Highfalutin Hybrid: Lexus Breaks $100K Mark

Lexus’ much anticipated new LS 600h L hybrid just got a price tag, but it isn’t for the faint-hearted. The all-wheel-drive sedan features the first V-8 hybrid engine producing more than 430 hp, but all that comes at a steep price, $104,000. And that’s just to start. 

There is usually a considerable premium on a hybrid model, but the gasoline-powered version of the LS, the LS 460 L, starts at $71,000. That paltry sum gets you a V-8 engine that produces 380-hp, but with the regular emissions associated with gasoline engines.

Lexus hasn’t announced what mileage will be, but it should be better than the LS 460’s 18/27 mpg city/highway. The LS 600h L goes on sale in June, but dealers have been taking reservations for some time now.

Comments

There are so many better choices you could make with 100K...this bland lexus isn't one of them.

$100K for a big toyota? I Don't think so

An odd choice. If you've got $100k to spend on a car, you certainly aren't concerned about the cost of gasoline. The only concern would be environmental, in which case you're not buying a long body full sized sedan. Strange. Are they perhaps just shooting for a market of individuals who want to make a statement, but aren't really concerned enough to make a difference? If so, would those people really pay an extra $30k to do so? And is that really a large enough market to justify an entire trim?

Its not just about gas saving, but also about the smooth ride with the motors.

Engines can never match the Motors in smoothness.

But 100 K is too much of a price tag, its primarily meant to compete with Benz S600 and BMW 760 which goes with V12 engines.

The V8 engine combined with Motor will give it V12 power.

Exactly, this Lexus is all about V12 power and superquiet. The fact that it is relatively "guilt free" (low emissions, V6 fuel economy) is icing on the cake.

But if you just want to save gas, try a Prius or Civic.

Remember it would still have the same amount of power as some V-10 sedans out there that do get close to 100K territory. But yes, I obviously agree it sounds like a lot, especially over the $71K for the regular gas version.

Keep in mind that this car was meant to compete with $100,000 BMWs and MBs, cars with V12 engines... this system is more about performance because the motor+engine system is comparable to a V12...
Some people on this discussion board seem to think that this was somehow meant to compete with $100,000 sports cars out there, while it was obvious that the BMW 760 and the MB S600 were the main competition for this car.

Unfortunately my car budget tops out at $65k otherwise I would definitely consider it. I've only owned one Lexus and that was back in 1993. I remember the car would never die so I donated it to a charity with 185,000 miles on it. Lexus appears to make really good cars.

Too much for a rebadged Toyota. I prefer the Camry or even better the Aura or the Accord.

"Too much for a rebadged Toyota. I prefer the Camry or even better the Aura or the Accord."

Ok, in order to be "re-badged", it has to be some other car first, a Toyota. This is not rebadged in any sense, it's a tried and true luxury car. Your argument may fly with an ES, but not the LS, designed from the start as an independent luxury car.

Even though it is meant to compete with the High performance Mercedes and BMW models, it lacks flair!! The price and power along with amenities make sense, but too much considering the styling is not even differentiated from the regular except for maybe a badge.

What a beautiful car and a hybrid to boot!! The Japanese really know how to build cars. I wish they built my 330i. Our next car will be just like my wife's - a GS. The only time I want to visit the dealer is to buy the car. That's it! Lexus builds great cars that also happen to be bullet-proof reliable.

Everyone keeps bashing the new Lexus LS...well the 460 has been selling better than any 7 series S-class or A8 in recent year and when the new LS600 comes out it is already sold out for 18 months. Although this may not be your dream car you have to understand there are thousands of people who love this car. It is not a sports car but then again most older wealthy people who are buying a big luxury car want a quiet luxurious car that is dependable and innovative.

This car represents ABSOLUTE POWER. The clean lines along with its sharp looks make a powerful statement when rolling down the street. I’ve seen this car in black and let me tell you, it’s Darth Vader on wheels. The front end reminds me of a noble knight and the back looks sleek and high tech with the modified Bengal butt. The lines at the New York Auto Show for those wanting to sit in the LS460 were very long. I heard a lot of guys mentioning that “this is the car that can park itself” to their friends/girlfriends, etc., and when the presenter was speaking about the LS600hL, there was another huge gathering listening to all the tech talk since everyone already knows the luxury and quality of these cars. The optional reclining easy chair on the L version will amaze you (think Maybach 62).

The BMW 7 series styling is butch’ed by chunky looks from front to the back. The last generation S Class was nice and sharp, however this new one looks too old fashion due to its Maybach looks. Audi’s A8 has the “love it or hate it” grill and I hate it!