What is it?
The second incarnation of Lexus’s SUV, only this time it’s hybrid only – at least in the UK (some European markets and the US get the V6 petrol model, too.) The body’s all new but underneath is a platform shared with the US-market Toyota Highlander and the drivetrain is an evolution of the RX400h’s.
So that means the same set-up, with the same CVT gearbox containing a motor and a second motor in the back axle. The clever bit, the power management unit, is new – it's smaller, lighter and more efficient – and the engine, still a V6, now runs on the Atkinson cycle, which does a better job of turning petrol into energy. It’s heavy though –over two tonnes and 70kg more than the 400h.
Lexus claims an admirable 148g/km of CO2, which makes it the least likely SUV to contribute to global meltdown, and 44.8mpg – impressive figures for a car in this class.
And because this is the Euro-spec RX, it gets retuned suspension and a retuned power management unit that will provide better off the line acceleration but still (Lexus claims) return comparable fuel consumption.
What’s it like?
Strongly reminiscent of the 400h, but about 50 per cent better all round. Inside the quality’s improved and there’s a new infotainment controller that replaces the touch screen system with an iDrive style central control unit. This one resembles a computer mouse – you move a cursor round the screen with a joystick. Lexus calls it Remote Touch and it works well, and will find its way into other Lexus models soon.
Join the debate
tommallett
Re: Lexus RX 450h
[quote Autocar]There is a minor penalty in fuel economy for this power [/quote]
Seriously...the fuel economy was awful before, I never managed to get more than about 25mpg before and its awful to drive, so thats not even driving spiritedly.
Vanquish
Re: Lexus RX 450h
I liked the old RX, but this thing looks dated already, those rear lights are like the MK1 RX, its all gone backwards. Might look better in the metal but I don't like what I see so far.
glorfindel
Re: Lexus RX 450h
According to me, it's one of the ugliest suv on yhe market.
theonlydt
Re: Lexus RX 450h
By the way - at the moment it reads "emphasis is on comfort rather than ecology". I get the feeling you mean "economy".
Squonk61
Re: Lexus RX 450h
The concept of trying to make hybrid things this size is lost on me (more packaging opportunities aside) - you want ecology (I think it was meant) you just buy something slightly smaller than Lichtenstein.Or you just make it a little smaller and lighter..
But the to make a new one and reduce its economy? And release it in the current financial climate?
Just what are those guys smoking?
Hookey
Re: Lexus RX 450h
The article quotes 2 mpg figures: in the text 32.4mpg (UK) and in the yellow data box below 44.8mpg. Quite a difference. Can you clarify which of the mpg figures is more representative?
Audi Tastic
Re: Lexus RX 450h
Are these things congestion charge free?
tommallett
Re: Lexus RX 450h
[quote Hookey]The article quotes 2 mpg figures: in the text 32.4mpg (UK) and in the yellow data box below 44.8mpg. Quite a difference. Can you clarify which of the mpg figures is more representative?[/quote]
25mpg.
Lanehogger
Re: Lexus RX 450h
Second incarnation of Lexus' SUV? Make that third generation Autocar. Do your homework!
Penny9966
Re: Lexus RX 450h
With the savings (on the aussie market alone) most people would go for the V6 unless they really wanted the green credential. For the premium of the hybrid, I for one could not justify the cost!
Pages
Add your comment