Lexus steps up a gear with luxury 4x4 (From Bournemouth Echo)

Lexus steps up a gear with luxury 4x4

12:38pm Tuesday 18th August 2009 in

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LEXUS has really stepped up a gear by introducing a new luxury 4x4 with hybrid technology and plenty of performance. The new RX 450h is a refined large SUV which manages an average 44.8mpg while producing just 148g/km of carbon dioxide from the 3.5 litre petrol V6 engine. Stunning figures get better still! The 299bhp vehicle’s 0-60mph sprint takes just 7.8 seconds and the 450h will continue to 124mph.

There are two electric motors which run alongside the revised petrol engine. The RX 450h efficiency gains come from bettering the aerodynamics and using energy recovery features. For example, when braking energy is saved to batteries under the rear seats. There is also now an all electric mode (EV) which can be used for speeds below 27mph. When EV mode is engaged the RX 450h is capable of running up to 3kms on fully charged batteries. The switch between electric and petrol power is almost seamless. In fact the only way to really tell if you are running with the electric motors as well is by watching the clever icon on the dashboard or on the satellite navigation screen which shows the flow of electricity.

Considering the size and weight of this SUV its onroad capabilities are enlightening. There is little body roll on twisty roads, grip levels are good thanks to a sophisticated new double wishbone which replaces the older strut version. You can opt for active anti-roll bars which stiffen the ride by a further 40 per cent or there is an option for full air suspension to improve the ride further. Motorway driving is very comfortable even without these extras, thanks to the quite interior and sumptuous leather seats.

Inside the RX 450h the materials and the leather quality are excellent.

The new Remote Touch control, which is used instead of a touch-screen satellite navigation system, may take a little getting used too. Although within 24hrs I was finding the control easy to use.

The RX 450h SE-I comes with a vast array of standard features including, 19in wheels, leather upholstery with eight-way electrically heated front seats, memory function for drivers seat, steering wheel and exterior mirrors, leather steering wheel with audio and telephone multi-functions, cruise control, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, front and rear park assist including rear park camera.

The navigation package includes an eight-colour LCD multi-display, hard disk navigation with Dynamic Route Guidance (DRG) and controls for the 12- speaker, six-disc, CD player with fully compatible MP3 connection, Bluetooth hands free and music streaming, climate control and on-board computer. All of this can be controlled by the Remote Touch System.

There is also a useful powered back door, so when you have finished loading the boot, just press the button and the boot closes electrically.

The Euro N-CAP crash rating is not confirmed as yet. However with Active front headrests, twin chamber passenger airbag, knee airbags, curtain shield air bags and side airbags, brake assist, EBD, traction control and vehicle stability control as standard, I am sure the RX 450h will pass the tests with flying colours.

There is an optional Pre- Crash Safety System which actually reads incidents ahead and will alert the driver with a buzzer and a brake signal on the dashboard should the inevitable begin to unfold. In fact, the system will actually brake the car and activate Pre-Crash Seatbelts before impact.

If you are in the market for a luxury large SUV and you are thinking about environmental issues you really should drive the new Lexus 450h.