Skip advert
Advertisement

Lexus LS 600h

Hi-tech hybrid limo is given a makeover

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Lexus LS
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Its clever petrol-electric drivetrain offers a unique and compelling blend of power and refinement, but the LS 600h’s economy and CO2 figures aren’t as good as diesel rivals’. While it’s hugely refined, relaxing, spacious and full of tech, at £90,000, the Lexus is too pricey – and doesn’t beat competitors in any area. The cabin in particular is a disappointment.

Advertisement - Article continues below

AS with the XJ, Lexus’ flagship luxury saloon gets V8 power. But instead of a supercharger to enhance performance, the LS 600h has an electric motor. It’s the only limo on sale in the UK with hybrid technology. So is it green as well as mean?

The revised model brings a handful of improvements, yet its launch coincides with the announcement that owners may soon have to pay London’s congestion charge. As Auto Express reported in Issue 1,117, proposals expected to come into force in January will mean the scheme is based on CO2 output; hybrids will no longer be automatically exempt.

That will instantly remove a large part of the LS 600h’s appeal. Even though it has a petrol-electric drivetrain, the car returns 30.4mpg and emits 218g/km – trailing Mercedes’ latest S350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with its 37.2mpg and 199g/km figures. So, without true eco status, can the big Lexus really compete in this market sector?

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

S-Max

2022 Ford

S-Max

4,553 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £23,999
View S-Max
X3

2017 BMW

X3

44,654 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £16,999
View X3
5-Door Hatch

2022 MINI

5-Door Hatch

30,574 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £17,199
View 5-Door Hatch
Countryman

2018 MINI

Countryman

47,515 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,999
View Countryman

Changes for 2010 include the introduction of new Brembo brakes, an updated ‘relaxation package’, which incorporates a Shiatsu massage function on the seats, and auto high-beam headlamps.

The bumpers get a mild restyle front and rear, and there’s a range of new colours. Otherwise it’s business as usual – this car is so laden with technology that its options list is virtually non-existent.

Few cars ride as well as the pillow-soft S-Class, but the LS 600h runs it close. At low speeds, the saloon simply glides over bumpy tarmac.

Pick up the pace, though, and body control is excellent, resisting the bouncing motion some softly sprung cars suffer from. Refinement is excellent too, with very little engine, wind or tyre noise. There’s silence when you pull away, but plant the throttle and the 5.0-litre V8 kicks in with a lovely, smooth crescendo: the LS feels every bit as quick as its claimed 6.3- second 0-62mph time suggests.

Build quality is first rate, and both standard and long-wheelbase versions provide masses of space front and rear. But the design of the cabin lets the Lexus down; it has the look of an upmarket Toyota, with an uninspiring layout that’s way behind rivals – and doesn’t befit the enormous price tag.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £15,972
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,214 off RRP*Used from £10,195
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025
New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025