Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Lexus LS 600h upgraded

Posted by Harvinder

September 19, 2009

Toyota-owned and Japanese-based auto maker Lexus has upgraded the hybrid version of the Lexus LS luxury sedan. The upgrades are evident on both the short and long wheel base versions of the LS 600h. Styling wise, it now has a new front grille (with four bars), a revised front bumper with new intakes and foglamps, LED turn signals as well as new daytime running lights. Body colour wise, Mesa Red, Vanilla Mist, Richmond Green and Atlantic Blue are newly available, together with the hybrid-exclusive Crystal Sapphire. The paint has a new Self-restoring Coat treatment that helps maintain a nice finish over the vehicle’s lifetime.

Inside, there is a new colour TFT LCD display integrated into the revised instrument panel, EMV multi-display touch screen with large switches and rearranged layout for the audio controls while the audio switch that is now made of aluminium. There is also a new light grey semi-aniline leather upholstery.

It also has a seating feature, that includes new, inflator operated active headrests, a new return/away function for the front seat and for the first time for a five-seat configuration, there is the Lexus Rear Seat Relaxation Pack (optional). It has a 40:20:40 design with an upper seatback reclining mechanism, fully retractable leg and footrest and lower back massage function, all operated using a remote controller. It also offers different levels of massage using an array of eight pneumatic chambers built into the seatback, and lumbar and shoulder areas. It also offers an extra 40mm in the forward sliding range of the front passenger seat.

There is also a new hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system with the 40GB capacity. Furthermore there is a new automatic high beam system. A camera sensor in the rear view mirror detects oncoming traffic, street lamps and vehicles travelling ahead and automatically switches the headlamp high beam on and off according to driving conditions.

The auto maker has also revised the Hybrid Drive System. It now has an ECO mode which modifies the throttle action and performance of the air conditioning system to support fuel-efficient driving. The battery pack is also re-positioned into two sections of six and 14 modules has been reduced its overall size and freed up more luggage space in the boot. The Lexus Hybrid Drive system has also been revised to meet Euro V exhaust emissions standards. The system is still made up by a 5.0 liter V8 and an electric motor. Overall, it can crank out 439HP and 520Nm of torque. Most importantly, it has a combined cycle fuel economy that remains at 30.4 miles to the gallon. Continue reading to view an image gallery.