2016 Lexus LS 600HL

Most of the luxury car brands we know today had relatively humble roots: BMW, for example, came to prominence with the 2002, a compact coupe.

Lexus was far more audacious in its aspirations when this upscale Toyota brand launched in 1989, their first model being the full-size LS luxury sedan.

While the basic concept of the car has changed little since its inception, many of the details are modern, like the gas-electric hybrid powertrain under the LS 600h L's hood.

The L in this model's name refers to the long-wheelbase chassis the hybrid model rides on exclusively; a short-wheelbase model is offered only in base LS 460 trim. Along with the extra rear-seat space the larger body lends the interior, the LS 600h L is also the poshest version of the LS and boasts the longest list of standard features of any LS.

Despite an MSRP of $147,200 (up about $20,000 over the 2015 model), the LS 600h L is one of the best values among full-size luxury sedans. Similarly-equipped German competitors come in at closer to $200,000, and none of them boast this Lexus' high-tech drivetrain, sticking instead with more conventional V8 engines.

Which is not to say nothing about the LS 600h L's powertrain isn't conventional. Sure, there's a 5.0L V8 under that hood, but it's paired with two electric motors to crank out 439 hp and at least 384 lb-ft of torque, though that latter figure is for the gas engine alone. Fuel consumption estimates, according to Natural Resources Canada test methods, are 12.7/10.1 L/100 km (city/highway).

LS 600h L exclusives include soft-touch heater controls, rear seats with power adjustments, massage settings and heating and cooling functions, powered rear headrests and lumbar, acoustic glass, LCD gauge cluster, wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel, leather-trimmed lower dashboard, power open/close trunk, radar cruise control, power-folding side mirrors and adaptive headlights.

That's a full car's worth of stuff, and it doesn't even include items carried over from the LS 460 models, like a power-adjustable steering column, four-zone automatic climate control with infrared body temperature sensor, 19-speaker stereo, heated and cooled front seats with 16-way power adjustments, a right-side rear-seat ottoman, navigation, woodgrain interior trim, rear-seat cool box and powered rear door sunshades, intelligent keyless entry, power-assist doors, front and rear parking sensors, easy-close trunk and night vision assist.