Lexus LS 600h L awarded chauffeur car of the year, fuel savings cited

Click the Lexus LS600h for a high res gallery

We don't often get the chance to be chauffeured around in the backs of super-luxurious cars. Sure, we occasionally have ridden around in the belly of a limo for weddings and what not, but those rentals are nothing like the real thing. According to The Chauffeur magazine, the best £50,000 to £100,000 car to be driven in is a hybrid, the Lexus LS 600h L to be exact. Powered by a hybridized V8 engine, the long-wheelbase Lexus flagship's rear seat is surely a nice place to sit back and relax, but one of the reasons the vehicle was chosen has to do with its economy... fuel economy that is. Sure, the reclining rear seats with shiatsu massage may have had something to do with the choice, but it's the fuel economy that really seals the deal in Lexus' favor, right? Anyone?

Be sure to check out our review of the extended-length Lexus hybrid. The full press release from Lexus is after the break.

Press Release:

LEXUS MAKES OTHER LIMOS LOOK GREEN – WITH ENVY

Already a favourite among CEOs in the city, the top of the range Lexus LS 600h L has been awarded chauffeur car of the year, by The Chauffeur magazine in the highly competitive £50,000 to £100,000 category.

Judged closely against the German flagship saloons from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, Lexus won the top spot in the toughest category for the most popular vehicles chosen by the chauffeuring industry. Key factors behind the judges' decision included the Lexus hybrid system which allowed for lower emission and competitive fuel economy, build quality, and the reclining and massaging rear seats which can adapt for shiatsu back and shoulder massages with varying intensity.

Also contributing to the award was the Lexus Chauffeur programme which offers unique finance packages, designated staff within the Lexus Centre network for sales and service, plus access to the loan of a PCO (Public Carriage Office) licenced Lexus enabling chauffeurs to continue working in the event of their own vehicle being off the road for any reason.

Paul Gibson, Editor of The Chauffeur magazine commented: "I am delighted to present this prestigious award to Lexus for its excellent LS 600h L, which easily fought off its rivals in this sector of the competition. The vehicle represents true luxury and gives the chauffeur everything he needs to carry out his job successfully."

Andy Simpson, Lexus Manager for National, Corporate and Remarketing said, "We are delighted to win this award in such a competitive category. This helps to reinforce the significant benefits of Lexus hybrid drive for the business user whether as an individual car or vehicle fleet."

A selection of Lexus cars including the LS 600h L will be on display at Chauffeur Drive 08 which takes place on 20 and 21 April at the Farnborough Five exhibition centre. For more information visit www.drive08.co.uk.

The 'L' signifies long wheel base over the standard LS 600h saloon and provides extra rear legroom and can also be specified with the rear seat relaxation package. This includes the massage functions mentioned above, independent rear DVD player, fixed centre console with removable table and body temperature sensing climate control.

[Source: Lexus]