When
Lexus decided to take on the top dogs from
Mercedes-Benz,
BMW and
Audi they took a different path. While the Germans offer the choice of either big gasoline V-12s or turbo-diesel V-8s, Lexus wanted offer the best of both worlds. Thus the LS600h was born. The big LS mates a 5.0L V-8 with the latest version of
Toyota's hybrid synergy drive system to produce the
most expensive hybrid yet.
So, what about performance? AutoExpress decided to pit the LS against an Audi A8L propelled by a 4.2L turbo-diesel V-8 and the Japanese luxo-hybrid came out on the short end of the stick. The Lexus offered it's usual level of silence and refinement but little in the way of character which is the Lexus way. On the fuel economy front the LS may be a hybrid but it's certainly no Prius. It averaged a mere 16.5 mpg (US) while the German competitor achieved 25 mpg (US). With comparable performance and a price difference £20,000 in the Audi's favor, it's no contest.
[Source: AutoExpress]
So, what about performance? AutoExpress decided to pit the LS against an Audi A8L propelled by a 4.2L turbo-diesel V-8 and the Japanese luxo-hybrid came out on the short end of the stick. The Lexus offered it's usual level of silence and refinement but little in the way of character which is the Lexus way. On the fuel economy front the LS may be a hybrid but it's certainly no Prius. It averaged a mere 16.5 mpg (US) while the German competitor achieved 25 mpg (US). With comparable performance and a price difference £20,000 in the Audi's favor, it's no contest.
[Source: AutoExpress]
