2008 Lexus LS 600h L

The LS 600h L is an all-new car for 2008 and is truly a range-topper in Lexus' range, being the only vehicle the luxury car company offers which costs in the triple digits in terms of thousands of dollars spent.

For that money, buyers will have the distinction of owning the world's first vehicle with a full V8 hybrid powertrain.

Ironically, the 'green' version of the LS features a larger engine to power it, at 5.0 liters in displacement instead of the standard 4.6 liters. And the bigger V8 is combined with two electric drive motors, the combo good for 438 horsepower. The engine itself makes 389 horsepower, along with 385 lb-ft of torque, though at what rpm levels isn't disclosed. The transmission is a dual-stage electronically controlled CVT, sending power to all four wheels.

All this hardware makes the 600h about 500 lbs heavier than the LS 460L on which it's based, yet performance is better, and fuel economy is better in the city, at EPA estimates of 20 mpg, by 4 mpg, and 2 mpg worse on the highway, at 22 mpg.

Most of the optional equipment of the gasoline-only LS is standard on the LS 600, making the near $30,000 price difference between the two a little easier to swallow. There are all the latest safety features Lexus offers, including nearly countless airbags, as well as all the electronic traction and braking aids working through 19-inch wheels and tires.

That also includes the Mark Levinson sound system that is optional on the 'regular' LS, which sports 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.

Three option packages do exist, one of which only by special order. The Executive Class Seating Package II converts the LS 600 to a four-seater, with a center console splitting the two power reclining rear seats. The rear right passenger seat even massages its occupant and provides him with a leg rest. A DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch screen also finds its way back here.