Lexus LS 500h hybrid unveiled

The hybrid Lexus LS 500h has been officially unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show following the launch of the petrol-powered V6 model in Detroit at the beginning of the year. Lexus’ new LS 500h is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and two electric motors, which produces a combined 264kW matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid can achieve 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds, and can run at up to 140km/h with the petrol engine shut off. The lithium-ion battery is 20 per cent smaller than the unit inside the LS 600h, providing an extra 25 litres of luggage space. The powertrain is matched with the new luxury platform, which debuted in the LC coupe and features here with a longer wheelbase. The platform design allows the car’s centre of gravity to be lower and moves the mass to the centre of the chassis. Adaptive variable suspension helps to increase wheel control and steering response. An advanced safety system features the world’s first intuitive pedestrian detection function with active steering. If the system detects a pedestrian on the road and judges a collision is imminent, it will automatically apply the car’s brakes and steer around the person, while keeping to its traffic lane. The car is also equipped with up to 14 airbags and the all-new CoDrive support system, which provides steering control, which adjusts to driver preferences, and continuous driving support on motorways. Details on pricing and a release timeframe are to come.