Rating
Quick Summary
Recommended. Second-generation hybrid SUV massively improves on its predecessor and is efficient in the real world. But you'll have to pay quite a high price to own one.
Road Test
The latest version of the Lexus's upmarket RX SUV has arrived, but this time it's coming to the UK in RX450h hybrid form only. Its body and sharp styling are new, but underneath you'll find an evolution of the hybrid synergy drive that powered the old RX400h.
This clever set-up pairs a V6 engine with two motors, one in each axle, along with a power pack at the front and batteries at the back. New driving modes - Eco, EV and Snow - allow the RX to use its hybrid power more efficiently during real-world conditions and it's even possible to drive a mile or so on the batteries only in EV mode, if fully charged. Otherwise, efficiency gains have been made with a series of tweaks to the hybrid system, with Lexus improving the cooling and heat transfer of the engine, and making the heaviest parts - the power pack and batteries - lighter and more compact.
It's still a heavy car though, weighing in at over two tonnes - which makes its 44.8mpg fuel economy and best-in-class 145g/km CO2 emissions even more impressive. Performance has been boosted by ten percent too, so a 7.8 second zero to 62mph sprint is possible. The only thing that blunts the RX's urge is a nasty CVT automatic gearbox, which Lexus says is a technical necessity on hybrids such as this. It's a shame, since the petrol-hybrid system delivers its power in a smooth and fuss-free manner, once a gear has been selected by the RX's allegedly improved electronic brain.
Fitting a more compact hybrid battery kit has left enough space in the rear for bulkier double wishbone suspension, which improves the RX's driving manners: on the twisty back roads, it is surprisingly amusing to fling about. New electronic anti-roll bars (the Active Stabiliser System) play their part, but even without the gizmos the RX behaves well for a car of its size and weight. The ride, even on cut-up surfaces, was adequate and body roll during cornering well managed. It's much better to drive than we expected.
In the cabin, the RX is luxurious and benefits from a new Remote Touch system, which is a bit like a computer mouse that controls the car's systems. It's a lot less tricky than it sounds and is a real advance on the likes of BMW's iDrive.
The usual criticism of hybrids is that they don't deliver their claimed fuel economy in real-world conditions. It's true to say that this RX didn't quite either, but it is a real advance for hybrids and is the first Lexus hybrid that genuinely matches diesel alternatives. We achieved 37mpg without really trying, still a fair way from Lexus's claimed 44.8mpg, but not bad as a real-world figure. The official fuel consumption would probably be achievable if you were so inclined. We weren't.
In all, the RX is a competent, good-looking SUV that's about fifty percent better in every way than its predecessor - and it comes with the tax advantages and eco image of a hybrid car. You're paying for the eco credentials, though. The (admittedly well-equipped) Lexus RX starts at Range Rover Sport money and is a lot more expensive than, for example, an Audi Q5. Efficiency, image and luxury will have to be priorities for you to consider this Lexus as a potential purchase.
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