2018 Lexus LS 500h Hybrid to Debut at Geneva Motor Show
Expect the LS hybrid to share the LC 500h powertrain.
Kevin · February 14th, 2017
Latest News
Lexus LS 600h F SPORT Debuts at Paris Motor Show
Along with the much-discussed Lexus LF-CC concept, the LS 600h F SPORT also debuted at the Paris Motor Show.
Kevin · October 7th, 2012
Next-Generation Lexus LS Teased!
Included as part of a Lexus UK video interview with RX chief engineer Takayuki Katsuda, a teaser image of the next-generation Lexus LS has been released in a most unlikely fashion.
Kevin · March 19th, 2012
Paul McCartney Uses Lexus LS 600hL in Weekend Wedding
In a stroke of luck for Lexus, the dark maple red LS 600hL given to Sir Paul McCartney in 2008 was featured front & center at the Beatle’s wedding this weekend to American heiress Nancy Shevell.
Kevin · October 10th, 2011
Live Photos of the Royal Lexus LS 600hL Landaulet
The royal wedding of Prince Albert II of Monaco to Charlene Wittstock happened this weekend, which means it's time for some photos of the special one-off Lexus LS 600hL Landaulet created for the event.
Kevin · July 4th, 2011
Lexus Creates Special LS 600hL Landaulet for Monaco Royal Wedding
In celebration of H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco's marriage to Ms. Charlene Wittstock on July 2nd, 2011, Lexus has created a very special LS 600hL Landaulet to serve as the official Royal Wedding car.
Kevin · June 24th, 2011
Speedhunters Features Lexus LS 600hL by VIP Auto Salon
Speedhunters is running a nice feature on the VIP Auto Salon Lexus LS 600hL (seen at last year's SEMA) with plenty of photos.
Kevin · May 30th, 2011
Motor Trend Reviews the 2011 Lexus LS 600hL
This Motor Trend review of the 2011 Lexus LS 600hL does a good job at comparing the top-end LS hybrid flagship with its true competitors, the BMW 760Li and the Mercedes-Benz S600.
Kevin · May 25th, 2011
Lexus Hybrid Commercial
In the spirit of the Lexus Hybrid Art exhibition, here's a beautifully filmed commercial from Lexus Italy.
Kevin · May 22nd, 2011
TTAC Compares the Lexus LS 600hL & Mercedes S400 Hybrid
Earlier this year, The Truth About Cars compared the Lexus LS 600hL and the Mercedes S400 Hybrid, the only two flagship luxury sedans (currently) available with a gas-electric powertrain.
Kevin · May 18th, 2011
Lexus Becomes Official Supplier to the Sovereign Prince of Monaco
It has been announced that Lexus has been awarded a royal warrant to become the Official Supplier to His Serene Highness, the Sovereign Prince Albert II of Monaco — a honored appointment that will could see a LS 600hL as the official wedding car of the Price’s marriage to Miss Charlene Wittstock on Saturday 2nd …
Kevin · April 6th, 2011
Lexus Magazine Interview with VIP Auto Salon’s Clark Ishihara
One of the people I had a chance to spend some time with during my trip to California was Clark Ishihara, president of VIP Auto Salon and the main force behind show cars like the Macadamia LS 600hL at last year’s SEMA — reminded me of this Lexus Magazine interview with Clark about his company’s …
Kevin · March 23rd, 2011
Lexus LS 460/600hL Replacement Grille by Wald
Here’s something interesting that I came across on the Wald website last week while looking at their new LS Sports Line Black Bison body kit — the Japanese tuner is also offering a LS replacement grille: I’ve been driving a LS 600hL for the last week, and have to say, this replacement grille would be …
Kevin · February 14th, 2011
Lexus LS 600hL Sports Line Black Bison Body Kit by Wald
Japanese tuner Wald International has released a new Sports Line Black Bison body kit for the Lexus LS 600h/hL: The full kit is extensive, and includes a front bumper spoiler, side steps, sports fender ducts, LED daytime running lights, a rear bumper spoiler, roof spoiler, trunk spoiler (Version 2), plus a new exhaust system. The …
Kevin · February 9th, 2011
Driving the 2011 Lexus LS 600hL
This past weekend, I made the trip to Toronto and picked up a 2011 Lexus LS 600hL from Lexus Canada for a two week road test. The LSh has a Obsidian exterior & Parchment interior, and is fully loaded with every conceivable feature, right down to the massaging rear ottoman and a whole host of …
Kevin · February 8th, 2011
Hyundai Equus/Lexus LS Photocopy
Motor Trend recently had an article that named the Lexus LFA as one of the top 9 halo cars — but that wasn’t what caught my attention. Take a look at this Hyundai Equus picture: Now compare it with this 2007 Lexus LS 600hL image: I know imitation is the highest form of flattery, but …
Kevin · January 28th, 2011
North America’s First Lexus LS 600hL on eBay
A piece of hybrid history has shown up on eBay — the first Lexus LS 600hL sold in North America has been put up for auction on eBay. As #1 of the 100 individually-numbered Launch Edition packages offered to Neiman Marcus InCircle members in 2007, this LS 600hL comes with an exclusive Truffle Mica exterior …
Kevin · December 20th, 2010
Comparison: 1990 Lexus LS 400 vs. 2010 Lexus LS 600hL
Lexus is celebrating their 20th anniversary in the United Kingdom, and to show how far the brand has come in twenty years, they’ve released a video comparing the first-gen LS & the current LS hybrid: Here’s a chart that details the differences, just in case they went by too fast: In some ways, it’s hard …
Kevin · December 13th, 2010
Lexus LS L-Select Custom Color Combinations
L-Select, the Lexus LS customization program available in Japan, has a brand new website with some (very small) photos of potential color combinations: Iris Topaz Beige Scarlet Rose Olive Umber Snow White Blue Gray Dark Brown Both the Blue Gray & Dark Brown may very well be Alcantara, which is a very nice touch and …
Kevin · December 7th, 2010
Lexus SEMA Video Preview
SEMA starts in an hour, but before the doors open, here’s a great HD video preview of the Lexus SEMA cars: I’ll be at the show today with a plan to update throughout the day and take plenty of photos, so if you have any picture requests, please let me know!
Kevin · November 2nd, 2010
Lexus SEMA 2010 Show Cars in Detail
Here’s a full breakdown of the models along with their descriptions, all courtesy of Lexus: CT200h F SPORT CONCEPT Description How do you take a fun to drive sporty five-door premium compact hybrid that has a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 42 mpg to the next level? Build a CT200h F Sport Concept. Although …
Kevin · October 29th, 2010
SEMA Preview: Lexus LS 600hL by Fox Marketing
With just a couple weeks before SEMA, Fox Marketing has unveiled their modified LS 600hL that will be shown as part of the Lexus display: Like what was done to the front grille: Here’s probably the best look at the real color: I like the blacked/greened-out look well enough, especially in the way it tones …
Kevin · October 18th, 2010
Fox Marketing Preparing Lexus LS 600hL for SEMA
After their stellar Lexus IS-C custom in 2009, Fox Marketing will be going big for SEMA this year with the LS 600hL — here’s some photos of the work-in-progress: So far, the Artisan Spirits body kit has been installed, and there’s a plan for custom brakes — can’t wait to see where this goes. [Source: …
Kevin · September 20th, 2010
Lexus RX 240? Lexus LS 450h?
The Bangkok Post has some engine variation rumors regarding the RX & LS: Later this year, Japan’s top nameplate is set to offer a third engine variant of its RX sport-utility vehicle in the guise of RX270 with 2WD. For the first time, the new entry-level RX would be getting a four-cylinder petrol engine currently …
Kevin · July 26th, 2010
More on the Lexus Engine Recall
Lexus USA will be formally submitting their recall of approximately 138,000 Lexus vehicles next week with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall will apply to certain 2006, 2007 & 2008 GS, IS, and LS models equipped with 4.6 and 5.0L V8 and 3.5L V6 engines. Here’s the full breakdown: GS 350: 2007-2008 GS …
Kevin · July 2nd, 2010
Potential Lexus Engine Recall
Toyota has announced today that they may be recalling 270,000 Lexus cars after discovering a problem with the 4.6L V8 and 3.5L V6 engines used throughout the lineup — from the Wall Street Journal: The auto maker has found a problem with the valve spring of 4.6 liter V8 engines and 3.5 liter V6 engines …
Kevin · July 1st, 2010
Beautiful Lexus LS 600hL Video
Once and a while, I get very focused on a specific car — right now, it’s the Lexus LS, and it all started after watching this 10-minute video a couple weeks back: This video does a great job at capturing that quiet, subtle luxury that’s so appealing about Lexus’ flagship sedan — and somehow manages …
Kevin · June 10th, 2010
Lexus Taiwan’s Hybrid Bicycle
This LS 600hL commercial from Lexus Taiwan has a special surprise at the end: Just in case you missed it: As the Lexus Taiwan website describes, this is a limited edition mountain bike built by Fuji cycles, and will retail for 180,000 元 ($3,300 USD). Expensive indeed, but not out of line with the rest …
Kevin · June 7th, 2010
Lexus LS Recall Video Demonstration
Here’s a video demonstrating the steering issue that made the current Lexus LS recall necessary: All in all, this LS steering issue looks to be relatively non-critical — something that should be fixed and deserving of a recall, to be sure, but of minor importance to anyone outside of the affected owners. Still, good on …
Kevin · May 27th, 2010
Lexus LS Recall FAQ
Lexus has officially issued a recall on late 2009 & certain 2010 Lexus LS vehicles equipped with the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system. This recall affects the LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600h, and LS 600hL, but no other Lexus models. All owners affected by the recall will be contacted via mail when the …
Kevin · May 23rd, 2010
Lexus LS to be Recalled for VGRS Issue
Lexus is preparing to issue a recall of Lexus LS models equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS): This matter has been under investigation by TMC since March this year who have received approximately 10 complaints in Japan. No accidents have been reported relating to this issue and we have received no reported cases of …
Kevin · May 19th, 2010
AutoTrader Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 600h L
Alexandra Straub of AutoTrader.ca recently took the 2010 Lexus LS 600h L for a test drive, and found herself indulging in the vehicle’s 5-seat Executive package rear seat. This configuration is new for the revised LS range, being added alongside the original 4-seat Executive package. In addition to the extra center seat, the DVD rear-seat …
Kevin · April 30th, 2010
Lexus Hybrid Art Exhibit in Moscow
Lexus Russia held a new Hybrid Art exhibition at the Vetoshny Arts Centre in Moscow in early April, and here’s the official video: The Hybrid Art official site listed multiple exhibits ranging from camera obscura (darkened room) displays to software-generated art and interactive sculpture. Additional exhibit images are on the official Facebook page along with …
Kevin · April 8th, 2010
Lexus Hybrid Braking Safety Video
In response to media stories of vehicle acceleration, Lexus has released this video clarifying the stopping procedure for hybrid models: From this video, it is made clear that: 1) All Lexus hybrids have a brake override system, which cuts power to the engine when the accelerator and brake pedals are simultaneously pressed. 2) Lexus vehicles …
Kevin · March 31st, 2010
New 2010 Lexus LS 600h Photo Gallery
Lexus UK has released a new photo gallery of the refreshed 2010 LS 600h: This shot is so fantastic I had to crop it for a desktop wallpaper: Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 There’s nothing quite like the LS side-profile—my favorite angle of the car, and the very definition …
Kevin · March 18th, 2010
Lexus Hybrids Commercial: Milestones
Lexus heralds its expanded hybrid lineup with this commercial featuring a synchronized display of the Lexus hybrid models: The 5.5 billion mile figure quoted in the video is based on an average of 10,000 miles per year, which is less than the typical figure used in the U.S. It’s also worth noting that the luxury …
Kevin · March 4th, 2010
Looking at the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL Instrument Panel
I really love the look of the new TFT instrument panel in the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL: There was also these images from yesterday’s L-Select LS 600hL photo gallery from Japan: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1543”} The IP’s central circle theme is a much cleaner approach than the traditional two dial display, and brings to mind the LFA’s …
Kevin · January 28th, 2010
Lexus L-Select LS 600hL from Japan
Photos of the L-Select customization program offered by Lexus Japan have been hard to come by—that is, until I was sent the link to this absolutely massive LS 600hL gallery with one of the unique L-Select trims. Here’s just a small selection: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1539”} Just look at these detail shots: I’m not sold on the …
Kevin · January 27th, 2010
2010 Lexus LS 600h Commercial
There’s a new 2010 Lexus LS 600h commercial from Lexus Japan: This LS features an L-Select bright-red & black interior—don’t know if that would be my first pick with a white exterior. (On a side note: Why do all the press photos & video have to feature the same color car? I certainly wouldn’t mind …
Kevin · November 5th, 2009
Lexus L-Select Customization Video
This video gives some detail on the new L-Select customization program currently offered with the Lexus LS in Japan (warning: the accompanying music is unique): If switching internal LS components is as easy as it’s displayed in this video, I don’t see any reason why L-Select couldn’t make it’s way to other markets. More likely, …
Kevin · October 29th, 2009
The Lexus L-Select Customization Program
The new L-Select Lexus customization program has launched in Japan. This program, which is currently limited to the LS, makes it possible to pick and choose your leather, wood trim, even your roof material. Here’s a small sampling of the possible interior combinations: These are some serious interior options, I’m all over that IS-F inspired …
Kevin · October 13th, 2009
2010 Lexus LS to Feature Self-Restoring Clear Coat
For 2010, the Lexus LS will be sporting an additional layer of clear coat paint that has the ability to heal itself: Unlike a conventional clear coat, TMC’s newly developed coat is not easily damaged and can even restore* itself even if it is deformed. Moreover, it requires no special maintenance, prevents luster degradation caused …
Kevin · September 29th, 2009
Photo of the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL Interior
Among Leftlane News’ photos of the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL at the Frankfurt Auto Show was this shot of the interior—note the full LCD instrument panel (click for a larger image): The steering wheel stitching also looks different, and there’s now a patch of darker leather on the doors. Just loving this color combination. [Source: …
Kevin · September 20th, 2009
2010 Lexus LS 600h & 600hL Official Information
After pouring over images of the 2010 Lexus LS 600h for a couple weeks, official information on the flagship hybrid has been released, and changes have turned out to be more extensive than just a new front grille. First some photos, then a breakdown of the new features: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1345”} Performance The LS hybrid will …
Kevin · September 18th, 2009
Official 2010 Lexus LS Hybrid Photo
In addition to the LF-Ch concept, Lexus will also be debuting its refreshed 2010 LS hybrid at the Frankfurt Auto Show later this month. As a teaser, an official image has been released (click for a larger image): Needless to say, the much maligned grille looks much better than it did in those blurry brochure …
Kevin · September 2nd, 2009
Lexus LS & GS Going Hybrid-Only in UK
According to Autocar, Lexus UK will be dropping the conventional gas versions of the LS & GS: The GS and LS ranges now consist of one model each – the GS450h and L600h – and Lexus will only sell the new RX as a hybrid in the UK (it is available with the petrol V6 …
Kevin · August 26th, 2009
2010 Lexus LS 460, LS 600hL & LS SZ Revealed!
A brochure for the 2010 Lexus LS has leaked, and there are now images of the LS 460, the LS Hybrid, and the new LS “Version SZ”—let’s start with the hybrid: 2010 Lexus LS 600hL So it turns out the image from last week was indeed correct, and the LS 600hL will be sporting a …
Kevin · August 25th, 2009
Is this the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL?
An image of what’s claiming to be the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL facelift has popped up (click for a larger image): The most obvious change is the front grille, and the front bumper intakes have also been reworked and would resemble both the GS & IS designs. The turn signals are also integrated into the …
Kevin · August 13th, 2009
Automobile Magazine Compares the Lexus LS 600hL vs. Mercedes S400 Hybrid
Automobile Magazine has an article up on the Lexus LS 600hL and the Mercedes S400 Hybrid and how their approach to hybrid technology compares: The biggest benefit of the Lexus hybrid system is its smoothness. The two electric motors and two planetary gearsets allow the big V-8 to loaf except during hard acceleration. Flat-out, the …
Kevin · July 7th, 2009
Autobild Comparison: Lexus LS 600h vs. Mercedes S400 Hybrid
Usually, when a German magazine compares a Lexus to a Mercedes, BMW, or Audi, the results are laughable, but Autobild proves the exception with their comparison of the Lexus LS 600h against the new Mercedes S400 Hybrid (forgive the poor Google translation): The six-cylinder in the S 400 always feels rough and uncultured, it swallows …
Kevin · June 1st, 2009
Car Middle East: Lexus LS 600hL vs. Mercedes S400 Hybrid
Car Middle East has published a quasi-comparison of the Lexus LS 600hL and the upcoming Mercedes S400 Hybrid, though it reads more like a hybrid primer: Whereas Mercedes’ mantra has been to make the S-class hybrid as green as possible, Lexus has taken a different approach with the LS600h. Here, performance is the number one …
Kevin · April 27th, 2009
Paul McCartney’s Lexus LS 600h Spotted
Considering the furor it created, I had fully expected the LS 600hL gift that Lexus airfreighted to Paul McCartney would never see the light of day. However, Sir Paul was recently spotted being chauffeured around London in the dark maple red hybrid. Also of note: Such is vegetarian Sir Paul’s passion for issues surrounding animal …
Kevin · July 3rd, 2008
Automobile Magazine reviews the Lexus LS 600hL
When the Lexus LS 600hL was released, the automotive press was quick to point out its “flaws”, especially when it came to gas mileage. Being a hybrid, the flagship sedan was expected to have exceptional fuel economy, and at first glance, that didn’t seem to be the case at all. It’s taken a few months …
Kevin · June 18th, 2008
Lieberman reviews the Lexus LS 600h L (Part Two)
I may have found it a week late, but the time allowed this Lexus LS 600hL review by Jonny Lieberman to fill up with some of the best comments I’ve read regarding the hybrid limo’s appeal. Here’s a quote from the article itself: I disagree with every review of the Lexus LS600hL ever written. Categorically. …
Kevin · June 5th, 2008
Lexus wins UK Security Award, LS wins Best Luxury Car
Here’s story that slipped through as I was finishing up the new version of this site: Lexus won two awards in the 2008 Fleet World Honours, taking home the Security award and the Best Luxury Car award for the LS: The Security Award reflects Lexus’s high levels of protection against theft of or from its …
Kevin · May 19th, 2008
The Lexus LS 600h/Paul McCartney Fiasco
So, the big news of the day concerns an LS 600h that was sent by Lexus to Paul McCartney as a gift for his work promoting the company’s hybrids. Pretty uneventful so far, right? Well, turns out the car was sent by plane rather than by boat, creating a carbon footprint almost 100 times larger: …
Kevin · May 14th, 2008
Lexus LS 600hL is the UK Chauffeur Car of the Year
The Lexus LS 600hL has been named the UK Chauffeur Car of the Year by The Chauffeur Magazine (no, really): Key factors behind the judges’ decision included the Lexus hybrid system which allowed for lower emission and competitive fuel economy, build quality, and the reclining and massaging rear seats which can adapt for shiatsu back …
Kevin · April 8th, 2008
Technophobe Falls for the Lexus LS 600hL
James Martin, an automobile reviewer for the Daily Mail, has an aversion to car technology, and was pretty sure he was going to despise the Lexus LS 600hL, but then something strange happened: I’m not even into technology on cars. Four wheels and an engine is complex enough – after all these years, it still …
Kevin · April 5th, 2008
New Job Design Lexus LS Body Kit
Job Design, a Japan tuning firm specializing in Lexus & Toyota modifications, has released a new body kit for the Lexus LS, consisting of front wheel vents, a super-dropped suspension and new front & rear bumpers. {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1133”} I think it’s only natural, in light of the LS’ rather somber and elegant design, that body …
Kevin · March 18th, 2008
Consumer Reports names the Lexus LS 460L the #1 Luxury Sedan of 2008
Consumer Reports has released its top picks for 2008, and among the ten winners, the Lexus LS 460L was chosen as the #1 luxury sedan: With a score of 99 out of 100 in CR’s road test, the LS 460L ($77,000) is CR’s highest-rated vehicle. It provides a no-compromise environment of comfort and roominess, coupled …
Kevin · February 28th, 2008
Arthur St. Antoine on the Lexus LS 600hL
Perhaps as a way to counterbalance his incredibly glowing editorial of the Lexus LS 460 last year, Arthur St. Antoine took some time in this month’s Motor Trend to badmouth the LS 600hL: For many buyers, a hybrid car is nothing more than the four-wheeled equivalent of a yellow LiveStrong wristband-a conspicuous, self-satisfying, effort-free membership …
Kevin · February 18th, 2008
Pebble Beach Editions for the Lexus ES, RX and LS Models
Once solely reserved for the SC 430, Lexus announced today at the Chicago Auto Show that three more models will be available in the Pebble Beach Edition. It starts with the release of a PBE RX 350 in mid-February, followed by an ES 350 in March and a LS 600hL sometime in the fall. Here’s …
Kevin · February 6th, 2008
Jalopnik Reviews the Lexus LS 600hL
The minute I saw that Jalopnik Jonny Lieberman had gotten his mitts on an LS 600hL for a week, I knew we were in for a treat, and I was not disappointed in the least: Why am I laughing like such an idiot? Seriously, my cheeks hurt from grinning. Well, the reason why is that …
Kevin · December 10th, 2007
Lexus LS 600h Sales Exceed Expectations by 300%
One thing that I failed to notice when posting up the Lexus LS 600h’s sales figures is just how far the total was over the projected sales. By selling 6,093 units by October, the LS 600h has exceeded Lexus’ yearly sales estimate of 2,000 by over 300%. These numbers are nothing short of exceptional, especially …
Kevin · December 5th, 2007
Lexus LS 600h Sales Start Strong
Lexus LS 600h sales are off to an exceptionally strong start, selling 6,093 units worldwide as of October 2007. Japan is especially enamored, scooping up 4,533 of the total, though this is likely due to its earlier release. Both North American and European sales are decent, with 818 and 569 sales respectively. These numbers have …
Kevin · December 2nd, 2007
Lexus LS is the World’s Most Beautiful Large Sedan
Not exactly sure how it happened, but for the 15th Annual L’Automobile più Bella del Mondo (Most Beautiful Cars in the World) Awards, Lexus managed to snag first and second place in the Limousine (Large Sedan) category, with the LS 600h taking top spot and the LS 460 taking second. I’m surprised they didn’t just …
Kevin · November 26th, 2007
Billionaire Takes the Lexus LS 600hL for a Spin
Driving.ca took a unique turn with their review of the Lexus LS 600hL, putting Jimmy Pattison, the fourth richest man in Canada, behind the wheel: Once the colourful self-made billionaire figured out how to operate the keyless ignition and push-button emergency brake on the 2008 Lexus LS600h L — and put his seat belt on …
Kevin · November 23rd, 2007
WSJ Reviews the Lexus LS 600hL
The Wall Street Journal’s review of the Lexus LS 600hL isn’t so much a condemnation of the car, but rather the hybrid technology that spawned it: The biggest con running in the auto industry right now is the notion that hybrids represent some sort of quantum leap in green transportation. Not only is this patently …
Kevin · November 16th, 2007