Aside from debuting the standard LS 460 in San Francisco, Lexus->ke47 has also unveiled the hybrid version of their new LS line-up: the LS 600h L. The model features the same exterior design language as the standard LS 460, but combines a 5.0 liter V8 engine with two electric motors for a total output of 438 HP, making it the most powerful LS in the line-up. It will be offered with full-time AWD system.

The new LS 600h L measures a total of 205 inches in length, 73.8 inches in width, and 58.3 inches in height, and offers seating capacity for five people. The exterior will offer the same inverted trapezoid-shaped upper and bottom-wide lower grille, LED headlights, and a new set of 19" alloy wheels in a seven spoke design. Customers will distinguish the model thanks to its hybrid-specific characteristics, including blue accents in the front headlamps, front and rear "L" badges, "Hybrid" side badging, a "600h" badge on the rear, and an "LS 600h L" badge on the engine cover.

Updated 12/03/2012: Lexus has unveiled a very cool launch video for their new LS 600h. The movie presents details of the car's exterior and interior and will help you making a better idea on the new generation LS.

Hit the jump to read more about the Lexus LS 600h L.

Exterior and Interior

The new LS 600h L (extended wheelbase) measures a total of 205 inches in length, 73.8 inches width, and 58.3 inches in height. With a curb weight of 5,115 lbs, it offers a weight distribution of 52/48 front/rear.

Just like all of the other LS models in the line-up, the hybrid version has received an inverted trapezoidal upper grille and a slanted lower grille, as well as a three projector LED headlamp unit which adds LED exterior lighting for both the turn signals and the fog lamps. The LS 600h, however, will be distinguished by the usual hybrid-specific characteristics, like blue accents in the front headlamps, front and rear "L" badges, "Hybrid" side badging, a "600h" badge on the rear, and an "LS 600h L" badge on the engine cover.

For the interior, the hybrid LS combines Alcantara with a heated wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel. Customers will get to choose between five interior colors: Parchment, Light Gray, Flaxen, Black, and Black/Saddle Tan.

Engine

Under the hood, the LS 600h L combines a 5.0-liter V8 engine delivering a total of 389 HP and a peak torque of 385 lb-ft with two electric motors and an Ni-MH battery pack which increases the output to an impressive 438 HP. The hybrid system is mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT).

The LS 600h L will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, while top speed is again limited to 130 mph.

Prices

Prices for the new Lexus LS 600h L will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The list of competitors for the new LS 600h L includes models like the Audi A8 Hybrid and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. The A8 hybrid combines a 2.0 TFSI and an electric motor for a total output of 245 HP and a peak torque of 345.03 lb-ft. The ActiveHybrid 7 combines a V8 gasoline engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor for a total of 449 HP.