Lexus LS 600h L Premier 4dr Car Review - May 2013

The 600h version of the LS engine does come with plenty of power, and the large 5.0 litre engine does send this heavy car from 0-62mph in a brisk 6.1 seconds. It is limited to a top speed of 155mph. The main issue for drivers behind the wheel of the LS is that the steering is light and offers next to no feedback, which doesn't inspire confidence in the car. Nonetheless, the steering is accurate and responds to small movements of the wheel, while the air suspension is generally very comfortable and will ensure any passengers in the back aren't bounced around too much.

An electrically adjusted steering wheel and drivers seat makes it easy to get the right driving position behind the wheel, although controlling the entertainment system while driving is a challenge thanks to an awkward control system. The 600h is a very civilised companion for long journeys on the motorway, with the engine only barely audible when being pushed at higher revs.

One of the disappointing aspects of the LS is that it doesn't look particularly spectacular from the exterior, with the air vents on the front of the car being as adventurous as the design gets. However, the car does have a very tidy look with sleek lines curving towards the rear of the saloon, and a lip on the bottom of the door, taking the car on to a tidy rear end with large tail light clusters being the most noticeable feature. The car is delivered with a very nice set of alloy wheels, which are subtle yet attractive.

As you would expect for such a high specification car, this version of the LS is delivered with plenty of equipment and luxuries as standard, including a satellite navigation system and sumptuous leather seats included as standard. A reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors help to make the car a little easier to manage around town, while there is also a superb stereo system and plenty of electronic gadgets included such as power folding mirrors.

This version of the LS comes with a larger wheelbase, and this space has been used to make the rear seats in the car a much more pleasant place to be, with extra legroom and plenty of headroom over the smaller models. The boot is also a good size, and has plenty of space for luggage.

Safety is another of the highlights of the LS, and comes with ten air bags and a wide range of different electronic assistance systems to help ensure the car remains safely under control. Adaptive cruise control and a lane departure warning system are very useful on longer motorway journeys, while the stability control is also advanced and operates even in a skid. The reliability reputation of Lexus is very good, and the LS shouldn't experience any major problems.

This particular model of the LS looks to be squarely aimed at the chauffeur market, with additional space in the rear cabin coming at a premium, and the list price of £99,495 making it hard to justify over the other models in the LS range for executive drivers. The 5.0 litre hybrid engine is a little more efficient than the others in the range, as it can deliver an average 32.8mpg. Nonetheless, insurance and tax costs are still going to be high too.

The residual values of the LS are not great when compared with rivals such as the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes S-Class, although a good model that has been fully serviced by the dealer is still likely to draw a few buyers. The hybrid version of the LS is supplied with a longer five year or sixty thousand mile warranty, which is an improvement over the regular petrol versions of the car.