Lexus LS Saloon full 9 point review
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Performance
The hybrid 600h is certainly quick, but the impressive hybrid petrol/electric powertrain is let down by the gearbox. When you want serious acceleration, the CVT gearbox takes a few moments to decide on the best ratio, which can be frustrating.
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Ride & Handling
The air-suspension system works superbly at speed, cushioning occupants from the worst road surface scars. The handling is well controlled - up to a point, after which the LS starts to feel its size. It's best to just cruise and let the Lexus do what it does best. In town, the worst potholes can be felt as a slightly unseemly shudder.
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Refinement
At low revs, the big V8 seems utterly soundless. All you can hear is the climate control system wafting air around the cabin. Move off and the volume from the engine increases only slightly, to a muted hum. Road- and wind noise remain completely in the background, even at motorway pace, and there's little noise from the suspension as it deals with bumps.
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Buying & Owning
The LS is insanely expensive, but resale values aren't any worse than other luxury car rivals. Running costs are reasonable, but many diesel-powered rivals offer lower emissions and fuel consumption, and we’d argue that makes choosing a hybrid utterly pointless.
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Quality & Reliability
When the world ends, it'll be an LS that's left standing. The big Lexus feels solid and well constructed, although some of the plastics don't look particularly special. Everything works smoothly and slickly, and there's certainly nothing as unseemly as a rattle. To cap it all, Lexus's reliability record is second to none.
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Safety & Security
The LS hasn't been crash-tested by Euro NCAP, but it comes with a huge range of safety kit. All models have the Advanced Safety Pack, which comes with a Driver Monitoring System and Pre-Crash Safety System, as standard. Advanced Smart Key entry systems mean your car should always remain where you left it.
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Behind The Wheel
Everyone should be able to make themselves comfortable at the wheel of the Lexus, such are the variety and range of adjustments available. Most adjustments are electrically operated, too, so minimum effort is required. However, the dashboard doesn't feel befitting of a car costing this much.
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Space & Practicality
There's loads of room for a driver and front-seat passenger, and enough space for odds and ends. However, if you prefer to be driven and sit in the rear, you'll feel slightly short-changed. Leg- and head space is not massive, and there's no space to slide your feet under the front seats. The centre rear seat is uncomfortable, too, although things are better in the long-wheelbase model.
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Equipment
There's no great choice when it comes to equipment - pretty much everything is standard, including 19-inch alloys, automatic xenon lights, parking sensors and a superb Mark Levinson stereo. The whole thing is topped off by a voice-operated sat-nav system, climate control and air-conditioned seats. The only choices you can make are whether to upgrade to the long-wheelbase model, and whether to fit it with the Rear Seat Relaxation pack
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Lexus LS Saloon 600h L 4dr
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