The Lexus LS600h L Is Priced At R1,555,000 In South Africa

South Africa has received the Lexus LS600h L as the range-topping model. The LS600h L will boast an extended wheelbase, a V8 petrol engine and an electric motor. There will be a 5.0-litre V8 engine with extra power from the electric motor. When coupled, these two motors create a Lexus Hybrid Drive system.

The LS600h L will boast 120mm of extra space over the standard model. The new Lexus will include things like LED technology, Active Cruise Control, an upgraded entertainment system, Intelligent Park Assist and LCD monitors.

Power from the LS600h L will combine 290kW and 520Nm from the petrol engine with 165kW and 300Nm from the electric motor. The overall output is set at 327kW of power. The 0-100mk/h time is 6.3 seconds where the top speed is 250km/h.

Fuel consumption sits at 9.3-litres per 100km where CO2 emissions are rated at 219g/km.

The Lexus LS600h is priced at R1,555,000.

 

Press Release

The ultimate in performance and luxury with a conscience

Lexus introduces its most powerful and luxurious model to South Africa – and it’s a hybrid. The Lexus LS600h L is the epitome of opulence and innovative technology

Lexus enhances its stance as the first premium automotive manufacturer to bring full PERFORMANCEHYBRID vehicles to South Africa, with the addition of one of the world’s most opulent limousines, the LS600h L, to the range. Brimming with luxury and technology, the LS600h L joins the RX450h and GS450h PERFORMANCEHYBRIDs in Lexus’ growing model line-up, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to performance with conscience.

Sitting at the pinnacle of Lexus’ line-up in South Africa, the LS600h L takes the considerable improvements effected on the LS460 earlier this year to another level, offering an extended wheelbase and the combination of powerful and refined V8 petrol and electric power. It makes the luxury limousine the most innovative car in its segment and a powerful statement for corporate executives who may find themselves in the lavish rear seat: their luxury car investment is done with an outward display of carbon conscious mobility.

“The LS has always been a showcase for the latest technology Lexus has to offer,” says Kevin Flynn, General Manager of Lexus SA. “The LS600h L complements the massive step forward LS460 took earlier this year with a drive-train that offers even more power and refinement thanks to its full hybrid characteristics.”

Each new Lexus hybrid further reinforces the importance of hybrid systems as the core powertrain technology for the brand. And Lexus remains the first, and only, premium manufacturer offering a comprehensive hybrid model range available today.

The LS600h L, as its name suggests, is only available in long-wheel base configuration for the South African market. As with the rest of Lexus’ PERFORMANCEHYBRID range, the “600” refers to the LS600h L’s 6,0-litre performance, although it combines 5,0-litre V8 petrol power and electric output in Lexus Hybrid Drive. The additional 120mm the LS600h L enjoys is purely in the LS’ wheelbase, reserved exclusively for rear seat legroom.

The flagship hybrid is further identified by a unique grille, shared in concept with the face of the GS450h. As is becoming a signature Lexus PERFORMANCEHYBRID styling trait, the headlamps also differ from the LS460, the three projector lenses featuring the world’s first LED lighting technology for low beam. There is a blue highlight around each LED unit, giving the LS600h L a unique headlamp signature.

As with other Lexus PERFORMANCEHYBRIDs, the LS600h L is subtly badged, with hybrid badges down the side sills and distinctive blue hue bootlid and grille badges. Specific 19-inch alloy wheels complete the LS600h L design package.

Much of the LS600h L luxury specification is shared with the substantially upgraded LS460. There are no options available on the LS range, meaning new features such as Active Cruise Control, upgraded rear seat entertainment system (including a nine-inch LCD monitor that folds down from the roof), Intelligent Park Assist and the ottoman style rear seats are all standard.

The comprehensive specification wants for nothing. Lexus Hard Disk Drive Navigation offers the latest in onboard mapping and entertainment features with quicker and more accurate operation and the ability to store data onboard. The touch-screen system features voice activation and Bluetooth connectivity as well as featuring an external input terminal and USB port. Of course, it is all supported by the excellent 15 channel 450 Watt Mark Levinson digital surround sound system with no less than 19 speakers and independent control from the rear seats.

With the additional legroom in the rear afforded by the extended wheelbase, the LS600h L becomes a veritable business lounge to continue working in on the go, or catch up on some relaxation. The individual, full leather seats are divided by a bespoke centre console and have electric adjustment from either the console or a remote control unit. Both seats can be reclined and also include a centre seatback flexing function. In addition, the left hand rear seat can be reclined to a maximum of 45 degrees and further features a fully retractable “ottoman” thigh and footrest for the ultimate in limousine seating comfort. To enhance legroom when fully reclined, the travel limit of the front seat has been extended forward by 40mm.

One touch of a rear centre console button with memory function automatically reclines the rear seat and extends the ottoman thigh and footrest, whilst simultaneously folding down the front seat headrest and moving the entire seat forward to its maximum point of travel. When the rear passenger door is opened, the ottoman seat automatically retracts to maximise ease of entry and egress, whilst opening the front passenger door automatically returns the front seat to its foremost standard position and raises the headrest.

Coupled to the vibration massage system found in the LS460, the left hand rear seat in the LS600h L is equipped with an air-assisted massage system based on the technology and operational qualities of the best massage chair on the market today. It features a total of eight pneumatic chambers covering the area of the occupant’s shoulders, back and hips, and reproduces professional massage techniques with a range of different programmes (the intensity of which may be adjusted by the user), including Shiatsu, shoulder and lower back acupressure.

If you’re more inclined to drive the LS600h L, Lexus’ PERFORMANCEHYBRID drivetrain will reward with the alacrity and refinement fitting of a luxury limousine and only possible with full hybrid technology.

The LS600h L is a full hybrid, capable of operating in petrol or electric modes alone, as well as a combination of both. With a maximum system output of 327kW, the LS600h L’s state-of-the art hybrid system offers an unparalleled balance of performance, quietness and environmental efficiency. Owing to the inherent Noise and Vibration (NV) improvements offered by its hybrid powertrain, the LS600h L is designed to set a new standard for silent running in the premium automotive segment, with an unparalleled depth and density of cabin quietness. The new Lexus hybrid flagship is quite possibly the quietest car in the world.

Combining the 290kW and 520Nm of the 5,0-litre petrol V8 with an electric motor output of 165kW, the LS600h L’s hybrid system generates a peak combined output rating of 327kW. The Lexus flagship will accelerate from 0-100km/h in around 6.3 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Equally impressive is the potent mid-range torque afforded by the system’s powerful electric motor. Operating in parallel with the V8 petrol engine, the electric motor is capable of delivering maximum torque of 300Nm instantaneously, and seamlessly, from standstill. This characteristic is most beneficial in mid-range performance during overtaking manoeuvres, and the Lexus LS600h L will accelerate from 80km/h to 120km/h in 4.3 seconds. Conversely, the LS600h L also proves substantially more frugal than comparable cars in its segment, returning a class-leading combined fuel consumption figure of 9.3 l/100km. Moreover, the new Lexus returns CO2 emissions of 219 g/km; markedly less than rival, premium segment sedans with similar engine power.

The impressive performance is handled sublimely by the world’s first, full-time, all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain. In similar vein to the GS450h, the hybrid transmission is concealed in the space taken up by a conventional automatic transmission. The Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) in the LS600h L drives all four wheels permanently through a TORSEN® limited slip diff that distributes power 40% to the front wheels and 60% to the rear. However, torque distribution is continuously controlled and can be varied between 30:70 and 50:50 front/rear.

As in the LS460, the LS600h L rides on air suspension with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) that maximises passenger comfort by synchronising vehicle roll and pitch. In addition, the driver can choose between Normal, Comfort, and Sport driving modes.

“Being able to offer a Lexus to those customers in pursuit of the ultimate luxury experience is fitting for the brand,” says Flynn. “To be able to offer them that vehicle as a PERFORMANCEHYBRID makes it all the more responsible and compelling as a corporate statement and as the ultimate, not only in luxury, but in innovative technology. The LS600h L truly is the most innovative, high-tech, luxury car in the world.”

As with the rest of the Lexus range, the LS600h L is covered by a four years/100 000km warranty and full maintenance plan. The comprehensively equipped car features no options and is available immediately for R1,555,000. For more information or to arrange a drive experience of any Lexus hybrid, visit www.lexus.co.za or call 08611 LEXUS.