The new RX has a long list of high-tech gadgets, including an available Hard Disk Drive (HDD) navigation system, featuring an all-new "Remote Touch" controller. While RX will feature voice recognition as standard, the new navigation system will also include a new casual language voice-recognition system that acknowledges conversational commands. The new RX is available with a selection of option packages, which include features like a Mark Levinson Surround Sound system, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, dynamic radar cruise control, and a Sports Package featuring a sport-tuned suspension.
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| Lexus RX 450h |
At 30 city/28 freeway mpg, it beats the all-wheel-driveLexus RX350 model's 18 city/24 highway EPA rating handily, but then again, its base price is some $5000 higher. The hybrid RX also weighs some 300 pounds more than the RX350 (4652 vs 4343 pounds), and this extra weight is noticeable from behind the wheel.
Driving the RX450h is easy and pleasant enough, though, just like the regular RX350.
Happily, however, the next generation hybrid powertrain proves almost altogether wholesome. The previous RX hybrid was criticised for not realising the fuel economy benefits boasted, so Lexus has thoroughly upgraded the entire shooting match to produce a car that will tackle 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and thump on to a governed 124mph, while still returning nearly 45mpg and hilariously slight CO2 emissions of only 148g/km.
For those unfamiliar with hybrid technology, the Lexus RX 450h is a full series/parallel hybrid, capable of operating in both petrol engine and electric motor modes alone, as well as a combination of both.
The main, 295bhp drive unit features a 246bhp, 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, a 165bhp front electric motor, a generator, a high performance battery, a power control unit and a power split device which employs a planetary gear set to combine and re-allocate power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements. With all the highest tech housed in a transmission casing no larger than a conventional automatic gearbox and the raft of system batteries snugged under the rear bench seat, the only way to identify the RX as a hybrid – bespoke blue badging aside – is to drive it.
Silence. Press the throttle gently and the Lexus moves off under electric motor power alone, displaying a level of stealth matched only by those pedestrian-flattening electric buggies that roam car-free Zermatt high in the Swiss Alps. With the petrol engine and electric motor working in tandem to boost acceleration, and the car cruising at speed under petrol power alone, the Lexus RX 450h drives exactly like a conventional automatic, the only perceptible difference being an entirely seamless continuously variable transmission which sees the engine leap instantly to peak torque revs with a stout prod of the throttle, and accompanying noises off which suggest they're filming an episode of Bonanza under the bonnet.
