There are sport utility vehicles (SUV) and there are sport utility vehicles. Some promise to deliver but can sometimes disappoint; but that’s not the case here thankfully. This is because the RX450h is refined and of a quality we have come to expect from the Lexus brand. Over two decades the Japanese car maker has constantly improved the RX, first as a conventional ICE vehicle right up to what it is today, a luxury self-charging hybrid vehicle. Lexus understand hybrid technology thanks to research and development that goes back to 2005.
On The Outside
Over time, this mid-sized SUV had evolved, delivering now a powerful and sporty appearance. It’s an elegant car (it is a Lexus after all) with a design that creates a coherent flow from front to back. There’s now a revised version of the powerful Lexus grille encompassed by slimmer headlight units, more rounded edges to the front bumper and an extended line from the rocker panel that connects with the bottom of the grille. At the back, the bumper (fender) has been redesigned over the previous model, smoothly integrating with the rear wings. It’s a strong design that emphasises the RX450h’s width and that exudes a sense of purpose.
On The Inside
Inside, the smart and well put-together cabin has been improved with a new 12.3” central display incorporating a touchscreen function. This screen has been moved further forward on the centre console, giving a wider viewing angle and within easy reach of the driver and front passenger. Bringing the infotainment right up-to-date, the multimedia functions can also be operated using a new trackpad version of Lexus’s ‘Remote Touch Interface’, or, as is increasingly common, with voice control. Naturally, smartphone connectivity is courtesy of the usual suspects: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There’s the standard five-seat version and also the RX L variant in which the third-row seats feature two different seating positions, being electronically adjustable, helping to improve legroom. There’s more than adequate space for four adults in the spacious five-seat version with a fifth person, if required sitting between the rear occupants. For bigger families maybe the seven-seater is a better option.
Front and rear passengers get plenty of headroom and leg space, and the split rear seat (to accommodate if necessary awkward loads) slides forward to allow a little leeway between rear cabin room and boot (trunk) space, itself accessed via a powered hatchback. As an extra little touch of refinement, the rear seats also recline slightly. The seats on any variant are exceptionally comfortable with a huge amount of adjustment, no matter which specification is selected. Getting in and out is made easier too thanks to a feature that allows the seat and the steering column to slide back, simplifying access.
On The Road
The Lexus RX has a self-charging full hybrid system powered by a 3.5 litre direct injection V6 petrol engine(259bhp) with a maximum 335Nm of torque for real pulling power.. The total output (engine and electric motor combined) amounts to 308bhp. As will be expected the Lexus has the very latest in safety equipment, augmented now by the Lexus Safety System+. In particular the ‘Pre-Collision System’ is now able to detect pedestrians day and night, and even pick up cyclists in the daytime.
A brand-new innovation is the introduction of the optional ‘BladeScan’ adaptive headlights. These use a rapidly rotating blade-shaped mirror to direct light from the LED headlamps, offering a more accurate beam pattern than more normal adaptive LED units, and less of an obvious visual sensation when sections of the light are shut off for oncoming motorists and the like.
The Lexus RX 450h is a very quiet and comfortable car to eat away at the miles. In normal use the RX SUV is impressively refined and smooth, with very little wind or road noise entering the cabin. The supple suspension helps to make the experience more relaxing too, yet handling is not compromised. This luxury vehicle is available to import from the UK to New Zealand, Kenya and other global destinations via the comprehensive MHH Japanese Cars service. Please get in touch to find out more about the RX and other Lexus vehicles.
