TEST DRIVING THE NEW LEXUS HYBRID LUXURY SEDAN: “This model is, however, sure to surprise a lot of prospective buyers accustomed to hearing about hybrids with gas mileage in the 40- to 60-mpg range. There’s a story of fuel efficiency behind the LS 600h—the story of a V8 engine that has the power of a V12, with the mileage of many V-6 cars. Nevertheless, with an estimated 20 city/22 highway miles per gallon (I got closer to 19 mpg), this vehicle isn’t putting any oil sheiks out of business. But with a sticker price of $102,000, it is probably marketed to them. . . . The lesson I take from this car is that the German luxury brands have little to no competitive advantage over Lexus anymore.”