LEXUS

RX 450h PLUG-IN HYBRID: the finely tuned blend of luxury with high performance

The pleasures of driving a large luxury SUV are very clear: it is a vehicle that can carry a large capacity of passengers in great comfort, covering long distances, with all the necessary space for luggage and recreational equipment. The cabin environment is perfectly controlled, the on-board entertainment system and connectivity are integrated, and it incorporates state-of-the-art safety performance.

There is currently another priority to take into account: electrification, which maximizes fuel efficiency and emissions, both when commuting around the city and on vacations to a distant destination.

However, just as different manufacturers interpret the concept of 'luxury' differently, there are several approaches to achieving the best balance from the advantages of electrification.

Lexus is in an ideal position to offer the perfect solution: not only did it create the luxury SUV concept, it was also the first brand to bring electrification to the premium car market 17 years ago. That impressive lead gave way to the RX 450h , a plug-in hybrid model destined to become the most successful choice for customers within the new RX lineup.

It delivers the efficiency, power and response characteristic of a plug-in system, but goes further, thanks to the superior qualities of Lexus' hybrid technology. This technical advantage is combined with Lexus' high level of responsiveness and driving signature - Lexus Driving Signature -, its full equipment, advanced safety and driver assistance performances and its exclusive Takumi luxury craftsmanship. The vehicle also benefits from the ingenious structure that makes it possible for the GA-K platform to be retrofitted to the RX, allowing the hybrid battery to be placed fully underground. As a result, it improves dynamic performance, as it helps to lower the vehicle's center of gravity and frees up more space in the passenger compartment and trunk.

The RX 450h plug-in hybrid offers the freedom to take long journeys without interruption, and adds the benefits of reduced emissions, great fuel economy and a longer range in electric mode. In short, the kind of combination of qualities sought after by today's large SUV customers.

The recently confirmed homologated data show how far the vehicle can go: CO2 emissions of 24 g/km, fuel consumption of 90.9 km/l and a range in electric mode of up to 69 km. (WLTP combined cycle figures). The system's power of 309 hp (227 kW) gives way to an energetic response, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.

However, these figures only tell part of the story. What sets the RX 450h apart from its competitors is what happens when the battery runs out. In most plug-in hybrid vehicles, the system switches to a gasoline engine, which equates to more emissions and more fuel consumption until it can be plugged into a power outlet for recharging.

Autonews