2008 Lexus LS 600h L - Review

Radar-based adaptive cruise control. Advanced three-mode active suspension. State-of-the-art hybrid drive assist. These are just a few of the Lexus LS600hL's technophilic charms, and already I'm giddy with the heady rush of silicon chips and gold-plated connectors.

OK, so that's a bit hyperbolic, but the LS600hL's spec sheet reads like a nerd's wet dream, and that's not a bad thing. Mercedes Benz has made it a point of pride to stage its S-Class as the most technologically advanced vehicle in its lineup, offering its wealthiest and most demanding customers the very latest in cutting edge automotive convenience and functionality. BMW has adopted a similar approach with its 7 Series and Audi's A8 has made a push to similar ground in recent years. Even Jaguar's XJ features many of these goodies, despite the somewhat outmoded shell encasing them.

So if tech-heavy executive limos are the way to go, and Lexus' LS600hL is the motherlode, it ought to be the very definition of motoring sophistication, no?

Well, no. But not for the reasons you might think.

Equipment and Features
The LS600hL might be expected to feature a bizarre juxtaposition of Toyota switchgear and fine wood trim, and it does, but that doesn’t really disappoint, at least in comparison to the competition. Even the top-end offerings from Mercedes and BMW feature buttons that look like they were lifted straight from the C-Class and 3 Series.

In fact, the Lexus offers a features list that’s impressive even when considering the car’s $112,569 as-tested price. Mercedes’ ostensible competitor to the LS600hL, the S550 4MATIC, features similar power output and AWD, and though it will dig a slightly smaller $100,000 hole in your wallet for a very similarly-outfitted vehicle, it will come up about 50hp and a few gadgets short of the Lexus.

And the Lexus features are more than just window dressing. The radar-assisted cruise control offers ‘set it and forget it’ ease on the highway, the park-assist feature makes it easy to settle the 17ft-long car into your local supermarket’s parking grid and the navigation system’s large, easily readable screen will get you to and from that important meeting without incident.