Vehicle(s): 2008 Lexus LS460L with Premium Grand Touring Pkg
2008 Lexus LS600hL with Premium Executive Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$107700 (LS460L) CDN$157800 (LS4600hL)

Performance: If silky smooth and quietness are what you are looking for in a luxury car, LS has to be the top candidate.The 4.6 liter V8 DOHC features both advanced VVTi-E and VVT-i have given this engine a nice boost when it comes to performance and refinement. The VVTi-E improves its low-end torque by electrically driven on intake cam, on the other hand, VVT-i improves exhaust cam for better high-end breathing. With 380 hp and 367 lb/ft of torque, power has never been an issue with LS. The 8-speed automatic works seamlessly with this powertrain, as its ratios are spaced toward luxury cruising instead of all-out aggressive performer. The result is the throttle response is quick and linear, with Lexus’s typical elegant dial-in demeanor.

The LS600hL, on the other hand, is Toyota’s ultimate use of its hybrid synergy technology. Mating in 5.0L of V8 performance with an electric motor. Combine the electric and gasoline motors equal 438 hp, however, when running on gas alone gives out 389 hp. Despite of Toyota’s claiming of the high-tech electric power, it only boost 49hp in return. Even if its mated with an E-CVT or continuously variable transmission, the fuel economy isn’t as what Lexus wants you to believe. The transition between electric and gasoline is better than all the hybrids have gone before. However, with all the hypes surrounding the high-powered hybrid powertrain and lack of fold-down rear seats. 49hp has left me cold. Its neither efficient enough to dub it economical, its not that those who are shopping for upper luxury car cares about its fuel consumption. Nor providing the V12 performance that is able to rival those of A8 W12, 760Li and S600. If you are looking for pure “Lexus LS quietness”, LS460 already able to do that aplenty. You needless to go with LS600hL.

Handling: On our LS460hL’s Premium Grand Touring Package, it comes equipped with sports suspension. Sports is an exaggerated word when it comes to flagship Lexus’s dynamic abilities. Sporting? Maybe. Sports? Forget it. Although the chassis is much stiffer than all its predecessors, its level of detachment still feels every inch a Lexus. The variable ratio steering doesn’t help much neither. As it feels completely numb and dead, however, it tracks path pretty accurately.

The LS600hL just takes LS460’s level of numbness and softness even further with the additional weight of the batteries behind the backseat. The AWD certainly adds to the confidence during poor weather over the rear-drive LS460.

Soft suspension with silky ride quality pretty much described how the LS drives. It actually floats instead of rides on the pavement is how Lexus engineers developed its chassis. You definitely won’t find any of the European suppleness through its suspension and rebound damping. Look elsewhere if you are looking for driving pleasure, LS is not a car for you.

Brakes: LS600hL’s regenerative braking still feels dead when reach the bottom half of the brake travel. On a contrary, LS460’s pedal feel is a big surprise given its hefty weight.

Interior: Both the use of materials and fit-and-finish have always been highly regarded in LS, its no exception in the current car. There are plenty of soft-touched plastic and leather surface covered the dashboard to door panels. The leather material is very soft and supple, its something we expect from a Lexus of this price tag. However, its overall layout still lacks the class and charisma as its German rivals. Its a very tailored if not classy layout. When it comes to layout, some of the positionings aren’t much different than a $35k Camry XLE V6. Some called it user-friendly, others might question whenever we need to pay such a high premium over an equivalent Toyota.

When it comes to rear legroom, its aplenty due to our long-wheelbase tester. Rear passengers are able to control climate, stereo to seat message in the center console.

Due to the hybrid batteries, you can’t never able to get fold-down rear seats in LS600hL. Its yet another compromise I can never able to accept.

Conclusion: Since its inception in 1989, LS series has always been regarded as a contender to challenge the best from Germany. Close to 2 decades later, it remains a formiddable contender. It continues to be an upper luxury car which blends comfort and luxury contents exceptionally well.

But, here is a big BUT……when it comes to driving pleasure. Lexus has claimed the new LS has the dynamic abilities to challenge those from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. They still have a long long way to go when it comes to chassis and suspension tuning. The interior layout and trim continue to lack of any charm and character. It feels like in a Camry with nicer materials and workmanship.

Now we come to the part where most interested to know about the flagship hybrid sedan. It doesn’t have the outright performance of peers’ V12 nor the fuel economy of a smaller V8. When it comes to quietness, LS460 has already done a very good job. One doesn’t need to upgrade to LS600hL just to get a little more quieter with electric motor. Environment protection? Do you really think you care for the ozone layer when buying an upper luxury car?!

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 LS460L/LS600hL
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Performance: 4/5 (LS460) 4/5 (LS600hL)
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5 (LS460) 2/5 (LS600hL)
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5 (LS460) 4/5 (LS600hL)
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5 (LS460) 4/5 (LS600hL)
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5 (LS460) 2/5 (LS600hL)
Value-for-money: 3/5 (LS460) 2/5 (LS600hL)

Overall ratings: 4/5 (LS460) 2.75/5 (LS600hL)