Powerful Luxury HYBRID? 2008 Lexus Ls 600hL Review

[@edgarruiz8504]

This cars goal was performance and luxury not to save you money at the gas pump. This car compared itself to V12’s of the era and it’s fuel economy was way better. V12 performance with V8/V6 fuel economy. This was and still is a beautiful car.

[@mmedley9894]

Had the opportunity to test drive this exact model and color about 6yrs ago. The vehicles was superb and performed like a dream.

[@gureno19]

Ive driven this and the toyota century, and the driving experience is sensational in terms of comfort and isolation in the cabin. There isnt another vehicle on the market at this price point that has this driving experience, they are the ultimate daily driver

[@raminshahryari2445]

Call me crazy but I believe Lexus’ build quality is better than Mercedes

[@KirkKreifels]

You're not crazy.

[@kubanskiloewe]

from the beginning up to 2009 they were great but than the leather went a bit worse and nowadays the new models especially the small SUV´s get more and more cheap inside. Also they do not offer their great V6Hybrid in the big ES sedan ! big mistake

[@kubanskiloewe]

@@Mabeylater293 ...not here in germany!....noone drives Lexus ! VW sells 650000 cars/year and Lexus onyl 2-3000 !

[@ashfaqurrahman5731]

I totally agree bro!

[@FloatingWeeds2]

@@kubanskiloewe Because Germany has incredible import tariffs for non-German vehicles.

[@arthurs7882]

regarding fuel economy, the 20 city is where this is class leading. the 460 gets 16 city, so this 25% more.

[@lsfanatic5954]

600HL! What an unicorn! This 2008 reminds me of my previous 2010: 1) Touch screen ! (technology in 2015 goes backward with the sluggish mouse) 2) wood is just wood ! (what is the aluminium stripe beneath it about in my 2015??) & 3) Phenomenal trunk space. However, the 2015 has several improvements 1) no more wind noise at highway speed 2) ECO mode recapitulates the drive of LS 430 and 3) dashboard and door panel do not melt!

[@KirkKreifels]

Good input and thanks for watching!

[@lsfanatic5954]

@@Mabeylater293 Hi I have never own one 600hL myself so I can't really comment on it. In my opinion, however, what makes it an unicorn is that it is almost 100% guaranteed loaded with executive package. Having 15 years of experience with my mum's LS 430 (and now i have mine), I am biased to LS 430 in almost all aspects. Ride comfort - impeccable! The isolation by the car is so phenomenal that you may only perceive travelling at 30-40mph while actually cruising at highway speed. In terms of tranquility, the 07-12 LS is of no match to LS 430 and you can almost forget the German competitors. I would not hesitate to get a well-maintained, high mileage LS 430. The only repair I have so far for my 2002 (110k miles) is the replacement of the door lock actuator (very common in Lexus vehicles). You can judge whether $650 is worthwhile since you can manually lock / unlock the passenger door. In case you are looking for earlier LS 460 (07-12), make sure the front control arms are in good condition (I got my 2010's replaced for $4500 at a local Lexus dealership lol ). Proceed with caution particularly if one is loaded with air suspension! Some complain about the costly replacement of the ML (Mark Levinson) amps but I never experience such problem. If you see melted dashboard, door panels and worn out seats (a known problem Lexus has addressed), this can be a room for bargain which you can contact the Lexus dealer later for replacement (Yes! The dealer replaces all these worn-out parts for free!) Stay away from the hybrid models. It costed my friend a fortune to replace the battery of his GS450H. I can imagine the corresponding replacement in 600hL would be $$$$$ However, if executive package is something that you must have, good luck with 600hL since it is extremely rare in a 460 / 460L.

[@christofonobrown3659]

Just wanted to add: this is the drivetrain that replaced the V12 in the Century and is still the power train for the Century in 2023. That says a lot.

[@curtisoular]

2022 UPDATE: MAYBACH, S600, BMW I7, AND BENTLEY are now offering this Lexus Luxurious V8-Hybrid Engine 14years after Toyota Intoduced it to the world as LS600hL

[@Toyota4Life]

Yup

[@OcaOca]

Anywhere I can read more about this?

[@curtisoular]

@@OcaOca search " V8 biturbo with mild hybrid drive " for testimonials 😁

[@aayushbhingare2279]

That AFS off button means....you switch the Adaptive front light system off. Those headlights would turn when your car turns left or right or level. Swiveling headlights basically .... beautiful car though.

[@mcmarine777]

As of Aug’24, I have my ‘08 LS600hL with 170kmi and I’m nearing time to replace the hybrid battery bc it doesn’t hold a charge very long and starting to always be charging. I don’t hot rod my LS (much), But, I’m still getting 19-20mpg City & 24-29mpg Hwy going 75-100mph…. This Lexus is a touring BEAST.

[@davano1979]

He didnt swith the button to put it inthe sport mode, and the hybrid power. He has everything in economy mode.

[@curtisoular]

It's FREAKING HILARIOUS 😂 Remove Traction Control, Place in Sport Mode, Place in POWER mode for Battery. Keep in Automatic.

[@shiboi941]

For those complaining on the hybrid. . its meant to give somewhat better fuel RANGE than the original 460's - *NOT A COMPLETE PRIUS/TESLA* . . & mostly intended for up to 4 passenger *comfort* not made for suburban like cargo

[@syxepop]

This is what some automakers are calling a PERFORMANCE HYBRID, with LESS EMISSIONS and BETTER FUEL COMPSUMPTION than normal ICE's in that same size and market niche (try 25mpg on an S500 from the era, maybe on the highway for the S350d and that was an I6 TD).

[@christofonobrown3659]

This drivetrain was chosen for its smoothness and power.

[@curtisoular]

1st tripple beam headlights

[@1morejohnson]

This review is the definition of winging it

[@KirkKreifels]

In my early days I was 😂 came a long ways.

[@curtisoular]

It's been HILARIOUS 😂

[@thenofilterguy3061]

Now this is a beast of a car..👍

[@juanpedroglez-murrieta5222]

I'll go crazy if i find one model of this, but in black exterior, wine interior with the same rims. Would be amazing. But this one, just beautiful. Very nice review Kirk. Other thing about you Kirk, i like so much the way you dress, sharp and classy. Very according with the kind of cars you review. Besides it feels better when we dress like that so we have the whole experience of luxury and elegance. New subscriber here

[@crz95]

Those aren't massive speakers on the roof. They're an air purification system.

[@curtisoular]

It's not air purification either... it Cascading Cool Air Concierge. His description was hilarious 😂

[@curtisoular]

The mistakes in video are HILARIOUS 😂 😃 Very funny 😁

[@alexandrualexandru9784]

One of the best!

[@carlaiello1993]

The wheels are fine

[@scottsmith6571]

I like the chrome wheels

[@bbsal4031]

Beautiful car, well I guess I'm ghetto I love Chrome and I like the wheels!

[@arthurs7882]

CVTs can downshift--ratio change.

[@805NAVE]

Damn I wish my 2008 LS460 had those headlights!

[@PumpUptheJam81]

Word on the street is that your lights are much better/brighter than this cars LED setup. However ls430 has better headlights than your 460. Go figure!

[@805NAVE]

@@PumpUptheJam81 I definitely believe the LS430 lights are better than my LS460, but I don’t think my LS460 lights are better than this one haha. The LS460 Lights are rather disappointing although I like the auto turn feature. The headlights on my 2006 ES330 are much nicer

[@curtisoular]

These headlights are very fun at night with how much they move around curves and move down when excelerating

[@805NAVE]

The wheels are gorgeous water you talking about

[@RyanDoonan]

Lexus holds up very well there is a 08 ls 460 we are looking at getting hopefully cause we have a 19 gmc terrain denali and paying 760 a month is to much for us to handle and we are going to surrender the car and hopefully get the Lexus LS with 137k miles and will definitely last a lot more but how is the 460

[@BattleDamageReport]

Why did they even bother making it a hybrid of the mpg is the same?

[@terrificspokesman7416]

It did change the economy and it was meant to compete with the S600 and the 760i. The LS is better than those cars because its more reliable and it has more cooler features plus the economy is better.

[@ioniliescu5490]

In Europe you would have to pay huge taxes for a 5 litre engine. There is one exception though, and that are the hybrids. Just because it’s a hybrid, the taxes are ridiculously low for this car.

[@dinhscot]

The Hybrid on the LS 600L was for added performance rather than saving fuel. This car car compete with Merc and BMW V12 while having better fuel millage... That why.

[@curtisoular]

14years later MAYBACH has FINALLY figured out how to make a Lexus v8 Hybrid and sells this same combo at PREMIUM prices. As does S600 and BMW Flagship i7. It's MARVELOUS

[@calmic75]

I thought its common for Toyota to have tire pressure sensors on vehicles since the mid 2000s? And u missed the rear chair massager, ha!

[@curtisoular]

The best feature in the whole car, even saw the remote massager and SKIPPED IT 🤯🤯🤯🤣🤣🤣 This has been a VERY FUNNY video...

[@MatthewBHoth]

@@curtisoular Hey curtis I see you on all the ls600h videos. Any chance you could provide a timestamp for the remote massager? I'm looking to buy one with the exec package, but it only has one remote and it's for the entertainment section. Thought there was a massage seat but can't find how to turn it on! Thank you

[@curtisoular]

i think if the remote is gone then the message is impossible to use. it is not controlled any other way...

[@MatthewBHoth]

@@curtisoular Damn that hurts to hear. But just to double check I'm not an idiot...the 2008 did have the feature right? Thanks for the help Curtis

[@curtisoular]

Absolutely, Worlds 1st i think... not just vibrating sea massage but actual moving rolling pressure intensifying nodules replicating a real back massage.

[@AHMEDMOOSAJI]

My RX 450h also has the triple headlights Never knew it had the 5.0V8 Thought that engine was only used in the F models and now the LC They don't use that engine in many vehicles more reserved for the flagship F Interesting to see a Lexus hybrid that has a rev counter.... with the usual eco,charge power meter Would be nice if Lexus still does that I agree with you CVT just makes the car less enjoyable Yes it's very good at being effecint and holding a certain rev to get most power but the drone and lack of changing gears is noticeable Hence why I now prefer the non hybrids But I think with newwer generation Toyota Lexus has brought new technology to the CVT where you have an actual first gear and then it switches to CVT that has better ratios and you don't feel it to be a CVT That being said Infinit has a 7 speed auto with their hybrid vehicles from what I know of in the Q50 with the 3.5 V6

[@KirkKreifels]

Ahmed Moosaji the 2ur-fse V8 in this car can only be found in 2018 and newer Toyota century. Very limited in their application. The 7 speed Infiniti hybrid would be fun to drive.

[@djorksolo8544]

Ahmed Moosaji I don't know why people often had bad comments with CVT ! There's no problems with it for me ! Especially the new CVT from Lexus and Toyota, are not really CVT anymore with all theirs evolutions ! Very silent nowadays! Nothing compare with the old CVT!

[@AHMEDMOOSAJI]

@@djorksolo8544 yes I did said in the comment the newer ones that are not in the market the one with actual first gear Those are fine As an owner of a rx450h I can tell you CVT are annoying not worth the fuel you save

[@c.graham8304]

******* Could anyone tell if it is okay to buy it in 2022? And is there any important things I have to know/consider before buying a used one? Important check points. Thank you! ******* ******* Could anyone tell if it is okay to buy it in 2022? And is there any important things I have to know/consider before buying a used one? Important check points. Thank you! ******* ******* Could anyone tell if it is okay to buy it in 2022? And is there any important things I have to know/consider before buying a used one? Important check points. Thank you! *******

[@curtisoular]

If you can find one Buy It, is my suggestion... Every vehicle will need repairs but this Engine is LEGENDARY 700K MILES. Toyota v8. Plus there are no cars with this much luxury in them that will last over 100k before becoming too expensive...

[@Baggged_LC]

Curious How does those wireless headphone charge battery ?

[@KirkKreifels]

Pretty sure they're AA batteries

[@YBilal-fu6vd]

Just got one Friday. They take AAA

[@sideshowbob32]

Great review! 'AFS' is adaptive front light system. Basically the lights swivel with the steering. Had the same feature on my gen 3 GS, didn't notice a massive difference with the feature switched on or off though

[@curtisoular]

Also the headlights lower when you punch the gas. Great for nighttime driving below 30mph.

[@elam4u2]

Beautiful car. In 2008 chrome was in. But now chrome is so ghetto. I like those rims minus the chrome.

[@scottsmith6571]

Only diff is if u like a merc an love paying mechanics

[@bsu1960]

Ha ha oh crap bars I really like this car

[@johnlira3316]

Ls460 or gs460??

[@dorranrobinson6207]

Toyota king..

[@chiliodimaffio]

Jeeeezus

[@Kirvedagermansheperd]

You know nothing about that car 🤦‍♂️

[@davano1979]

Right, I have one, he missing a lot of stuff the LS600 does.

[@curtisoular]

Which really makes this a VERY FUNNY video 📹 🤣

[@Mrbankfisherman]

How much is that car worrh today ?

[@KirkKreifels]

This one has 87,000 miles and is selling for $23000

[@manub9630]

Chris are u @ Omaha

[@TAMPA234]

So many "I don't knows" in this video.

[@curtisoular]

Just being honest 😆

[@CurtBrown-d2w]

@@curtisoular Why do a review when you don't take time to understand the car?

[@almoines1]

2.29 Small man in a box, google it...

[@scottsmith6571]

I get 25 mpg in my 2500 diesel

[@syxepop]

That's definitively HIGHWAY (no way your Cummins I6 does even 20 in the CITY), this V8 HSD combo does it in the CITY, where Hybrid systems perform best...

[@bigolow641]

there is a 2008 Lexus ls 600 hl smokey granite near me for $15k..

[@TheBaccaClench]

sounds pretty good...

[@MatthewBHoth]

I'd buy that still today lol

[@DCSKATEBOARDING99]

Personally, i would take the S-class any day.Looks 10x better and more luxurious,the air suspension is amazing,double windows.The Lexus might last longer but for me just won't do it..its like Mark's and Spencer,good quality but only old people buy from them..on the other hand the Merc is like Gucci..more nicer better quality. If you get the S blue efficiency model it does close to 40mpg..this lexus is a joke with 20mpg

[@sopheathunofficial9793]

Once u choose S-class ur life will turn in hell, every week, every month u'll stay at the shop, strugle to find money to fix it even if u r rich u still wast ur time at shop and make a friendly conversation with mechanic....

[@christofonobrown3659]

Mercedes definitely looks great. This car is stealth, everyone (non car enthusiasts) looks at these and just think it’s a much nicer Camry. Only JDM nerds notice this car, lol. Love mine for these attributes.

[@CurtBrown-d2w]

@@christofonobrown3659 Yep, that's my theory about why I want one. Mercedes to me says "more money than brains". But, they are nice cars. I'm on my 5th Lexus LS, well with an SC in there too, and every time I've compared with Mercedes and BMW, always picked the Lexus.

[@CynicalBastard511]

Is the hybrid quicker than the 460?

[@KirkKreifels]

Not by much

[@itzjdub282]

THE LS 600HL is understated luxury. I prefer the 19 inch alloy wheels. You definitely needed to do your homework on this simple but complex vehicle. I have to replace the hybrid battery at 125k and suspension went bad very costly but covered by the warranty.

[@BluWarta92]

How much that battery and suspension would have cost?

[@itzjdub282]

@@BluWarta92 they both were 5k. The battery is actually a refurbished battery. It came with a 3 year warranty. For a new battery it would have been twice the cost.

[@BluWarta92]

@@itzjdub282 That's a bummer. I was seriously considering this for my next car... That price though is astronomical... 😂

[@christofonobrown3659]

Thank you for this, mine is at 150k now, just going through the suspension. Still on OG battery.

[@Leo060708]

The high end Toyota you're trying to think of is the Century only available to the Japanese market.

[@lamontswepson2780]

Mercedes is just a name, Lexus is a legend..

[@kfcfan]

The two speaker looking thing on top of rear passengers, they aren’t speakers. They are ac vents.

[@MiguelRPD]

God this car is built for Florida. 6 damn vents for the rear passengers. Amazing.

[@PsykoticStang]

Nice car horrible review. The brake button is an electronic parking brake.

[@curtisoular]

That was HILARIOUS 😂 hold button for parking break. 🤣 actual hold button for traffic jams was under his left thumb 🤣😂 so many funny errors

[@TAMPA234]

First year for theLs600hl was 2007. I have a 2007.

[@derrickjamieson3411]

Since when did Napoleon Dynamite start doing car reviews!!

[@805NAVE]

11:47 the light goes off automatically when the visor is flipped up. Cmon man I thought you knew Lexus !

[@curtisoular]

That was HILARIOUS 😂 misunderstanding!..

[@ruzzelladrian907]

LED headlights.

[@stephens9211]

I have a 2015 LS 600hL and my dashboard de-lamented - faulty installation from Lexus. Mine is garaged with 51K miles. Lexus USA did absolutely nothing to correct the problem - not even a return email (classless). The replacement costs were - 16K for new dashboard and 2.5K to install. So I had is re-wrapped and a restoration shop in Denver for 3K. What I also did was legally tint the front windshield to eliminate the UV rays. Disappointed that Lexus did not stand behind their mistake. I want to share my story with all Lexus owners. If you have a Lexus with a leather dashboard - good luck. You are on your own.

[@marcellmcdowell9032]

8:25 it informing the pressure in all tires, including the spare. Im sure you know this by now, however.

[@kalondillon-sy1ze]

Beautiful car how is it today ?

[@88goga88]

specifically for this model 600hl the awd version is not available wright???? awd is only at non-hybrid model 460L wright???

[@KirkKreifels]

AWD is standard for the 600hL.

[@88goga88]

@@KirkKreifels oh,. i c, thnxs , appreciated. it's good to know.

[@DragonXoz]

“And the dynamic suspension and ride height, of course” bro. No cars in 2023 have that. None come bagged 😭 Lexus be doing amazing

[@TAMPA234]

30mpg highway, 20mpg city.

[@syxepop]

Kirk, I've never thought that you've had a review of this LS600hL MORE THAN 6 MONTHS BEFORE DOUG DEMURO (his was an '09 w/ the Executive Package). Now I see how far you have come in 4 years of reviews (have to 🤣🤣🤣). Think that this very same HSD combo is still sold by Toyota in Japan on the 3G Century limousine (and no, this LWB 600 never approached the MSRP of the V12 2G Century, as this in USDM originally barely passed the U$100K mark MSRP). That's how comfy this engine combo was and still is. When you've reviewed this car this was a U$25K or so bargain if you could find one... Now try U$50-70K (still less than MSRP) in the weird car market we have in '22.

[@KirkKreifels]

Bahaha thanks for finding an old gem! Yes it is still used in the Century. I'd still take a v12 over this hahah.

[@syxepop]

@@KirkKreifels - if you seen Doug (and RCR's) reviews on the 2G Century they both ♥that V12 and the WOOL upholstery (won't scratch or sweat as leather would). James from the Throttle House channels recently bought a 2G V12 Century. He even "drag raced" it against a Maybach 57 and a Rolls Royce.

[@Mrbankfisherman]

How many miles on it ?

[@243wayne1]

The chrome wheels make this car!

[@KirkKreifels]

243wayne1 glad you like them! Thanks for watching.

[@243wayne1]

+LEXUriouS Kirk- Keep up the good work and reviews. I enjoy watching every one of them.

[@theoa7882]

When will lexus come out with a full electric?

[@KirkKreifels]

Two years is my guess so 2020-2021

[@theoa7882]

LEXUriouS Kirk will Be interesting to see what they bring, im surprised they havent yet

[@KirkKreifels]

@@theoa7882 me too. Excited none the less