Nothing like unseasonable weather to test the limits of a car deemed luxury — particularly when the luxury segment is being turned on it’s head by the stormy perceptions of the moment. These are the make or break entrants — the hybrid SUVS.
Time again extreme weather is the real test of comfort, durability and sensibility — which is the real measure of new luxury. In these times, luxury is no longer about cache, but more about cozy — the indulgences worth investing in. And so the weekend wave of sweltering heat that took over the tri-state area proved to be a good measure of the new prototype Lexus RX450 h. By our estimation, RX450h passed the test. [click to continue…]
Here’s me trying to look wealthy and nonchalant. While, this act might not work so well on me, that’s what’s required to invade the psyche of the 2009 Lexus 600h L buyer. The super lux Lex is akin to a private jet that operates on bio-fuel. Who buys a $115,000 plus car and tauts conservation? (That was the price tag on my tester) anyway? Those that can, silly. And in these days while the good money crowd is dwindling, the superior luxury riders stand out. Think of this driver as those that roam on the next level of social elitism, or else are oil tycoons (with a guilty conscious.)
Hence, here’s a sedan that makes virtually no sense. But then again who are righteous environmentalists to judge anyways? And if approached from the assumption that this car is about the possibilities and potentials, and has nothing to do with logic, reality or reducing conspicuous consumption, 600h introduces an interesting inflection to the conversation on greener luxury. It weighs a hefty 5219 pounds and chokes down a 438 hp V8 and moves around at a measly 20 mpg. Even the big ole’ Cadillac Escalade hybrid gets better numbers. And yes, a smaller gasoline engine car can almost double these epa stats. While all of this has been pointed out, it’s not like the release of this sexy beast is singlehandedly blasting the market. Think of this car as a diamond-studded stepping stone to a perfect planet.
While only 2000 were built of the 2008, 2009 ventures into ultra exclusive editions with the recent run of 50 limited edition Pebble Beach rides.
The Pebble Beach LS 600h is made with truffle mica exterior paint, two-tone alabaster, black leather and maple wood trim. Also included are Pebble Beach accents and illuminated blue scuff plates. All logic set aside, let’s discuss driving the 600h. It’s damn fun, roaring down the street making passerbys money mean green with envy. I probably had more fun in this Lexus than any other in their model lineup, savoring the silence of the still hybrid and all that brash power as I sunk in sumptuous leather. And it felt like the needle on the gas tank never budged. While the 600h is undeniably enchanting to drive, the work is in itself a statement, of how the trend-conscious wealthy aspire toward high-end greenery.
