Lexus went on and pulled the wraps off the hybrid LS 500h version of
their new flagship four-door model.
The new Lexus LS 500h is powered by the
company’s latest Multi Stage Hybrid System, with the powertrain combining a
3.5-litre V6 petrol with two electric motors for a combined 354 hp.
Based on the latest Lexus Global Architecture (GA-L)
platform, the new LS 500h offers a lower center of gravity and a stiffer
chassis which in turn allows the suspension to deliver supreme comfort levels.
Lexus has added a “four-stage shifting device” to
the hybrid powertrain for a more direct response to driver inputs and a more
dynamic driving experience, while retaining at the same time the characteristic
smoothness and efficiency of the company’s hybrid models.
0-100 km/h comes in 5.4 seconds but the real trick in
the latest Lexus hybrid powertrain is that it can keep the petrol engine shut
down at speeds up to 140 km/h. The lithium-ion battery pack is 20 percent smaller
than the nickel-hydride unit found in the outgoing LS 600h, yet has a higher
power density.
Look inside, Lexus says was
inspired by Omotenashi, the Japanese concept of hospitality. The new front seats
are 28-way adjustable, featuring heating, cooling and massage functions while
the organically shaped dashboard hosts the 12.3-inch infotainment system.
The
rear seats also come with heating, cooling and massage functions while Lexus
will also offer the option of power-controlled rear seats with a Shiatsu
massage function and a raised ottoman leg rest.
The trim options are also inspired by Japanese
culture, featuring natural woodwork and laser cutting technologies. These
include the Art Wood/Organic, Art Wood/Herringbone and Laser Cut Special
options with the latter emphasizing the contrast between precise metal lines
and natural wood.
The new Lexus LS 500h features the company’s latest
Safety System+ which extends the range of active safety systems available to
the driver, helping this way in preventing accidents from happening.
The Safety
System+ covers the risks presented by four of the most common types of
accident: rear-end collisions, collisions with pedestrians; accidents caused by
lane departure and accidents at intersections. It also includes the world’s
first intuitive pedestrian detection function with active steering.
The new Lexus LS 500h is expected to hit the
European market at the end of this year.