The Lexus RX 400h is billed as the first
hybrid performance SUV. It combines a 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine with
two electric motors and a clever E-Four system to drive the vehicle.
The petrol engine and motors can work independently of each other or in synergy such as under
hard acceleration to produce the cars great
performance statistics. The electric motor is used to pull away and at low speeds when the petrol engine is least efficient and
therefore it emits no harmful emissions. It is charged by
regenerative braking and while the car is cruising.
The petrol engine produces 208bhp, while the electric motors produce
123kw in the front and 50kw for the rear. Combined total peak output is
269bhp. Due to the electric motors high torque the RX 400h can
accelerate to 62mph in 7.6 seconds and take the car to 124mph.
The electric motors can power the car independently up to 50km/h without the aid of
the petrol engine. They also allow the car to switch off while
stationary such as at traffic light. All these help the
environmental credentials for this 4x4 which are so often criticised by
government and environmental organisations. Mayor Ken Livingstone
even review the exemptions made to the London congestion charge after
learning that the Lexus RX400h hybrid SUV did not have to pay.
However 34.9mpg combined and CO2 emissions of 192g/km are the best in
class when compared against other luxury SUVs.
Starting at £36,393, it is priced competitively plus is technologically
advanced. Technology appearing in the RX 400h is its highly
efficient Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission system (E-CVT)
and E-Four system which controls the four-wheel-drive system which
allows the car to be driven through the front wheels only for maximum
efficiency and through all four wheels when required such as at high
speeds.
Lexus has an excellent reputation for
reliability and quality. Much of its hybrid technology has been
tested through the Toyota Prius. If you are still unsure, the
battery and hybrid system is covered by a 5 year warrant for peace of
mind and is relatively maintenance free due to the lack of moving parts.
There is a choice of SE models and a range topping SE-L model also
available.
