Like an orchestra of revs cresting and rising further before you realise eye-watering speed has already set in, the drivetrain has made short work of acceleration. The LS 500h got up to 100 km/h from standstill in about 6.5 seconds, and dismissed the quarter-mile in just over 14 seconds. It’s still vastly steel built, the chassis, and aluminium is only used in some crash-sensitive areas, so it weighs in at over 2.3 tonnes. Perspective enough? It’s not slow! I though it would be slow. “What? Lexus claim 5.4 seconds?!” Stamp on the brakes and I was in for more surprises. It sheds speeds like a smaller sedan, too.
The ride quality, even with 20-inch mirror wheels and 245/45 run-flat tyres is excellent. Its only blemish, however, are the bumps and rough patches that could be better filtered out with higher-profile rubber. Though the adaptive electronic air suspension works admirably, bad roads manage to send the thuds through. Encounter smooth tarmac and the experience is something that supersedes all the F-segment cars and blows them away in terms of sheer luxury feel and comfort. If you ever wondered why the price-tag ― Rs 1.94 crore (ex-showroom), 1.77 crore if you want just Luxury and no origami doors ― is what it is, you’re not alone. However, it only justifies itself after spending time in here.
The LS 500h is just something else. It’s so much more than the design; which never failed to turn heads on the road. It’s not just a hybrid luxury saloon with its hat in the ring. It’s simply an elevated experience, and it provides potential buyers of rivals of equal of greater price-tags several reasons to have a massive rethink. It doesn’t matter if you pick the front or the rear seat. It’s a different kind of special. It has everything you need and several things you’d take days, even months, to discover if the dealer fails to mention them. It truly stands a class apart and, the way I see it, creates a niche for itself between the super-luxury saloons and the sporty grand tourers. It provides a different take on luxury while trying to redefine it.
Need to Know – Lexus LS 500h
Price: Rs 1.94 crore (ex-showroom)
Engine: 3,456 cc, V6, petrol
Max Power: 299 PS at 6,600 rpm
Max Torque: 350 Nm at 5,100 rpm
Electric Motor: AC synchronous
Max Electric Output: 137.5 kW (187 PS), N/A Nm
Net Peak Output: 359 PS, 550+ Nm (est)
Transmission: 10-speed (emulated; four-speed automatic + continuously variable transmission), automatic, rear-wheel drive
Weight: 2,345 kg
Performance:
0-100 km/h: 6.58 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (claimed); 140 km/h (electric only, claimed)
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