Exterior

SmartAccess
With a unique secure code, the SmartAccess key fob automatically enables you to unlock the vehicle’s front doors and its available power rear door without removing the key fob from your purse, pocket or briefcase. As soon as the sensors detect your SmartAccess key fob, the door unlocks when you touch the handle. SmartAccess even activates the lighting entry system to illuminate your points of entry from the exterior puddle lights to the interior lights. Once inside, it just takes a push of the button to start the engine.

Adaptive Front Lighting System
A particularly useful feature when driving at night or during inclement weather, the available Adaptive Front Lighting System is designed to estimate and illuminate where the RX 450h will be in three seconds based on vehicle speed and steering angle. In a left turn, the left headlamp can rotate up to 15 degrees, and in a right turn, the right headlamp can rotate up to 10 degrees.

Intelligent High-Beam Headlamps
Helping to provide greater visibility to the driver without compromising the visibility of other drivers on the road, the available intelligent high-beam headlamps on the RX 450h operate in high-beam mode until a camera mounted in the back of the rearview mirror detects an oncoming vehicle or other vehicles traveling closely ahead. The headlamps will then automatically enter into low-beam mode until vehicles are no longer detected ahead.

Wide-view Side Monitor
To assist you with parking and when negotiating narrow passes, an available Wide-view Side Monitor camera built into the passenger-side mirror can display an overhead view to the right of the RX 450h at slow speeds or when in reverse.

Backup Camera
Backing out of tight spaces and avoiding mishaps is much easier with the available backup camera . Using a tiny camera located above the rear license plate to capture a view of what’s behind the RX 450h when placed in reverse, the camera’s view is displayed in full color on a screen within the rearview mirror or on the available Navigation System screen.

Power Rear Door
The available power rear door of the RX 450h offers remote, keyless access to the rear storage area. The lift-gate can be raised and lowered from inside the vehicle by using a switch or remotely with the included key fob.

Next-Generation Design
With sharp dramatic lines and a distinctive trapezoid grille, the 2012 RX 450h shares many design cues with the current Lexus sedans. It also features standard 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and can be outfitted with available 19-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels that are exclusive to the RX 450h.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
This advanced system available on the RX 450h with all-wheel drive is designed to adapt to traffic congestion by using radar technology to help maintain a pre-set following distance from the vehicle traveling in front of you. If you get too close, the throttle is automatically reduced and brakes are applied. Once the road clears, the RX 450h will return to its pre-set speed.

Intuitive Parking Assist
Available sensors integrated into the front and rear bumpers help detect how close your vehicle is to surrounding objects. Audible warning tones and graphics in the multi-information console display and an available navigation screen assist the driver in knowing the location and proximity of objects around the vehicle.

Rear Spoiler
The rear spoiler on the RX 450h diffuses the air flowing over the back of the vehicle, decreasing turbulence, and contributing to a remarkably low coefficient of drag and excellent fuel efficiency. Beyond these primary functions, the spoiler also houses an additional rear taillamp and conceals the radio antenna and rear-window wiper for a sleeker appearance from behind.

Interior

Voice-Activated HDD Navigation System
The available voice-activated Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System on the RX 450h utilizes a high–resolution eight-inch LCD placed close to eye level to help you remain focused on the road. An intuitive interface was also developed to display a linear progression of your commands as you use different functions within the system. Featuring voice–command technology, you can search for destinations using your regular speaking voice and more natural phrasing. “Show me Chinese restaurants,” from the destination menu, for example, will display locations in your immediate vicinity. And once a destination is selected, the system will calculate up to three different routes and provide audible and visual directions as you drive.
The system also features NavTraffic™, which can provide real-time traffic reports on specific highways or routes and reroute you around congestion. And, for the first time on a utility vehicle, NavWeather™ , which can provide real-time weather reports for specific cities and even automatically alert you of severe weather. A complimentary 90-day trial subscription to SiriusXM services is included.

Heads-up Display
The available Heads-up Display system on the RX 450h AWD can project simple navigation directions, audio information and vehicle speed onto the windshield in front of you, so you can spend more time focused on the road ahead. Unlike other Heads-up Display systems that provide intersection names, requiring the driver to locate street signs, the navigation directions on the system in the RX 450h are provided using a countdown of the remaining distance before an action needs to be taken and an animated arrow that guides you intuitively through turns.

Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound Audio System and Lexus Premium Surround Sound Audio System
The placement and angle of every speaker and the careful consideration of every component were essential in the development of the Lexus Premium Audio System in the RX 450h. The result is a system that immerses the driver and passenger in remarkably vivid sound. For the true audiophile, an available 15-speaker Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound Audio System uses 7.1-channel architecture and 330 watts of maximum power, all channels driven at less than 0.1% THD, 20–20,000 Hz, to deliver a virtual sweet spot of sound that encompasses the entire cabin in sound quality that was once only reserved for six-figure home-audio systems.

Dual-Screen Rear-Seat Entertainment System
An available dual-screen Rear-Seat Entertainment System allows the left and right rear-seat passengers to watch or listen to the audio or video source of their choosing through independent A/V inputs. With seven-inch LCD screens located behind the driver’s and front passenger’s headrests, each system features a pair of wireless headphones and can be used as a DVD player, audio player or game console via audio and video input jacks. For your convenience, a single remote controls both systems, and a standard electrical outlet is also provided.

Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Whatever the weather, the available heated and ventilated front seats will be appreciated. On cold days, the seats can be heated to one of three settings through zones distributed throughout the seatbacks and lower seat cushions. For optimal comfort, the amount of heat provided varies by the location of the zone (your thighs get more heat than your upper back, for instance). In warmer weather, you can select from three ventilation settings to have fans housed inside the seatbacks and cushions circulate air through perforations in the leather trim.

Multi-Adjustable Rear Seats
The RX 450h’s rear seat is divided into three seating areas via a 40/20/40 split. To provide optimal comfort to your rear-seat passengers, each seating area can be individually adjusted in a variety of ways. For instance, seatbacks can be reclined up to 12 degrees. A leather-trimmed center armrest can be folded down for the outboard passengers. And each seat can slide independently, providing additional legroom or cargo space. For your convenience, there are also multiple ways to fold the rear seats flat: Ergonomic levers are located on sides of the outboard seats, and remote levers are located on either side of the cargo area.

Adaptable Cargo Area
The folding 40/20/40-split rear seats can slide forward or backward with little effort. Also included is a two-part tonneau cover which conceals valuables or loose gear when the rear hatch is closed and separates when the rear hatch is opened, enabling you to access items in the cargo area without retracting the cover. For added convenience, the rear seats fold effortlessly with remote levers on either side of the rear-door opening.

Multi-Information Display with Steering-Wheel Switchgear
The multi-information display on the RX 450h uses white OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology. Unlike conventional TFT displays that require backlighting, the OLED display on the RX 450h offers superior visibility through vibrant self-luminescent characters sharply displayed on a high-contrast black background and ensures readability from an angle wide enough for even the front passenger to read. A multi-information switch on the steering wheel enables the driver to operate the available Intuitive Park Assist, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) and to select an array of other personalized settings without removing your hands from the steering wheel.

HomeLink® Remote Control
The HomeLink® universal transceiver allows you to control up to three compatible remote devices—the garage door, your entry gate, even the living room lights—all with the touch of a button.

Courtesy Lamps
From exterior puddle lamps to the illuminated vehicle Power button, it’s easy to navigate the interior of an RX 450h. Overhead spotlamps are located above the front and rear seating areas, as well as in the driver and front-passenger footwell areas.

Performance

Hybrid Powertrain
The 2012 RX 450h features a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine that works differently than conventional engines to convert more of the energy generated during combustion into mechanical energy. It also features a hybrid battery that is lighter and more compact than that found in the previous-generation RX Hybrid. As a result of these advancements, the RX 450h produces a combined 295 horsepower and provides instantaneous torque when you need it most.
The RX 450h includes innovative systems that contribute to efficiency and a fuel-economy rating that surpasses that of an average four-cylinder midsize sedan. One of these systems is an Exhaust Heat-Recovery system that captures a portion of the exhaust gasses generated during startup and uses them to help warm the gasoline engine. On cold days, this can significantly reduce the time it takes for the RX 450h to reach a point where it can shut off the gasoline engine and function on battery power alone, by up to 15 minutes in some cases.

ECO Mode
To encourage a more efficient driving style, the RX 450h features an ECO mode that modifies the air conditioning’s load on the engine and regulates the throttle response for more efficient acceleration. Under certain conditions, the RX 450h can be operated in EV mode where it can function on battery power alone—a particularly useful feature when driving in residential areas at night and in enclosed areas like parking garages.

ECVT Automatic Transmission with Intelligent Shift Control System
The Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence (ECVT-i) on the RX 450h uses power from the engine and hybrid battery to drive the front wheels with peak efficiency. And, because it doesn’t have gears like a traditional transmission, shift shock is eliminated for smoother acceleration. The RX 450h is also the first hybrid utility vehicle to feature an Electronic continuously Variable Transmission with Intelligent Shift Control system. Enabling the driver to upshift or downshift by nudging the gearshift forward or backward, it provides greater responsiveness and maneuverability in different driving conditions.

Part-time All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
When accelerating from a stop or if front-wheel slippage is detected, the all-wheel drive system on the RX 450h is designed to electrically power the rear wheels, helping to provide additional drive force to propel the vehicle forward.

Superb Handling
Stiff unibody construction and front and rear stabilizer bars reduce body lean in corners and deliver overall ride quality like that of a luxury sedan. For greater agility and dynamic handling, the RX 450h features a low center of gravity courtesy of a low powertrain, a fully independent MacPherson strut front suspension and a completely unique double-wishbone rear suspension that took 30 separate tuning sessions to develop. The system not only helps to improve roadhandling grip, it also intrudes less into the cargo area, freeing up floor space.

Speed-Sensing Electronic Power Steering with Steering Torque Assist
A progressive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system on the RX 450h senses the vehicle speed and automatically delivers the appropriate level of steering assistance. The result is greater fuel efficiency and steering feel.
The RX 450h also features a steering torque assist system that can sense and respond when the vehicle is braking on a road with different levels of friction. For example, when braking with the left wheels on asphalt and the right wheels on snow, vehicles tend to deflect toward the higher-friction side due to the difference between the braking forces. By adding steering torque to balance the difference, vehicle control is enhanced.

Regenerative Braking
The RX 450h ensures its batteries remain properly charged through regenerative braking. Energy that’s normally lost as heat during braking, coasting or deceleration is captured as electrical power, which is then used to recharge the batteries. It’s one more reason why the RX 450h never needs to be plugged in.

Ventilated Disc Brakes
The RX 450h utilizes Actively Safe features for better braking and control. Ventilated front disc brakes have special ducts inside to better dissipate heat, which helps improve braking performance. For greater brake feel and further effectiveness, a twin-piston caliper design is used on the front brakes, and the rotor size has been increased on the rear brakes.

Safety & Security

Class-leading 10-Airbag System
The RX 450h leads its class with a total of 10 airbags . The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in the RX 450h includes front seat-mounted side-impact airbags that provide a larger protection area than conventional side airbags. A driver’s dual-stage airbag deploys at one of two speeds, depending on factors like crash severity and driver’s seat-track position. And the front passenger’s dual-stage, twin-chamber airbag uses occupant weight and crash-severity sensors to monitor its deployment. Also included are front and rear roll-sensing side curtain airbags, outboard rear seat-mounted airbags and driver’s and front passenger’s knee airbags.

Vehicle Stability Features
Utilizing a sophisticated network of sensors that monitor everything from speed, to steering, to braking, the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system can anticipate a loss of traction and correct it before it occurs. When VDIM detects a potential loss of traction, it seamlessly integrates steering, braking, Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)  to help the driver maintain control. All within a fraction of a second. The system is so advanced it can even sense if the wheels are driving on different surfaces—a wet road on the left and an icy shoulder on the right, for instance—and add steering torque to either side to help account for the difference.

Active Front Headrests
The RX 450h comes equipped with active front headrests for the driver and front passenger. In certain low-speed rear-end collisions, the active front headrests use the force of the occupant’s body against the seatback to move the headrest diagonally upward and forward instantaneously to help support the head, thereby helping to reduce the severity of whiplash-type injuries.

Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System
The direct Tire Pressure Monitor System in the RX 450h constantly monitors the air pressure of all tires, including the spare. When it senses that tire pressure is critically low, it alerts the driver with an indicator light.

ABS with Brake Assist
Stepping on the brake pedal quickly and forcefully during an emergency situation activates the four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist . Once activated, the system provides supplemental braking power if the driver does not apply enough pressure to the pedal. And to help provide even greater control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) modulates the amount of fluid pressure distributed to the front and rear brakes.

Reinforced Body
The RX 450h is built with a welded-steel unibody frame, strong box-section, side-impact door beams and impact-dissipating front and rear crumple zones. As a result of information gathered during the 233 crash tests performed on the RX during development, reinforcements to the roof, roof header, floor, crossmembers and the A-pillar help provide increased buckling strength and enhanced load sustainability when buckled, helping to reduce the deformation of the cabin in the event of certain collisions.

Smart Stop Technology
For additional peace of mind, this safety feature is designed to automatically reduce engine power when the driver is pressing down the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time under certain conditions. When the brake pedal is released, the Smart Stop Technology disengages. The feature does not engage if the brake pedal is pressed before the accelerator.

Exterior
Exterior Styling
The LS 600h L features a Lexus badge with an exclusive Hybrid design on the front grille and rear decklid, as well as a Hybrid badge on the lower rear door. In addition, you’ll find an LS 600h L badge on the rear of the vehicle, as well as subtle blue tinting on the headlamps and taillamps for a more sophisticated appearance.

Wet-Sanded Paint Finish
For a smoother, more lustrous finish, areas of the LS 600h L are wet-sanded by hand during the paint application process. Wet-sanding removes imperfections in the paint’s surface. But since this is such a time-consuming process, it’s rarely performed on production vehicles.

Advanced Parking Guidance System
The Advanced Parking Guidance System is designed to help the driver parallel park the LS 600h L or back it into a space. Simply align the vehicle frame on the navigation screen, place the vehicle in reverse, select a button, remove your hands from the steering wheel and regulate the vehicle’s speed by using the brake to ease into the parking spot.

Alloy Wheels
The standard 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on the LS 600h L feature an exclusive seven-spoke design. With their Liquid Graphite finish, they make a bold statement while complementing the sleek exterior of the LS 600h L. In addition, these larger wheels are fitted with low-profile all-season tires for better handling. An 18-inch seven-spoke Teleios alloy wheel is also available. Or you may opt for the available 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a sporty 10-spoke design.

SmartAccess
Using a unique secure code, the SmartAccess key enables you to unlock and open all four of the vehicle’s doors and its trunk without removing the transmitter from your purse, pocket or briefcase. There is no visible key cylinder. After the sensors detect the presence of your SmartAccess key—either in the form of a key fob or keycard—the door will unlock the moment you touch the handle. SmartAccess even activates the lighting entry system to illuminate your points of entry, from the exterior puddle lamps to the ignition button. Once you’re inside, all that’s required is a simple push of a button to start the hybrid system.

Automated Access
Simply place the door in a closed position and the power door closer will latch it securely. Additionally, the trunk lid can be automatically raised and lowered by pressing either the button located near the steering wheel or the one on the key fob. A button for raising the trunk lid is also concealed on the rear license-plate holder, and one for lowering it can be found on the bottom edge of the trunk lid itself.

Exterior Lighting
The LS 600h L is the world’s first vehicle to be equipped with Light-Emitting Diode (LED) headlamps for low-beam use. Not only are these headlamps more energy-efficient, they last longer than conventional bulbs. Each headlamp is fitted with five LED lights, which have a subtle blue tint, giving this LS a more modern appearance. When driving through curves, the Dual-swivel Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) allows the headlamps to turn and illuminate the road. If turning speed exceeds 19 mph, both headlamps will swivel. At lower speeds, a single headlamp rotates up to 10 degrees for right turns, and 20 degrees when turning left. LEDs can also be found in the taillamps and center stoplight. Since LED bulbs tend to illuminate faster than conventional bulbs, drivers behind you may have more time to react after you’ve stepped on the brake pedal. In addition, the outside mirrors feature puddle lamps to light your way.

Intelligent High-Beam Headlamps
Helping to provide greater visibility to the driver without compromising the visibility of other drivers on the road, the LS Hybrid features intelligent high-beam headlamps . Depending upon conditions, they can operate in high-beam mode until a camera mounted in the back of the rearview mirror detects an oncoming vehicle or other vehicles traveling closely ahead. The headlamps will then automatically enter into low-beam mode until vehicles are no longer detected ahead.

Intuitive Parking Assist
Six ultrasonic sensors on the front and four on the rear of the vehicle help Intuitive Parking Assist detect the distance between the LS 600h L and surrounding objects. When another vehicle or object is in close proximity, the system alerts the driver. Distance is indicated on the navigation screen, accompanied by audible beeps. As the vehicle gets closer to the object, the beeping becomes more frequent, and the distance markers on the display slowly disappear.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
To help maintain a pre-set following distance, the available Dynamic Radar Cruise Control sensor uses radar technology. Should the LS 600h L get too close to the vehicle ahead, the throttle is automatically reduced and the brakes are applied. As soon as the road ahead clears, the LS 600h L returns to its pre-set speed.

Electrochromic Outside Mirrors
The outside mirrors of the LS 600h L have built-in sensors that can detect excessive light. When light levels get too high, the electrochromic technology automatically dims the mirrors’ reflectivity to help reduce glare. These mirrors are also heated to dissipate condensation, and tilt down when the LS 600h L is placed in reverse, for enhanced viewing when parking alongside a curb. In addition, the mirrors can automatically power-fold when the doors are locked or at the touch of a button.

Interior

Executive-Class Seating
The available Executive-Class Seating comes with a select group of luxurious amenities. A Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES) includes a DVD player with remote control, wireless headphones and an integrated power nine-inch LCD screen that descends automatically from the ceiling. The rear seats are power-adjustable and feature heating/cooling settings. The right rear seat can also recline and includes a built-in leg rest and a massager for even more indulgence. And the left-rear seat feature a power lumbar massager. A beautifully designed wood-trimmed table swivels into place between the rear seats. Additionally, the cabin’s climate is maintained by an infrared temperature sensor, which assesses each rear-seat passenger’s surface temperature, then adjusts the climate-control air conditioning.

HDD Navigation System
The next-generation voice-activated Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System on the LS 600h L features a touch-sensitive screen for inputting information, as well as an advanced voice-command system that allows you to search for destinations using your natural speaking voice. For example, if you say, “Show me gas stations,” you’ll be presented with locations in your immediate vicinity. And once you select a destination, the system will calculate up to three different routes and provide audible and visual directions as you drive.

NavTraffic™, NavWeather™, Sports and Stocks
While available SiriusXM Satellite Radio offers diverse and commercial-free music programming, available NavTraffic™  can provide real-time traffic reports on specific highways or routes and reroute you around congestion. Available NavWeather™  can give real-time weather reports for specific cities and even automatically alert you of severe weather.

Energy Monitor
The energy monitor in the LS 600h L allows the driver to observe the way the hybrid system operates. All the major components are represented, from the gasoline engine and electric-drive motor to the batteries and wheels. As the vehicle accelerates, brakes or coasts, animated arrows on the screen show which way the power is being supplied, letting the driver see just how efficiently the vehicle is running.

Mark Levinson® Surround Sound
The Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound Audio System  features 19 custom-made speakers—many with metal cones for superior sound quality—strategically placed throughout the cabin. Powered by a 15-channel 450-watt amplifier rated at less than 0.1% THD, 20–20,000 Hz , the system includes 7.1-channel speaker architecture, ensuring an ideal experience for even the most discerning listener.
Standard on the LS 600h L, you’ll find a USB input and MP3/WMA port located just inside the center armrest. The USB input allows you to navigate through your personal audio content using the controls in the navigation screen.
Or, compatible portable audio players enabled with Bluetooth® audio profile capability can be controlled using the onboard audio controls. And, because it’s a wireless technology, your entire music library is accessible without ever taking the player out of your pocket or purse.

SiriusXM Satellite Radio
SiriusXM Satellite Radio offers a tremendous variety of virtually commercial-free programming across the country. With the available SiriusXM Radio service, you can control all the features through an integrated audio head unit.
Available SiriusXM Satellite Radio offers diverse programming through a nationwide network of over 170 digital channels, including music, news, sports, lifestyle, weather and NavTraffic™, which is real-time traffic information provided by SiriusXM Radio.

Lexus Enform® with Safety Connect
One button. That’s all it takes to speak to a live response center agent, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You don’t have to memorize any numbers, navigate through seemingly endless screens—or even have your cell phone with you.
Looking for a particular destination? Simply press the available Destination Assist button. Once you’ve decided on a location, your Lexus Enform® agent can send turn-by-turn directions straight to your vehicle’s Navigation System . Planning a trip? You also have the option of using eDestination to pre-select up to 200 destinations online and have them all sent to your vehicle.
But the available Lexus Enform with Safety Connect® isn’t just about finding your way. It’s also about receiving emergency help at a moment’s notice, whether that means assisting the police with locating your stolen vehicle using Stolen Vehicle Location or just sending Enhanced Roadside Assistance to your vehicle’s location through its GPS signal. The Safety Connect service also features Automatic Collision Notification, which sends emergency assistance if the vehicle’s airbags have been deployed or there is a severe rear-end collision.
Lexus Enform with Safety Connect are separate subscription services. A one-year trial subscription for is included with new vehicle purchase. Navigation System is needed for the use of Lexus Enform.

Luxurious Appointments
The LS 600h L interior includes such features as a buffed leather-trimmed steering wheel and Yamaha®-crafted wood trim on the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel and passenger-assist grips. The power rear sunshade raises at the touch of a button and automatically lowers when the car is placed in reverse. And power rear-door sunshades help keep the cabin cool on sunnier days and can be raised or lowered with the touch of a button. Interior LED lights illuminate the cabin as soon as the driver is within the SmartAccess  system range, remaining lit for 15 seconds or until the door is opened. The cabin’s ceiling also features a plush headliner made from Alcantara®, a synthetic material that has the look and feel of suede, but is much more durable and easier to care for.

Luxury Seating
The power-adjustable, 16-way driver’s seat in the LS 600h L features lumbar support for both the upper and lower back. The front passenger has a 12-way power-adjustable seat, including lumbar support. Available rear power seats allow passengers to recline and adjust their headrest height for maximum comfort while also offering a power lumbar massage and adjustable butterfly headrests. The seating, armrests and instrument panel of the LS 600h L are trimmed with superior quality semi-aniline leather. This extremely soft leather is dyed all the way through, unlike the conventional surface dyeing process. In addition, a higher grade of leather is used, since imperfections cannot be hidden. The Lexus Memory System will save settings for three different drivers and front-seat passengers. The positioning of the driver’s side exterior mirror and steering wheel are also retained.

Climate & Comfort
The available rear climate-comfort seats mean the passengers can stay comfortable no matter what the conditions are outside. These seats feature several levels of radiant heat for cold weather and can switch to air-conditioned ventilation for warmer days, while a heated steering wheel warms your hands. Another available feature, the four-zone automatic climate control with smog sensor and automatic recirculation, allows individual temperature settings for all passengers, while an infrared sensor constantly monitors the rear-seat passengers’ body surface temperatures to maintain the desired settings. Diffusers overhead can automatically cool or heat the rear zones as required. This system also includes an Air Purifier, which helps keep the cabin free of dust and pollen.

Lexus Personalized Settings
Lexus Personalized Settings provides the driver with access to a number of customizable functions that were once only adjustable through your Lexus dealer.
Prefer to have all of the doors unlock with one press of your remote button? A convenient on-screen menu makes it easy. You can also adjust things like the smog sensor’s sensitivity or how long the interior lights remain on after you turn off the engine. Best of all, since you can make all of the adjustments yourself, you can easily try out different settings to see which ones are best suited for you.

Gauges
Stunning. That’s the only way to describe this new Thin Film Transistor (TFT) color display. The moment the power switch is activated, this sharp, brilliant screen comes to life, quickly drawing the outlines of all the gauges, followed by each respective scale. A large speedometer is at the center, flanked by a tachometer, hybrid system indicator, fuel gauge and an engine coolant temperature gauge. This is also where all important indicators are located, including those for shift position, outside temperature and turn-by-turn directions from the included Navigation System.

Performance

LS Hybrid Performance
This powerful 5.0-liter engine features both port and direct fuel injection. In addition, this V8 is paired with a high-output electric-drive motor, giving the LS 600h L a total 438 system horsepower and a 0-to-60 time of a mere 5.5 seconds.

Dual Variable Valve Timing
The dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and Electronic intake valve timing (VVT-iE) system continuously monitors the engine’s speed and load to provide optimum valve timing for all driving conditions. Both intake and exhaust valve timing are adjusted throughout all speed ranges to help improve torque and fuel economy while reducing exhaust emissions. The intake valves operate using VVT-iE, an electronically controlled system that improves valve timing even when engine oil temperature or engine speed is low.

Direct Injection
With this direct injection system, a more effective mixture of air and fuel is attained. This boosts overall power. Plus, with the extra control over the air/fuel ratio, mileage is also improved. This system, in conjunction with traditional port injection, helps to achieve a smoother running engine and improved drivability.

EV Mode
EV mode allows the vehicle to operate at low speeds for short distances under certain conditions on the electric motor alone and will not use the gasoline engine. This technology has two major benefits: low noise and zero emissions. Maximum driving distance for EV mode is approximately one-half of a mile, depending on battery charge and driving conditions.

Super Ultra-Low Emissions
While high performance can often mean higher emissions, the LS 600h L is certified as a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II).

ECVT
In order to operate at peak efficiency, the Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) effectively combines engine and electric power according to driving conditions. This results in a smooth, seamless acceleration and better fuel efficiency, regardless of vehicle speed.

All-Wheel Drive
To offer a smooth yet responsive ride, the LS 600h L is equipped with the world’s first full V8 hybrid system. It uses a TORSEN® limited-slip center differential to direct power between the front and rear wheels. This provides improved traction and control on a wide range of road surfaces and in a variety of weather conditions.

Adaptive Variable Air Suspension
The shock absorbers featured in the Adaptive Variable Air Suspension (AVS) are electronically modulated and automatically change damping rates to accommodate a variety of driving conditions. Unlike traditional coil springs, these air springs can be inflated or deflated to better suit your ride preference. A three-position switch on the console allows you to adjust the suspension for either Normal, Comfort or Sport driving.

Regenerative Braking
One way the LS 600h L can help ensure that its battery remains properly charged is through regenerative braking. With this system, energy that is normally lost as heat during braking, coasting or deceleration is captured as electrical power, which is then used to recharge the battery.

Electronic Power Steering
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) allows the driver to steer while a computer analyzes driving conditions and adjusts the responsiveness accordingly. This lighter-weight system requires fewer parts, including no replacement of the power-steering fluid or pump. The result is steering that’s quicker, quieter and more efficient than conventional steering methods. Plus, because the motor consumes energy only when power assist is necessary, it can even help improve fuel economy.

Safety & Security

360 Degrees of Safety
There’s safety. Then there’s Lexus safety. That’s why the LSh has features to help protect you before, during or after an accident. This is the luxury of confidence. This is the pursuit of 360 Degrees of Safety in the LSh. To learn more, click on the features below.

Airbags
To help provide occupants with an advanced level of protection, the LS 600h L is equipped with a comprehensive network of airbags. These include a sophisticated dual-stage driver’s and front passenger’s advanced airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) that deploys at different speeds, depending on such factors as crash severity and the driver’s seat-track position.
A slight depression in the center of the front passenger’s twin-chamber airbag helps disperse the forces applied to the passenger immediately after deployment.
The LS 600h L also features front and rear side curtain airbags (SRS) that are designed to help provide additional protection for the occupants’ heads during certain side impacts. In addition, front seat-mounted side airbags (SRS) are integrated into the front seats themselves. Which means, where the seat is positioned, the airbags are designed to deploy in locations consistent with respect to the driver and front passenger. The available rear-seat side airbags (SRS) help keep rear passengers protected in certain types of severe side impacts. And standard knee airbags (SRS) help protect the driver and front passenger in a severe frontal collision.

Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) with Driver Attention Monitor
The world’s first available Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS)  with Driver Attention Monitor uses an infrared camera that is designed to monitor the direction of the driver’s face while the vehicle is in motion. The system can warn the driver and, if necessary, help apply the brakes to alert the driver if an object is detected ahead while the driver is facing away from the road. Once a collision is determined to be unavoidable, the system then preps the Brake Assist  for increased braking effectiveness once the brakes are applied. It can also retract the front seatbelts as well as apply the brakes to help reduce collision damage.
The system features stereo cameras to help detect objects in the vehicle’s path, plus infrared technology to enhance nighttime operation. An Active Pedestrian Detection System also uses these stereo cameras and is designed to detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path, and can apply the brakes to help reduce vehicle speed.

Vehicle Stability Features
While conventional vehicle and control features wait until a loss of traction has occurred, the LS 600h L features the breakthrough Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. Working with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), VDIM can predict and take steps to help prevent loss of traction during a turn. When a series of sensors detects a problem, the system is designed to use a combination of individual-wheel braking, throttle activation and steering assistance to seamlessly correct the situation before a loss of traction actually occurs, thus helping the driver keep the vehicle on track. On slippery surfaces, Traction Control (TRAC) helps maximize the grip of each wheel separately to help reduce wheelspin.

Electronic Controlled Braking (ECB) & ABS with Brake Assist
An important component of the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, Electronic Controlled Braking (ECB) uses a sensor to determine the brake pedal’s position and then activates the master cylinder accordingly.
In addition, a sophisticated Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) helps the driver maintain directional control, even during hard braking. A technology called Brake Assist helps to ensure that sufficient brake pressure is applied during an emergency stop. By monitoring how quickly and forcefully the brake pedal is pressed, Brake Assist helps compensate by automatically applying increased braking boost until the pedal is released.

Reinforced Body
Crumple zones at the front and rear of the LS 600h L help absorb impact energy by compressing at a controlled rate. And to help protect occupants during side collisions, the reinforced side-impact door beams are designed to resist cabin intrusion.

Advanced Active Front Headrests
The LS 600h L is the first Lexus to offer an advanced active front headrest system. When the system detects certain low-speed rear-end collisions, it is designed to instantly send a signal to an inflation device within each front seat. When triggered, these devices force the front sections of the headrests up and forward, helping to support the driver’s and front passenger’s head and reduce the severity of a whiplash injury.

Safety Connect
Safety Connect means additional peace of mind—24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the event of a severe rear-end collision or when the vehicle’s airbagsdeploy, Automatic Collision Notification can send a request for help—even when you can’t. And should you report your vehicle stolen, the Stolen Vehicle Location service can help the police recover it quicker once a stolen vehicle report is filed. Safety Connect also includes Enhanced Roadside Assistance, which allows you to get help for things like a flat tire with a simple press of the Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), which can also be used for other emergencies.
Safety Connect is a subscription service. A one-year trial subscription is included with new vehicle purchase.

Tire Pressure Monitor System
Each tire on the LS 600h L is continually monitored by a dedicated sensor. If tire pressure drops below a predetermined level, a radio transmitter in the valve stem sends a signal to the computer, which then alerts the driver by activating a warning light on the instrument panel.