Why Should You Buy the Lexus LS 600h Hybrid?

"If it's not for the fuel economy, why should you buy the Lexus LS 600h?"

Anonymous

Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder asks that same question in his review of the LS 600h, which at $120,820, including destination charge, commands a $38,000 premium over the gas-only LS 460 L when comparing base prices. When you load up an LS 460 with all available features, the difference is still nearly $10,000.

The bottom line, according to Wiesenfelder: "That's a lot of jack for slightly quicker acceleration, an additional 2 mpg on the EPA fuel economy estimate and a few features you can't get on the LS 460, and it's hard to justify."

If the LS 600h offered more that was unique compared to the LS 460, it would be easier to justify, but the LS 460 is a good piece of work in its own right in regard to luxury, refinement, quality and reliability.

Among good reasons for buying an LS sedan is that Lexus has been the most reliable brand the past three years in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures problems in the third year of ownership. Moreover, the LS has had the fewest problems among large luxury sedans during the past three years in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study, which covers the first 90 days of ownership.

Those reasons are as valid for the LS 460 as they are for the more-expensive LS 600h, so you won't lose much by spending less.

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