," says DriverSide.com's Brian Alexander. Compared to the Lexus LS 460, the heavier LS 600h L delivers similar performance and only 2 mpg better average fuel economy. And it's not as if you can't get the creature comforts in the substantially cheaper LS 460 range. All Lexus LS models offer a full complement of available luxury features, such as power reclining rear seats, built-in beverage coolers, seat-massage features, four-zone automatic climate control  and an "Advanced Parking Guidance System" that allows the car to park itself.