Lexus RX 450h

By most standards, has the luxury Lexus SUV hybrid is called a smash success since it was first held in 2006 to life. A significant number of Lexus SUV buyers opted for the "hybrid upgrade" to make the Lexus RX 400h, as it was known that, almost as popular as the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Until November 2011, the RX 450h, the second best-selling Lexus hybrid models, limited by the peak of the CT 200h compact sedan.
Dormant after leaving the original series RX hybrid in 2009, Toyota came back in the 2010 model year with the 450h, which delivers more power available and significantly lower fuel consumption. In other words, they raised the ante.
What is the significance of the shift in the vehicle, the name of 400h to 450h number? In the gas powered versions, the number is a code for the shift is, it means that the RX 350, that the vehicle has a 3.5-liter engine. Lexus punch those numbers in the hybrids are the RX 450h because of the combination of a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and electric motor-generator, the power of a 4.5-liter engine.

For model year 2012, the RX 450h has no significant changes. The RX 450h is to start in the front-wheel drive (FWD) model with a base price of $ 45,235 and a four-wheel drive (AWD) versions at $ 46,845. The prices reflect a $ 500 more than in model year 2011 for both cars.The gas-electric RX 450h features a 3.5-liter V-6 Atkinson-cycle engine (a cheaper version of the conventional four-stroke gasoline engine), which is rated at 245 horsepower and 234 pound-feet of torque. The front-drive hybrid powertrain uses two motor-generators model. One is a motor-driven generator, which acts as a starter and can charge the battery or other power electric motors as needed recharge. The second is a 167-hp engine, which uses the gas engine to power the front wheels. The overall performance of this coupling is 295 hp. And no, the combined number of 295 hp not a typo. Peak power for the gas RX 450h occur the engine and the electric motor at different speeds. Therefore, in combination represent peak power delivery capabilities in real terms, taking into account the unique peak occurs at any speed.The motor and the drive motor with a continuously variable transmission, which aims at the power management is means that the RX 450h maximizes efficiency. In addition to the engine and the engine is a 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery is properly in the second row of seats. If the vehicle decelerates, absorbs some of the energy and power source.
A third, rear-mounted motor-generator is added with the AWD model to the rear wheels for steering. Although the luxury hybrid SUV is a four-wheel drive car, it is not suitable for off-road. The system has no mechanical drive shaft from front to back, and no energy transfer gearbox. Instead, only provide more torque from the rear surface as electrical demand.
Like all Lexus hybrid, the RX 450h in the purely electric or gas engine-only mode and a combination of the two works. Under certain circumstances, a driver-selectable EV mode the vehicle short distances (ie, a mile or so) with the driving electric motors. And is sufficiently charged with the batteries, the hybrid system of the engine when the vehicle is stationary, and then again when the brake pedal is released.The result of this electronic wizardry with the V-6 combines an EPA fuel economy rating of 32/28 city / highway and 30 combined with the FWD model, while the AWD version has estimates of 30/28/29. This is the best economy of all luxury SUV available - gasoline, diesel or hybrid.
Outside
Critics blasted early Lexus models for non-implementation of the distinction from the competition - some said the cars looked like they were glued together from the remains of other luxury cars. This is not the case anymore. Lexus has now called an aesthetic philosophy "L-finesse" which, if nothing else, it helped forge a clear stylistic identity, an automobile manufacturer. The RX 450h is the second generation of the L-finesse design with the fastback profile, low-set grille and sharp angular elements. Pronounced front fenders flow into the doors, and integrated rear fender flares neatly in order to get close to sweep to the rear corners of the vehicle.The RX 450h hybrid has a few styling elements differs from the RX 350, including a stylized front grille and bumper, hybrid badge with blue-trimmed Lexus logos, a 19-inch optional wheels and blue tinted headlights and taillights.
Interior
The interior of the RX 450h is everything you would expect from a luxury SUV, but a number of features you would expect that standard costs to get a little more. The 450h is equipped with 10 airbags, a nine-speaker sound system, an interactive information display, dual-zone climate control, among other things, but if you really want the full luxury car experience you have to pay more. Twelve-and 15-speaker sound systems are available, as well as video monitors blind spots, and above all, new Lexus Remote 'touch control system that comes with the optional navigation system.Think Lexus Remote Touch is the technology to replace touch-screen consoles, too much attention and need to reach from the driver. With Remote Touch, the driver is navigating the vehicle onboard computer with a small touch-activated joystick located at the foot of the center console. Although a bit of a learning curve, once you master Remote Touch is a revelation.
Like other luxury brand hybrids, the RX 450h show on screen the power flow between the electric motor drive, motor and battery. Instead of the tachometer RX 350 is a counter with an electric motor with respect to the chargeability support.
Front seats and cushions are made for long-distance comfort, and plenty of seating and steering wheel adjustments make it easy for a customized comfortable driving position. Imitate the sliding rear doors "Comfort Plus it back and forth, but also lying position.Behind the rear, the RX 400h has an average amount of space for five passengers mid-size SUV. It offers 40 cubic feet with the seats folded and 80.3 cubic feet with rear seats.
On The Road
The hybrid drive system is seamless in operation and the engine start / stop function is not observable. Overall, the RX 400h delivers a very quiet and comfortable, car-like ride. Smooth power delivery is immediate, but to merge and to pass or to move quickly through traffic with ease.

When it comes to handling, the RX is not a corner carver. It's a long, heavy vehicles, with the suspension in the sense of comfort resulting in abnormal tilting of the vehicle body, elected on smooth curves. Lacking in other words, exciting performance.But the "fun factor" is not the whole story when it comes to the RX 450h. Sure, it's what brings people, cars for a living out of bed every morning, but most drivers are for something, try to find the simple, safe and efficient - qualities of the RX 450h has in spades.
And in this consumption: our 127-mile test drive a AWD model a few years ago showed 31.6 mpg, easily beating EPA numbers.
Economy
This is one of the few luxury hybrids on the market, the fuel actually contributes to the so-called "hybrid premium" over the average life of the vehicle. The 450h The starting price of less than $ 46,000 means that the fuel is added at a cost of about $ 6,100 is compared to its non-hybrid brother, the RX 350th For the city, this boost efficiency 14 mpg on the highway is the difference between a much more modest 3 mpg.
For about $ 1,000 less than the base FWD RX hybrid, a Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited comes with a number of standard luxury features like leather seats, which is optional on the 450h. Plus, placing seven, four-wheel drive and the standard fuel consumption figure is 28/28/28, not far from the Lexus.
If you are on a luxury crossover, but sporty performance is more important than fuel economy, look BMW X5. It is one of the sportiest in the luxury SUV segment, and each of the turbo engines takes a lot of punch. Of $ 47,500 for the X5 is expensive compared to the rest of the class, but not much more expensive than the Lexus RX 450h.
Do you want luxury, good handling and above average fuel economy? The diesel Volkswagen Touareg can not be neglected. The interior is spacious, comfortable and quality of materials and fit and finish are top drawer. VW's twin-turbo diesel engine of 225 hp and coils burly 406 pounds-feet of torque, while delivering an EPA fuel economy rating of 19/28/22. Price from $ 46,475, it's more fun to drive than the Lexus, but not more than the BMW.
Conclusion: There are more powerful, entertaining and attractive way to carry five people and their weekend stuff, but that's not what the RX hybrid is. It's about the destination, not the station. And, oh, that fuel when you arrive.