Lexus LS 600hL Named the Quietest Car in Britain

The Lexus LS 600hL has been named the quietest car in Britain — according to a Which? Car study, the interior noise in an LS hybrid is just 63.3 decibels, the same volume as the average conversation.
Kevin · October 22nd, 2012

Lexus USA Releases 2013 LS Pricing

In preparation of its November arrival at dealerships nationwide, Lexus USA has released pricing for the 2013 LS -- here's a breakdown of the full range.
Kevin · October 15th, 2012

Driving the 2013 Lexus LS

Did Lexus take it far enough with the 2013 LS? I drove five different variants to find the answer to that question.
Kevin · September 16th, 2012

Six More Reviews of the 2013 Lexus LS

Last Friday, I linked to the first round of 2013 Lexus LS reviews, and now it’s time for six more reviews of the new Lexus flagship sedan.
Kevin · August 16th, 2012

2013 Lexus LS Preview

Earlier this week, I was invited to Palo Alto, California to drive the 2013 Lexus LS, and in the first part of my review, let's get into a technical overview.
Kevin · August 11th, 2012

Examining the 2013 Lexus LS Climate Concierge System

Lexus Magazine has a feature on the new Climate Concierge system in the 2013 LS, which uses the climate control, the heated/cooled seats, and even the steering wheel to maintain the correct temperature.
Kevin · August 6th, 2012

2013 Lexus LS First Impressions

The 2013 Lexus LS debuted earlier this week in San Francisco, and while I did post live updates from the event, I also want to share some photos and early impressions of the new Lexus flagship sedan.
Kevin · August 3rd, 2012

Lexus LS Tops the Total Car Score Awards

The Lexus LS was named the top overall car in the first annual Total Car Score awards, which calculates points using a combination of scores from all the top automotive review and rating sites.
Kevin · May 29th, 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

Testing the Lexus LS 460’s Four-Zone Climate Control

Inspired by MythBusters, Lexus Magazine auto editor Clark Heideger attempts to calculate the efficiency of the Lexus LS 600hL's four-zone climate control using a series of (not-so) scientific experiments involving improper thermometers, ice cream and his own internal "sensors".
Kevin · August 7th, 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 …

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Kevin · April 6th, 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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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Kevin · January 28th, 2011

Lexus LS 460 Commercial: Chain “The Hard Way”

As part of their The Hard Way marketing campaign, Lexus has released a commercial that reinforces the strength of the LS 460 chassis: Keep in mind, this actually happened — here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the commercial’s creation: I can’t believe Scott Pruett parks a LFA underneath five cars suspended by a crane. Crazy. Update: …

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Kevin · January 14th, 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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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Kevin · December 7th, 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 …

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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 …

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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: …

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Kevin · September 20th, 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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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Kevin · May 19th, 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 …

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Kevin · March 18th, 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 …

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Kevin · January 28th, 2010

Detroit Auto Show: 2010 Lexus LS 600hL & LS 460 Photos

The 2010 editions of both the Lexus LS 600hL & LS 460 were at the Detroit Auto Show—the LS 460 was optioned with the Appearance package option that adds the LS Sport grille and ground effects: Really liked the Sport grille, it looks 100x better up close than in photos. The body kit didn’t look …

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Kevin · January 14th, 2010

2010 Lexus LS 600hL Photos & Information

A large photo gallery of the 2010 Lexus LS 600hL has been released by Lexus USA: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1430”} One of the photos in particular gives us our best look at the grille and the new headlight design, which incorporates a thin light strip that mirrors the taillight design: I don’t know that these photos make …

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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, …

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Kevin · October 29th, 2009

Lexus LS Commercial: Turntable

Loving this new Lexus LS commercial: What Lexus has achieved with the new LS is amazing, and it’s nice to see a commercial that focuses on just how exceptional a vehicle it is. As the (current) flagship model, I don’t think it gets enough attention—but then, maybe that’s the point? Oh, so subtle… [Source: Motiongrapher]
Kevin · October 27th, 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 …

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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 …

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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: …

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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 …

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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 …

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Kevin · September 2nd, 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 …

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Kevin · August 25th, 2009

Lexus LS Takes First Place in 2009 Motorist Choice Awards

The Lexus LS was named the top vehicle of 2009 Motorist Choice Awards, a US joint survey by AutoPacific and Intellichoice that “recognizes new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction”: “Clearly, consumers still get great satisfaction from large and luxurious cars, despite the economy, rising fuel costs and manufacturers’ …

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Kevin · August 14th, 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 …

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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 …

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Kevin · July 7th, 2009

Lexus Hybrid Family Portrait

One of the photos taken for the HS 250h press launch was this family portrait of all the Lexus hybrids together (click for larger image): 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×800 Whether it’s the angle or the arrangement, the HS 250h looks like a much better fit in the Lexus lineup. At the very least, it’s …

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Kevin · June 4th, 2009

Lexus LS 460 Crashes, Audience Claps

As a rule, I avoid posting any crash videos, but I suspect the only thing injured in this Tatry Donau Cup race footage is the driver’s pride: At least the crowd was entertained. Really though, who enters a race in a LS? Update: Looks like the LS driver wasn’t the only one who had a …

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Kevin · May 13th, 2009

Music from Lexus Japan’s Aoyama Gallery

Last year, Lexus Japan opened the Lexus International Gallery Aoyama in Tokyo’s Aoyama area as a display space for introducing residents to the Lexus brand. This space has a unique feature—an immersive sound environment by Yamaha created especially to block out the surrounding city. To better illustrate this, here’s a video created by composer Masato …

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Kevin · April 30th, 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 …

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Kevin · April 27th, 2009

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 …

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Kevin · March 18th, 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 …

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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 …

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Kevin · February 6th, 2008

Happy Holidays from The Passionate Pursuit

No matter how unsubtle my hints were, I have some real doubts that I’ll be getting an Lexus LS 600hL for Christmas, December to Remember or no. Hopefully, some of you out there have better luck! (Posting will resume on Boxing Day December 27th. Santa left me the flu for Christmas.)
Kevin · December 24th, 2007

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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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Kevin · December 2nd, 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 …

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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 …

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Kevin · November 16th, 2007

Comparison: Lexus LS 600hL/Jaguar Super V8/Mercedes-Benz S550/Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT

Motor Trend assembled some super saloons in their latest ultra-luxury sedan comparison test, pitting the Lexus LS 600hL against the Jaguar Super V8, Mercedes S550 & Maserati Quattroporte Sport. The LS 600hL didn’t have a great showing, at least in the driving department: The all-wheel-drive Lexus exhibited pigheaded understeer in most corners, often attended by …

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Kevin · November 12th, 2007

Japanese Lexus LS 600h/L Commercial: Blue Lines

In the same vein as the LS 600h/L advert posted earlier this month (and which turned out to be part of Lexus’ new UK hybrid marketing campaign), this Japanese commercial also features a practically invisible LS hybrid, though this time it’s a case of speed: Wonderfully done, I was very impressed by it.
Kevin · September 17th, 2007