The year was 1989. A television advertisement showed 15 champagne glasses stacked in the shape of a pyramid on the hood of a car with the engine running. The glasses never quivered, but they sent a shock wave through the luxury car market.
This was the advertisement that took the automotive industry by storm and the car was none other than the 1990 LS, the first entrant from Toyota's new luxury division - Lexus. It proved that the Japanese luxury segment was here to stay, and that a vehicle could be built this well.
And for 2013, Lexus is reinventing its flagship sedan - now into its fourth generation - complete with Lexus' new signature spindle grille and an elegant, sophisticated look.
Together with its younger counterpart - the LS460 - the LS Hybrid represents a shift in direction and a rekindling of Lexus' relentless pursuit of perfection.
Exterior
Standing at 5,210mm x 1,875mm x 1,480mm (L x W x H), the LS Hybrid is slightly bigger than its predecessor and no doubt the 'bigger' brother of the more proportional shorter wheelbase LS460.
Size apart, the LS Hybrid looks much like its smaller brethren. One of the most striking features on the front of the LS has got to be the spindle grille.
This was the advertisement that took the automotive industry by storm and the car was none other than the 1990 LS, the first entrant from Toyota's new luxury division - Lexus. It proved that the Japanese luxury segment was here to stay, and that a vehicle could be built this well.
And for 2013, Lexus is reinventing its flagship sedan - now into its fourth generation - complete with Lexus' new signature spindle grille and an elegant, sophisticated look.
Together with its younger counterpart - the LS460 - the LS Hybrid represents a shift in direction and a rekindling of Lexus' relentless pursuit of perfection.
Exterior
Standing at 5,210mm x 1,875mm x 1,480mm (L x W x H), the LS Hybrid is slightly bigger than its predecessor and no doubt the 'bigger' brother of the more proportional shorter wheelbase LS460.
Size apart, the LS Hybrid looks much like its smaller brethren. One of the most striking features on the front of the LS has got to be the spindle grille.
In the case of the LS Hybrid, the grille sports a chrome lining instead of the zigzag spindle maw on its younger sibling, which gives the LS Hybrid a more subtle look but still displays great road presence.
Blue accents in the 'L' badge on the grille and in the 'LS600hl' nametag along with 'Hybrid' badging on the sides of the rear doors further distinguish the hybrid model.
Clean cut lines flow towards the back, where a reworked tail end rounds the look out. New LED tail lamps wrap up the back of the car, and interestingly, the LED bulbs are 'L' shaped, further enhancing the identity of this flagship.
The overall look of the new LS Hybrid is striking and gives the car a unique appearance. Indeed, the new LS Hybrid looks good at any angle and stands out in a crowd as opposed to just blending into it.
Blue accents in the 'L' badge on the grille and in the 'LS600hl' nametag along with 'Hybrid' badging on the sides of the rear doors further distinguish the hybrid model.
Clean cut lines flow towards the back, where a reworked tail end rounds the look out. New LED tail lamps wrap up the back of the car, and interestingly, the LED bulbs are 'L' shaped, further enhancing the identity of this flagship.
The overall look of the new LS Hybrid is striking and gives the car a unique appearance. Indeed, the new LS Hybrid looks good at any angle and stands out in a crowd as opposed to just blending into it.
Interior
The cabin of its predecessor has always been relaxing but for the new LS Hybrid, it is even more sumptuous, with front and rear occupants pampered like passengers in a first class plane cabin.
The LS Hybrid is the first Lexus to offer the Shimamoku trim on steering wheel and door trims as well as on the dashboard, giving the cabin a very refined feel.
This unique feature is achieved by shaping alternating layers of dark and light wood veneers in a process involving 67 manufacturing steps over the course of 38 days.
Most notably, a 12.3-inch LCD screen in the centre of the dashboard houses the integrated multimedia system that displays everything from navigation to phone information.
The cabin of its predecessor has always been relaxing but for the new LS Hybrid, it is even more sumptuous, with front and rear occupants pampered like passengers in a first class plane cabin.
The LS Hybrid is the first Lexus to offer the Shimamoku trim on steering wheel and door trims as well as on the dashboard, giving the cabin a very refined feel.
This unique feature is achieved by shaping alternating layers of dark and light wood veneers in a process involving 67 manufacturing steps over the course of 38 days.
Most notably, a 12.3-inch LCD screen in the centre of the dashboard houses the integrated multimedia system that displays everything from navigation to phone information.
Tons of tech features are easy to figure out and the display is manoeuvrable with an easy to use, but slightly sensitive joystick in the centre console.
Rear passengers will bask in great opulence with wholesome legroom and a high degree of comfort.
The left rear seat also features a control that reclines the seat to 45 degrees with a raised ottoman, and gives a relaxing massage that can ease a day's stress of any executive chairman or the head of a Yakuza.
That is, if you're not distracted by the 9-inch VGA screen in the centre with a built in Blu-ray DVD player. And if your luxury needs are not satisfied yet, this hybrid pleasure cruiser also offers the superb Mark Levinson audio system with 19 speakers, making it a concert hall on wheels.
Rear passengers will bask in great opulence with wholesome legroom and a high degree of comfort.
The left rear seat also features a control that reclines the seat to 45 degrees with a raised ottoman, and gives a relaxing massage that can ease a day's stress of any executive chairman or the head of a Yakuza.
That is, if you're not distracted by the 9-inch VGA screen in the centre with a built in Blu-ray DVD player. And if your luxury needs are not satisfied yet, this hybrid pleasure cruiser also offers the superb Mark Levinson audio system with 19 speakers, making it a concert hall on wheels.
The Drive
Powering this green flagship is a 5.0-litre V8 Dual VVT-i engine, two electric motors and an advanced compact battery - all combined to generate 438bhp and 520Nm of torque, making the LS Hybrid the most powerful LS in the lineup.
Smooth is the name of the game here. Mated to an eight-speed electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), gearshifts are effortless and uninterrupted just like its name, allowing the LS Hybrid to complete the century sprint in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h.
The electric motors will fulfil its responsibilities at a stop or at low speeds, and the transition from fuel to electric power is so seamless that you'll have to watch the dials to really know what's going on.
As for those who disregard fuel consumption and prefer a sportier drive, 'Sport S' or 'Sport S+' modes are available for a more engaging experience.
When left in 'Normal' mode, the LS Hybrid is more than happy to roll along in utter silence. Green ambassadors can opt for 'Eco' mode while people who just want a relaxing drive home can go for 'Comfort' mode.
Powering this green flagship is a 5.0-litre V8 Dual VVT-i engine, two electric motors and an advanced compact battery - all combined to generate 438bhp and 520Nm of torque, making the LS Hybrid the most powerful LS in the lineup.
Smooth is the name of the game here. Mated to an eight-speed electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), gearshifts are effortless and uninterrupted just like its name, allowing the LS Hybrid to complete the century sprint in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h.
The electric motors will fulfil its responsibilities at a stop or at low speeds, and the transition from fuel to electric power is so seamless that you'll have to watch the dials to really know what's going on.
As for those who disregard fuel consumption and prefer a sportier drive, 'Sport S' or 'Sport S+' modes are available for a more engaging experience.
When left in 'Normal' mode, the LS Hybrid is more than happy to roll along in utter silence. Green ambassadors can opt for 'Eco' mode while people who just want a relaxing drive home can go for 'Comfort' mode.
Fuel consumption wise, we were able to achieve a figure of 6.3km/L with half of the time spent in 'Sport S+' mode, so we reckon frugal driving habits coupled with the mode dial in 'Eco' should do the trick.
With its standard all-wheel drive, the LS Hybrid boasts substantial grip and it feels considerably lighter than its curb weight of over 2.3 tonnes.
The LS Hybrid is also an elegant dancer, proving commendably composed over bumps and ruts on the tarmac.
Conclusion
The LS Hybrid offers an excellent combination of comfort, space, silence and features and is brilliantly focused at delivering one thing - elegance.
If a silent and luxurious transportation with a hybrid powertrain appeals to you, and you can afford the price, this may be the car to have.
With its standard all-wheel drive, the LS Hybrid boasts substantial grip and it feels considerably lighter than its curb weight of over 2.3 tonnes.
The LS Hybrid is also an elegant dancer, proving commendably composed over bumps and ruts on the tarmac.
Conclusion
The LS Hybrid offers an excellent combination of comfort, space, silence and features and is brilliantly focused at delivering one thing - elegance.
If a silent and luxurious transportation with a hybrid powertrain appeals to you, and you can afford the price, this may be the car to have.
