LEXUS Australia will expand its hybrid offerings early next year with the flagship LS600h unveiled last week in New York under the claim of the world’s first production vehicle with a full hybrid V8 powertrain.
To be available only in long-wheelbase form in Australia, the LS600h will build on the performance hybrid strategy to be released with the GS450h next month and RX400h later this year.
The limousine uses a 5.0-litre V8 with combined massive, high-output electric motors and a newly designed large-capacity battery pack. Peak power is claimed to be more than 320kW, while Toyota claims economy is similar to a V6 with around 14.0L/100km combined.
The uber-sedan will have all-wheel drive and a newly developed dual-stage electronic continuously variable transmission.
A suite of safety systems includes a pre-safety collision system and host of luxury features like reclining rear seats with massage function and fold-out table, 19-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and 19-inch DVD player.
With a wheelbase of 5151mm the LS600h is 122mm longer than the standard-length LS460 due on sale here in November.