Lexus offers luxury salvation

Introduction

Lexus sees the hybrid as the answer to improving economy on its luxury models. That strategy has a lot to do with its American market presence and it bucks the trend in Europe for turbodiesel luxury cars.

What is it?

At first glance the LS600h is about as far removed from a green car as you could imagine, as it is essentially a massive, heavy, opulent saloon car full to the rafters with kit and powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine. But the LS600h does have some green credentials, as helping that 5.0-litre V8 engine along is a hybrid system - much like you'll find on parent company Toyota's Prius.

How does it drive?

With a 5.0-litre V8 engine under the long bonnet you'll initially be surprised at how quiet it all is when you get in. Lexus is famed for its hushed powerplants, but there's absolutely no noise from the engine bay when you press the starter button. That's because in all but a few circumstances the LS600h starts in electric mode, the dash lighting up and everything else working, but the petrol engine not starting until it's really needed. It turns out that's not very long, as once you pass a few mph the V8 kicks into life to aid progress.

It's a seamless process, the V8, electric motors and batteries all working together without you really being aware of it. Unless, that is, you've got the instruments displaying what's doing what; then it's enormously distracting watching how the clever hybrid system is juggling how its power is being distributed or scavenged back while braking and coasting. What is particularly unusual is the performance on offer: the Lexus might be a 'green' luxury car, but it doesn't compromise on performance, 62mph arriving in just 6.3 seconds.

Planet hugger or planet mugger?

That performance figure is telling, as although the LS600h is a hybrid, it's not actually that green. Lexus sells it so, but the reality is that it's not a competitor for the likes of diesel Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series or Audi A8s. Instead it's something of an environmental salve for those who might traditionally want a V12-engined flagship model but want to be seen as a bit more environmentally responsible. The combined cycle economy is only 30.4mpg, which is significantly better than a similar performance V12 rival, but still not as good as a turbodiesel competitor from any of the other brands. CO₂ emissions of 219g/km undercut those turbodiesels though, and being a hybrid it's congestion charge friendly. For now.

Verdict

A green luxury saloon might sound like a contradiction in terms and in many ways it is. The LS600h isn't the most fuel efficient car in its class, though it does offer pretty extraordinary performance mated to relatively low CO₂ emissions. For those used to the power of a V12 engine the V8 mated to Lexus' hybrid drive offers a slightly greener alternative, but it's tokenism rather than a proper, concerted effort to save the planet.

Kyle Fortune

Monday May 12