Lexus LS shows big can be green - Ownership

Lexus hasn't announced prices for the LS600h, but it's expected to cost around £12,000 more than the LS460, so that means a price of around £83,000. That's high, especially when our favourite Mercedes S-Class - the S320 CDI - costs nearly £30,000 less.

That said, the Mercedes can't match the LS for outright power and you'd have to spend a lot on options to match its standard kit. The LS600h will be available in one trim, which will come with everything as standard. Leather, satellite-navigation, a DVD player, voice-operated controls - you name it, the LS600h has got it.

The only extras you'll be able to specify are the long-wheelbase body, which in turn will be available with the even plusher rear seats.

Fuel economy should be better than the LS460's, especially if you do a lot of town driving. Company car tax bills will be remarkably similar. Although the LS600h costs a lot more to buy, its lower carbon dioxide emissions mean you're charged on a smaller percentage of its list price.

Because it's a hybrid, the LS600h will also be exempt from the London congestion charge.