2010 Lexus LS600h photos, revealed at Frankfurt 2009

The Lexus LS 600h is the hybrid in the Lexus LS range. Mostly the 2010 version looks like the same car, but there are some welcome upgrades – basically lessons learnt from the Toyota Prius and carried over to the high end Lexus model. The long wheelbase of the car, the Lexus LS 600h L too has been revised on similar lines.

The hybrid system of the car can now meet Euro V emission standards, always a good thing. A new Lexus HDD navigation system with 40 GB capacity finds its way into the 2010 models, and a rear seat relaxation pack for passengers in the back is introduced.

Photo: 2010 Lexus LS 600h unveiled at Frankfurt

A new TFT LCD display integrated into the revised instrument panel, EMV multi-display touch screen.

The 2010 Lexus LS 600h comes with a new ECO mode. Essentially, it works like a smoother / filter that ignores mild throttle inputs. What this gives the 600h is a more smooth acceleration or power input, and this makes the powertrain work at a steady rate increasing fuel efficiency. The ECO mode also does something similar to the air conditioning system of the LS 600h.

2010 Lexus LS 600h photo

I cannot say I am particularly impressed by the new 2010 LS 600h car’s grille. But then I have never liked Lexus grilles anyway, always looked a bit too gaudy. American tastes are probably different, considering that Lexus cars generally sell well there.

Lexus LS 600 h front grille

Other welcome additions and modifications to the 2010 Lexus LS 600h include a reconfigured nickel metal hydride battery pack to free up 1.24 cubic feet of space in the trunk. Brakes have been upgraded too, with the car now sporting larger Brembo six-piston calipers and larger rotors.

What is a bit bizarre is the new system that can detect oncoming vehicles and street lamps and automatically switch the high beam off and on. One would think that it would be irritating, or drivers would want to control it themselves. But apparently Lexus thinks otherwise.

The engine is unchanged, featuring a 5 liter V8 and the electric motor powered by the nickel hydride battery pack, together producing 439 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque. Fuel economy of the 2010 Lexus LS600h remains at 30 miles per gallon, and the limo version seems to be essentially offering nothing more than the standard version here.