The LS series has been the flagship car in the Lexus line-up since its, and the brand's launch in 1989. What the big car lacked in pizazz or sport it made up for in refinement, reliability and technology.

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The LS is available in four variations -- LS 460, LS 460 Sport, LS 460L and now the LS 600h L hybrid model.

The LS 600h L is powered by the ultra-quiet Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which was the world's first to combine a V8 gasoline engine with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drivetrain. The LS 600h L boasts a combined estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg, which is equal to or better than the combined fuel economy ratings of some mid-sized V6 AWD luxury sedans.

The LS 600h L hybrid powertrain system uniquely combines a 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine with two powerful electric motors and a large-capacity battery pack in the trunk. The hybrid powertrain generates a peak combined output rating of 438 horsepower and can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.

Despite being a performance-oriented hybrid, the LS 600h L meets the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (SULEV II) certification, emitting nearly 70-percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car.

All variations of the LS sedan feature very recent exterior styling featuring a revised front fascia, headlamps, and taillamps. In the case of the LS 600h L model, the front fascia will get a unique treatment in the LS line to help distinguish its greener attributes in the form of a chrome grill similar to the Lexus HS 250h hybrid.

The recently updated LS 600h L features upgrades over the previous model that include a larger useable trunk space due to a reconfigured battery pack as well as new telematics, USB connectivity and updated navigation.

Traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and 10 airbags are of course standard. The power steering is electrical and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with dynamic auto leveling are included.

In addition to the active safety features, the LS 600h L is standard-equipped with eight airbags, with a maximum of 11 airbags available through option packages. The world's first low-beam LED headlamps provide road illumination, and the standard Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) helps to illuminate around turns as the steering wheel is engaged.

Options range from heated rear seats and all-weather floor mats to an advanced Parking Guidance System that will parallel park or back the car into a spot, with the driver only required to press the brake pedal.

The optional Mark Levinson sound system is a little more involved in the LS, as expected, with a Reference badge and includes a Hard Disk Drive with the ability to store up to 2,000 songs, 7.1-channel surround sound support and an in-dash six-disc DVD / CD changer capable of DVD video playback. Total system power is 450 Watts split among 19 speakers.