The Lexus RX450h Hybrid SUV Crossover is a big machine and yet it falls into Band 'C' for VRT and road tax, thanks to its green credentials. That's two tax bands lower than its nearest rival, thanks to low emissions of just 148g/CO2!
Hybrids use a combination of petrol and electric battery power to turn the wheels and as a result are less polluting at the tailpipe than conventional cars. Sales of Hybrids in Ireland to date have been modest, with Toyota leading the way with 1,859 (52%), followed by Lexus with 1156 (33%) and then Honda with 533 (15%) vehicles.
Seven-hundred-and-eighty-three of the outgoing RX400h have been sold in Ireland since its launch in 2005. The RX400h was an important machine as it was the world's first four-wheel drive SUV that did not have any mechanical link between the front and rear axles. An electric motor turned the rear wheels and a combination of a V6 petrol engine and another electric motor powered the front wheels. The car had very brisk acceleration off the mark and was like every RX: very easy to drive. So what is new?
The body gets a very subtle makeover. While the overall shape remains similar, the designers have neatened the car. The front end is smarter, while the flanks are less rounded. The rear gets a concealed wiper under the roof spoiler and new taillights. Lexus is quick to point out that this is not a big SUV but a Crossover, although it is hard not to put it in the same category as Range Rover or BMW X5. The new RX450h is 23% more fuel efficient, while it delivers 10% more power. The battery technology has moved on and thanks to an all new rear suspension set-up, the boot is now larger.
Inside the five-seat car is as plush as we've come to expect from Lexus - but at a price. Lexus used to throw in the kitchen sink in as standard to shame rivals like Merc and Audi, who traditionally had optional extras lists as long as the M50. Tough economic times - and let's face it a greater acceptance of Lexus as a luxury brand - mean that the RX450h comes in two specifications, namely Executive and Sport. There are two optional 'packs' (€4,663 'Technology' and €6,885 'Premium') that cost a pretty penny but deliver a lot of toys. Lexus also has a new take on BMW's i-Drive control set-up. If you've ever used a mouse with a thumb clicker, then you'll love it. New also is a HUD (Head-Up display) with the Technology pack.
On the road the car is quick when provoked, but the steering could be sharper and in both my test cars the brakes lacked a little initial bite. The rear suspension is no longer multilink but double wishbone. Around town the CVT automatic gearbox makes driving effortless, but, sadly, when you do get a chance to put the foot down, that familiar CVT drone will have you wishing for a steptronic gearbox. Self-levelling air suspension is an option on cars in Europe but sadly not in Ireland.
The RX450h starts at €62,000 and all models are now cheaper than the Lexus GS range. Twenty sales are hoped for this year and 85 in 2010. As for concerns about the battery pack, Lexus says it is designed to last the lifetime of the car. To date Lexus has tested the car over some 350,000 kilometres without any hint of battery performance loss.
By 2014/2015 the Japanese firm plans to only sell Hybrids.
Michael Sheridan
