2011 Lexus LS 600h L

Base MSRP: $111,350

Reviewed

June 2011

A superb luxury flagship, but don't expect great fuel economy

Pros

Strong acceleration
Good fuel economy for ultra-luxury sedan
Luxurious interior
All-wheel drive
Excellent reliability record
High-tech features
Top-notch fit and finish
Smooth hybrid powertrain

Cons

Ultra-luxury price tag
Competitors faster, sportier
Soft handling
Small trunk with no pass-through
Unimpressive fuel economy for a hybrid

Our Analysis

The 2011 Lexus LS 600h L (Base MSRP: $111,350) is the most expensive of a small bunch of ultra-luxury hybrids in the marketplace. Reviewers like the hybrid sedan's excellent build quality, as well as its smooth ride and comfortable ambiance.

Power trumps efficiency

At an EPA-rated 19 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20mpg combined, fuel economy is low for a hybrid. The Lexus LS hybrid's 5.0-liter V8, coupled with two electric motors, is set up to deliver lots of power (438 hp) over all-out fuel efficiency. LS 600h

Previously, the LS 600h L's only competition was the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid (Base MSRP: $91,000), though now the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 (Base MSRP: $102,300 to $106,200) and forthcoming 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid (Base MSRP: $95,000) stand out as similarly high-priced, well-appointed and powerful alternatives.

Very few changes for 2011

Aside from the discontinuation of the active stabilizer suspension option, the 2011 Lexus LS 600h L soldiers on largely unchanged. Our full report on the 2009 LS 600h L provides a detailed look at this hybrid luxury sedan.

Safety scores and features

The 2011 Lexus LS 600h L receives the highest rating of Good in frontal-offset and rear impact crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has yet to test the Lexus' roof strength. LS 600hThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) updated its test procedures for 2011 and has not evaluated the LS 600h L as of this writing.

Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. Rear seat side airbags and an electronic pre-collision safety system are available options.

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Our Sources

1. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com notes that the 2011 Lexus LS 600h L is essentially identical to the 2010 model year. The editors highlight the "exquisite craftsmanship" and the "supremely quiet and comfortable cabin." They also go on to note that the steep price tag is hard to justify.

Review: 2011 Lexus LS 600h L Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Although ConsumerReports.org doesn't specifically test the LS 600h L, it does test the LS 460 L, the traditional V8 version. Their impressions on the driving experience, interior, ride quality and handling will largely apply to the hybrid version as well.

Review: Sedans, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

3. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The 2011 Lexus LS lineup (including the hybrid version) earns the highest rating of Good for front-offset and rear impact crash safety. Roof strength hasn't been tested.

Review: Large Luxury Cars, Editors of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

4. ConsumerSearch.com

The 2009 Lexus LS 600h L is essentially the same car in 2011, because only minimal changes have been made along the way. This full report provides a comprehensive look at what the experts have to say.

Review: 2009 Lexus LS 600h L, Editors of ConsumerSearch, May 2009

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