2013 Lexus LS 600h L: Executive Luxury Hybrid

When we think hybrid, we don't often think luxury mega-sedan, but that's exactly what you get with the new 2013 Lexus 600h L. While it shares much of its core elements with the previous model, a new look and some updates to the powertrain give the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid shopper another alternative.

With the new LS 600h L, you're getting the exact same package in new paper: it's all restyling, inside and out, with no touches to the 389-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 engine or the paired motor-generator 221-kW hybrid drive system, or its battery pack. Gas mileage, performance, capabilities, ranges all remain the same.

That's a disappointment to fans that had hoped Lexus would take the now six-year-old hybrid and give it a bit greener means of motivation.

The previous generation did not prove popular on the whole, despite its 19 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined fuel economy rating, figures that closely match the S400 Hybrid and ActiveHybrid 7--though they lag the S350 BlueTEC diesel's 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

No matter which hybrid luxury executive sedan you choose, you're not talking about a once-a-month fill-up, but you're looking at saving 5 or more mpg combined compared to the full-size, powerful, non-hybrid executive limousines, without giving up much in the way of performance.

For now, only a rough spec sheet confirming the 2013 model's sameness to the 2012 LS 600h L has been released. We expect more thorough details, including updates to the technology, infotainment, navigation, and telematics systems, to be released closer to the car's retail sales start this fall.

For now, enjoy the images, and let us know what you would have liked to see from the 2013 Lexus LS 600h L in the comments below. Read on to page two for the full spec sheet.