Lexus RX 450h
Overview
Now presenting its second generation hybrid SUV model before many of its rivals even manage to bring their first hybrid contenders to the showroom, the Lexus RX 450h offers even more in terms of advanced technology, high performance and refinement combined with excellent fuel and emissions efficiency.
Featuring second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive, a full hybrid system, substantial improvements have been made to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. Emissions are now a segment-leading 148g/km CO2 whilst a 28 per cent improvement on fuel efficiency means the Lexus RX 450h delivers 44.8 mpg on the combined cycle yet engine power has been increased by 10 per cent.
New technologies include an exhaust heat recovery (EHR) and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) which all contributes to its class-leading CO2 and fuel consumption credentials.
Improvements in driveability include three new driving modes – ECO, EV and SNOW. The new ECO mode provides a modified, non-linear throttle action and air conditioning control to support fuel-efficient driving. The vehicle automatically runs in EV, electric motor-only mode on start-up, but it can also be selected by the driver using the multi-information switch on the steering wheel. SNOW mode can also selected using the multi-information switch, helps modulate use of the accelerator pedal and improve vehicle stability when pulling away on snow or other slippery road surfaces.
Engines and Transmissions
- Total power output is 295bhp (299 DIN hp)
- Top speed of 124mph
- Nought to 62mph acceleration in 7.9 seconds
- 44.8mpg combined cycle fuel consumption
- 148g/km CO2 emissions
The new 3.5-litre V6 Atkinson cycle petrol engine is combined with Lexus’ revolutionary hybrid drive system delivering a fuel efficiency and emissions combination that cannot be matched in the Lexus RX 450h’s class, not even by smaller and less powerful 2.0-litre diesel models. This has a direct impact on running costs, for example in a 14 per cent benefit-in-kind company car tax rating – a level typically associated with more modest C-segment models, “eco” specials and other hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius.
Hybrid
By developing Lexus Hybrid Drive even further, the Lexus RX 450h is even more efficient whilst delivering increased performance.
Lexus Hybrid Drive is a combined series/parallel full hybrid system that comprises a highly efficient petrol engine and two powerful electric motors. As a full hybrid the vehicle can operate on its electric motors or petrol engine alone, or with a combination of both. Like its predecessor, the Lexus RX 400h, the new model’s second, rear-mounted electric motor provides an intelligent four-wheel drive capability.
The system combines distinct front and rear driving units, with a power control unit managing their seamless, high-speed interaction.
The front drive unit features a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, a powerful electric motor, generator, high performance battery, power control unit (PCU) and a power split device with a planetary gear set to combine and re-allocate power from the engine, electric motors and generator as driving conditions require.
The rear unit is mechanically independent from the front. It provides four-wheel drive by means of a second electric motor, which is activated and continuously adjusted by the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, working in conjunction with the PCU.
Three Lexus hybrid ‘firsts’ optimise fuel efficiency:
Atkinson Cycle Combustion - the valves close late, delaying compression converting combustion energy into engine power more effectively resulting in a lower exhaust temperature than in conventional engines.
Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) - creates a high expansion ratio for less compression, reducing intake and exhaust energy losses and EGR reintroduces cooled exhaust gas into the combustion chamber, further reducing the engine’s operating temperatures.
Exhaust heat recovery (EHR)- uses exhaust gas heat to warm the engine coolant at start-up.
Electric Motors
Although power from the front and rear electric motors remains the same as it was on the RX 400h, at 165bhp ( 167 DIN hp) and 67bhp (68 DIN hp) respectively, the improved cooling of the Power Control Unit has resulted in better performance. The front and rear motors now deliver maximum torque of 335Nm and 139Nm from zero rpm respectively, while the range of the front motor’s maximum toque is extended by 9mph and that of the rear by 22mph.
Fuel Consumption and Emissions
| Fuel consumption (mpg) |
Urban |
42.8 |
| |
Extra urban |
47.1 |
| |
Combined |
44.8 |
| CO2 emissions |
|
148 |
| VED band (2009 -2010) |
|
F
|
Specification
Encompassing the latest interpretation of Lexus’s L-finesse design philosophy, the Lexus RX 450h is the embodiment of the Lexus hallmark of luxury, refinement and performance.
Exterior highlights:-
- 35mm longer, 40mm wider, 10mm higher and has a wheelbase that is 25mm longer than its predecessor
- Retains its class-leading 5.7m turning radius
- The latest interpretation of the classic Lexus front grille flows from the bonnet and fuses with the front bumper, combining with the L-finesse positioning of the headlights and grille to
- Interlocking trapezoidal forms flowing from the bumper to the front wheelarches emphasise the wide track and the vehicle’s powerful stance
- Streamlined silhouette preserves the classic image of a crossover combined with a new architectural framework
- Pronounced wheelarches flow seamlessly into both bumper and doors
- Vehicle’s taut rear corners are emphasised by the smooth integration of the bumper
- Distinctive side window mouldings adopt the L-finesse arrowhead shape
- Plated door base mouldings increase in thickness towards the rear of the vehicle
- Several multi-function aerodynamic elements give the RX 450h a class leading drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.32 including highly sculpted door handles; a rear spoiler which seamlessly integrates the rear wiper, high-mounted brake light and radio antenna; and door mirrors that incorporate turn indicators, puddle lights and, where specified, a parking camera
- RX 450h unique identification includes a blue-tinted Lexus emblem on the grille and the bumper is reworked to include an extra intake; blue-tinted LED headlamp clusters; blue side scuff plates and a hybrid logo; and at the rear the lamp clusters are blue with further hybrid badging
Interior Highlights:-
- ‘Crossover Cockpit’ structural theme showcases advanced features and superb functionality which focus on intuitive, user-friendly operability
- Upper Display Zone - combines an optional head-up display with an eight-inch colour LCD multi-display screen ideally positioned for at-a-glance viewing
- Lower Operation Zone - access to controls such as the multi-information switch on the steering wheel and Remote Touch
- Remote Touch makes its world debut and is an innovative, multi-function device that offers simple, intuitive control of the audio, navigation, climate, phone and vehicle set-up systems
- The head-up display projects key driving data into the driver’s line of sight
- Multi-information Switch dramatically reduces the driver’s need to focus on switchgear mounted on the dashboard and is linked to the world’s first white OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) multi-information display via which the driver can activate numerous vehicle functions and information systems without lifting a hand from the wheel
- Smart Entry and Start System - phased exterior and interior lighting, the needles, markings and multi-information display also light up in sequence when the RX is switched on
- Easy Exit and Entry - when the engine is switched off, both the steering wheel and driver’s seat automatically retract to make it easy to get in and out of the vehicle and when the engine is switched on again, they return to their memorised positions
- Automatic air conditioning
- Three audio systems are available - entry-level six-disc in-dash CD changer, steering wheel-mounted controls and nine speakers; 12-speaker system incorporates the Lexus Navigation System; and the new top-of-the-range 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system allows RX owners to enjoy perfect home theatre 7.1-channel surround sound from selected CDs and DVDs
- Lexus Navigation System - one of the fastest and most accurate systems on the market, covers all of Europe, including Russia, and incorporates the traffic infrastructure of each country
- Parking Assist and Side Monitors
- Ten airbags, including knee airbags for driver and front seat passenger and full-length curtain shield airbags
- Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system detects objects ahead, determines the collision risk and helps the driver reduce the chances of an accident happening
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) works in tandem with PCS and automatically maintains a selected distance from the vehicle in front
- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards on an incline
- Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) processes vehicle status data from sensors located through the car, integrating numerous driving functions
Prices
| MODEL |
OTR PRICE |
RX 450h SE
|
£43,165 |
RX 450h SE-I
|
£46,895
|
RX 450h SE-L
|
£52,425
|
RX 450h SE-L Premier
|
£57,580
|