Lexus RX 450h – Automobiles Review

2016 Lexus RX 450h named Green Vehicle of Texas: what caught the eye of the jury?

2016 Lexus RX 450h What do you get for combining stunning looks and advanced hybrid technology?

For the all-new 206 Lexus RX 450h, buyers will get that neat green award with the size of the Lone Star State. At the Texas Auto Roundup in Fort Worth this week the Texas Auto Writes Association (TAWA) named the RX 450h the “2016 Green Vehicle of Texas”. Held in May 1-3 at Texas Motor Speedway, the event witnessed more than 60 journalists that drove the vehicle and gave it ratings in different categories.

2016 RX 450 is a fine blend of sharp and elegant lines, bold expression and contemporary technology features. And as one of brand’s best-selling vehicles, designers decided to gear that particular unit with enhanced safety features, driver-aid technology and tons of convenience systems.

In terms of drivetrain system, the sweetie comes with a 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 hybrid power unit that produces a total of 308hp (226kW) output. This hybrid-powered drivetrain is the latest and most advanced technology that Lexus can offer to buyers and its key components and systems have been restyled and reengineered for a long period in order to deliver us this impeccable drive dynamics, smoothness and overall rewarding driving experience.

So, do you think this is the worthy vehicle for such a prestigious award? If not, which one do you think should take home the “2016 Green Vehicle of Texas”? Write down in the comment section.

Source: Lexus

May 5, 2016

Lexus Launches Fourth-Generation RX, Including the New FWD RX 200t

Lexus RX Line: RX 450h Sports Luxury, RX 350 F Sport and RX 200t Luxury. The fourth generation Lexus RX Line has been just launched in Australia. The midsize luxury SUV will be available in three trim levels: RX 450h Sports Luxury, RX 350 F Sport and RX 200t Luxury. Besides the new exterior styling the crossover also gets new characteristic features as well as new styling cues for the cabin. Not to mention the array of technologies included and especially the Lexus Safety System+ pack which comes on all grades.

Compared to the third generation RX, this one is longer, lower and wider. In addition it rides on improved handling and has better steering. Why Australians benefit from this launch the most? The answer is simple and it is because Lexus Australia offers the widest choice of any Lexus market around the globe. In fact, the local model line-up includes the aforementioned variants in all grade levels.

Lexus RX 200t

Under its hood is the new turbocharged four cylinder engine, which produces 238 hp (175kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft). It is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, which drives the front wheels. This particular variant is offered in the Luxury grade, but it can be additionally specified with multiple enhancement packs for added convenience.

Lexus RX 350

The RX 350 is driven by the 3.5-litre direct injection V6. It produces 300 hp (221kW) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft). Compared to its predecessor, this is an addition of 20 hp (15kW) and 24Nm (18 lb-ft). Here, the engine is linked to an eight-speed transmission, which drives all four wheels. RX 350 will be offered in Luxury, F Sport or Sports Luxury grade levels.

Lexus RX 450h Hybrid

Lexus RX 450h

The combined system power output of this SUV is 313 hp (230 kW), which is 13,6 hp (10kW) increase. The hybrid system is connected to a CVT transmission, which drives all four wheels. Like the previous variant, the RX 450h will be available in Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury grades.

In other words, people of Australia will benefit from there extremely versatile luxury vehicles, including the brand new front wheel drive (FWD) RX 200t model. Offering a longer wheelbase than the previous generation, the new RX lineup will add convenience for everyone inside.

Source: Lexus

November 23, 2015

Lexus Introduces RX 450h Advance

Lexus RX 450h Advance has been released and it comes to offer more than enough equipment than before. It features the added luxury of a Mark Levinson premium 7.1 surround sound system as standard and runs on the exclusive machined and shaded 19-inch alloy wheels. But the highlight here is the audio system which performs exceptionally due to its carefully engineered array of 15 speakers, including a 200 mm subwoofer. All this is set to support an exceptionally wide frequency range and reproduces perfectly vocals and instrumentals.

The sound package also comes with DVD player rear-view camera and Lexus’s Remote Touch audio and navigation control system. In the 450h Advance are also provided Lexus Premium Navigation and Bluetooth.

Furthermore, the model also benefits from more features which impact its contemporary looks. These include a deep front bumper with integrated fog lights and LED headlights that incorporate Lexus’s I-AFS auto-adaptive system. The latter moves the lighting beam in line with the steering to give better illumination through bends and at junctions.

Next, Lexus is offering the model with a choice of either a sunroof or fixed panoramic roof. There is also wide range of features that reflect the quality, innovation and efficient performance of a hybrid SUV. To name some, they include Smart Entry and Start, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, heated, eight-way adjustable front seats, heated, auto-diming and folding door mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers and rear privacy glass.

Lexus RX 450h is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and a powerful electric motor. Both they generate the maximum output of 295 hp (217 kW). The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is estimated at less than 8 seconds. A second electric motor on the rear axle ensures the all-wheel drive performance when conditions require extra grip. The official combined cycle figures are rated at 44.8mpg and 145g/km.

The company is offering the model in five exterior colours: Velvet Black, Arctic Pearl, Mercury Grey, Satin Silver, and Celestial Black. They can be matched with one of the following trims in the interior: ivory, light grey, black and saddle tan, and an optional Wood Pack.

Lexus RX 450h Advance has a starting price of £48,495.

Source: Lexus

August 28, 2014

Lexus Launches Two Police Hi-Vis Hybrids

Lexus Police Hi-Vis Hybrids are being launched as a part of the start of the official ski-season in Australia. The luxury company has partnered with the New South Wales Police to provide two hybrid powered high-visibility police vehicles. Lexus GS and RX 450h will be used for this purpose. The two models will patrol state’s Southern Region. The vehicles will be utilized at a different regional and community based activities across the state, such as roadside campaigns, sporting, community and motorsport events.

This will also highlight the flexibility and diversity of the Lexus hybrid vehicle range. One of the hybrids will be used as a “Snow Safe” community car, while the other – at sporting events such as NRL and NBL games, as well as community events.

Both initiatives of the NSW Police Force – the “Road Safe” and “Snow Safe”, target speeding, drink-driving and driver fatigue, with a focus on motorists traveling to and from the snow fields. As a reminder, the Lexus GS 450h is powered by a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain. It develops a combined power output of 345 hp (254 kW) and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

Lexus RX 450h SUV is powered by a 300 hp (220 kW) petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain. It includes company’s innovative E-Four all-wheel drive system, which ensures that the ideal amount of grip is applied across all four wheels. Both models show a perfect fuel consumption of only 6.3-litres of fuel per 100km.

Source: Lexus

June 3, 2014

2014 Lexus RX 450h – Impressive Fuel Economy

2014 Lexus RX 450h hybrid continues the evolution of the groundbreaking vehicle, which offers an impressive fuel economy and off-road capabilities. Case in point, the RX 450h hybrid offers the performance of 295 combined system horsepower, with substantial torque at all speeds.

Convenience and ease of use make another leap in the 2014 Lexus RX 450h with the addition of available Siri Eyes Free Mode technology licensed from Apple. Compatible with the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 models forward, Siri lets you call contacts, select and play music from iTunes, get turn-by-turn navigation through Siri and Apple maps, and much more. To help you keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, Siri can read notifications and calendar information and allow you to add reminders, calendar appointments and notes.

The standard extras include 10-way power front seats, ebony or espresso bird’s eye maple and dual-zone automatic climate control, a premium audio including 9-speaker Lexus Premium Audio System offers a multitude of music source choices, Bluetooth audio streaming, USB/iPod^® control and SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio.

The standard SmartAccess system combines push-button starting and touch-sensitive exterior door handles. When the driver turns off the ignition, the seat automatically slides up to two inches rearward and the power tilt/telescoping steering wheel tilts upward and slides forward to ease exit. The next time the driver is seated and pushes the “On” button, the seat and steering wheel return to their preset positions automatically.

The standard Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) anticipates loss of vehicle control and governs all of the vehicle’s dynamic handling systems – the Anti-lock Braking System, Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) – coordinating with the electronic throttle control system. VDIM employs these systems collectively and seamlessly to help make corrections while allowing higher dynamic capability. The system also provides a limited slip differential effect.

The optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and help maintain a pre-set following distance from a vehicle traveling directly ahead. The radar sensor can detect certain obstacles in front of the car, and a PCS computer with vehicle-speed, steering angle and yaw-rate inputs helps to determine whether a collision is imminent. In such a situation, PCS preemptively retracts front seat belts and pre-initializes Brake Assist so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal.

New for 2014

The available Pre-Collision System now available on the front-wheel drive model and now features Pre-Brake and forward warning collision system.
Premium Package now features sustainable Matte Bamboo trim and steering wheel for black or parchment interior.
Luxury Package adds rear-seat 115v AC power outlet.
Siri Eyes Free mode.

Vehicle Details
Mechanical

Sport mode with revised steering effort, throttle mapping and transmission logic priorities to fully exploit the capabilities of the powertrain. In Sport mode, the hybrid meter light changes to red.
All-weather drive model employs separate rear electric motor-generator to provide power to the rear wheels when road conditions or throttle response dictates.
A SNOW mode slows accelerator-pedal response to help reduce the possibility of wheel spin.

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance

Lexus Hybrid Drive with a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine offering V8-like performance, 295 total system horsepower.
Compact 288V DC Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack
Front-mounted 123-kW electric motor-generator
Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California (Tier 2-Bin 3 in other states).

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Brakes/Tires

Uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension improves handling and yields greater cargo area room.
VSC adds steering assist torque to help aid handling on a split-friction surface.
TRAC and VSC functions can also be turned off, for example, when the driver needs to free the vehicle from mud or snow.
18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/60R18 tires; two optional 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheel packages with 235/55R19 tires.

Safety/Security

Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) uses brake pressure to help prevent the vehicle from moving backward when starting out on an incline.
Active front headrests help to reduce the severity of a whiplash injury in the event of certain types of lower speed rear collisions.
Smart Stop Technology will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions.

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience

10-way power front seats with power lumbar adjustment.
Leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with integrated audio controls.
Power liftgate
Multi-information switch on the steering wheel provides access to numerous function settings without taking hands off the steering wheel.
Vehicle settings can be customized, including personal door-lock preferences, interior/exterior light adjustments, driver’s seat easy exit, and window-closure settings.
Power tilt and telescopic steering column
An available smog sensor is designed to detect harmful particles (CO, HC, NOx) in other vehicles’ exhaust emissions and automatically switch the climate control system between fresh air and recirculation modes.
Vehicle settings can be customized, including personal door-lock preferences, interior/exterior light adjustments, driver’s seat easy exit, and window-closure settings.

Luxury Options

Comfort Package with ventilated front seats
12-speaker Display Audio system features two-rear-door tweeters, a compact, L-shaped subwoofer in the rear-luggage compartment, a DVD/CD player, and HD Radio™ with iTunes tagging (included with the optional Navigation Package, as well)
Hard Disc Drive (HDD) navigation system with Remote Touch Controller offers Voice Command casual-language voice recognition, Lexus Enform^® with Safety Connect^®(includes one-year trial subscription), subscription-free Enform App Suite, and automatic Bluetooth phonebook download.
Back-up camera (included in Navigation and Display Audio package)
Leather and wood-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob

Warranty

48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48 months/unlimited miles.
72 months/70,000 miles powertrain and restraint system coverage.
72 months corrosion perforation protection, regardless of mileage.
Eight years/100,000 miles hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery-control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter.

Source: Lexus

September 27, 2013

2013 Lexus RX 450h – UK Price £44 845

RX 450h competitor BIK tax comparisons

Model	RX 450h Luxury	BMW X5 xDrive 4.0d SE Auto	ML 350 CDi BlueTec Special Edition	Volvo XC90 D5 Executive Geartronic	Audi Q7 3.0 TDi SE Tiptronic	Range Rover Sport SDV6 SE
CO₂ (g/km)	145	198	189	219	195	230
OTR price	£48,495	£47,455	£43,990	£44,845	£45,170	£49,795
Employee benefit-in-kind rate 2012/13	20%	33%	31%	35%	33%	35%
Employee 3yr BIK 40% tax payer	£12,173	£19,152	£16,694	£18,560	£18,219	£20,549
3yr tax position vs RX 450h	–	+£6,979	+£4,522	+£6,388	+£6,046	+£8,376

Model	RX 450h F SPORT	BMW X5 xDrive 4.0d M Sport Auto	ML 350 CDi BlueTec Sport	Volvo XC90 D5 R-Design Geartronic	Audi Q7 3.0 TDi S line Tiptronic	Range Rover Sport SDV6HSE
CO₂ g/km	145	198	189	219	195	230
OTR price	£51,995	£51,880	£48,490	£41,295	£46,065	£57,095
Employee benefit-in-kind rate 2012/13	20%	33%	31%	35%	33%	35%
Employee 3yr BIK 40% tax payer	£13,055	£20,957	£18,422	£17,069	£18,585	£23,615
3yr tax position vs RX 450h		+£7,902	+£5,368	+£4,014	+£5,530	+10,56

August 24, 2012

2013 Lexus RX 450h Range – Pricing Announced

2013 Lexus RX 450h full hybrid luxury SUV comes with new sharper lines which contribute to its powerful stance and new looks. It also will enchant its customers with higher equipment specifications and an attention-grabbing new F Sport model.

The styling changes in the Lexus RX 450h resolve around the spindle-shaped grille. The latter is in fact the new trademark element in new Lexus design. The result is that now the RX 450h has much stronger and individual presence.

And this presence in addition is further accentuated by the new F Sport model. To the rear there are redesigned tail lamps. This sporty version of the RX range stands out with a deeper, more vertical front bumper and a mesh treatment for the upper and lower grilles. It runs on dark-finish 19-inch alloy wheels.

Of course, it has F Sport badging on the exterior, while in the interior continues the sportier design philosophy of the interior. Take for instance the aluminium-effect sports pedals and trim inserts, F Sport smooth leather upholstery and scuff plates with the Lexus logo in black.

Other equipment features include a head-up display, and LED headlights with the I-AFSadaptive system, black roof lining and a bespoke steering wheel with a stitched leather trim.

2013 Lexus RX 450h F Sport also comes to offer sharper driving dynamics. This is possible thanks to a lateral damper system it has. The latter enhances the stability and improves ride comfort by absorbing small vibrations.

More importantly, the RX 450h gains an additional Sport mode for its Lexus Hybrid Drivesystem. This means that when the driver selects the Sport mode, the throttle and electric power steering settings are transformed, thus gaining faster responses. Furthermore the Vehicle Stability Control and traction control contribute to the overall driving-pleasure and dynamic experience of the driver.

2012 Lexus RX 450h F Sport — 2013 Lexus RX 450h F Sport

What is more in the new RX 450h SE model are: LED daytime running lights, a new perforated leather upholstery and re-designed steering wheel.

The Luxury grade model adds to the aforementioned base model the following: dark-finish 19-inch alloy wheels and 12-speaker audio system with aDABdigital tuner and single-discDVDplayer.

RX 450h Premier stays on the top of the range and comes as a standard with a tilt/slide sunroof and head-up display.

2013 Lexus RX 450h key specifications:

Moreover, the customers can choose among several exterior colors, three of which are introduced here for the first time: Satin Silver, Burgundy Red and Atlantic Blue. They are going to be available for the entire range.

At last, there are a lot of new accessories added to this Lexus, which will contribute even more to the practicality and the style of the car. For example, the Lifestyle Pack offers front and rear under-run protective plates and roof rails. On the other hand the Protection Pack provides rubber floor mats, protective bumper film, mudflaps and a cargo net.

2013 Lexus RX 450h pricing:

2013 Lexus RX 450h SE	₤ 44 495
2013 Lexus RX 450h Luxury	₤ 48 495
2013 Lexus RX 450h F Sport	₤ 51 995
2013 Lexus RX 450h Premier	₤ 55 495

Source: Lexus

May 21, 2012

Lexus RX Revisited at Geneva

Here it is, the new Lexus RX line… sort of. Currently, the models on display at the Geneva Motor Show represent an update of the existing RX line – the MY2013 specimens include minor redesigns, all-new on board technology, greater exterior and interior color schemes, new steering wheel, a revised instrument binnacle and a second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI). Also, the RX 350h and 450h models will now come in F Sport versions as well. Every single one of these RX models can have a Front-Wheel-Drive setup or an All-Wheel-Drive one.

The newfigure of the RX is already common for all GS cars since April – a spindle grille with chrome surrounds now adorns the front. The headlights are new and are complemented by LED Daytime Running Lamps that take the shape of Lexus’ signature arrowhead design.

The F Sport versions get shadow chrome 19-inch alloys, unique mesh grille inserts and some badges. Also, exclusive for that trim is the black and grey leather-accented interior. Bucket seats, alloy pedals and an LFA derived steering wheel (standard for all RX versions) complete the sporty feel. Exclusively, the 350h F Sport also features paddle shifters neatly mounted behind the fore mentioned steering wheel. Thus, the drivers can exploit the performance potential of the six-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) that comes along with the 350h. All RX models will feature an updated, second-generation Lexus Remote Touch system, making activation of on-board systems easier for driver and passenger. There’s a convenient place on the center console where you can plug in your iPod and now iPad as well, USB drive or a 12V adapter

While the engines in the new models remain largely unchanged (270 bhp from the 3.5 liter V6 in the 350h and 295 bhp from the electrically assisted V6 in the 450h), the F Sport chassis do benefit from a re-engineered handling package – suspension tune and lateral performance dampers/braces.

The RX 450h hybrid on the other hand also gets some personality with a new Sport driving mode that completes the set the already existing modes: ECO and EV. That way, drivers can fine tune their style of driving and be capable of great fuel-economy feats. The FWD model of the 450h Lexus Hybrid Drive returns an EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (30 mpg combined) fuel economy ratings, while the AWD model has EPA ratings of 30 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, 29 mpg combined. Keep in mind that this is an SUV we are talking about.

Source: Lexus

March 7, 2012

Lexus releases upgraded RX SUV range

Lexus has announced that an enhanced version of its RX SUV is now available on the Australian market. New on the 2011 model year Lexus RX SUV is the addition of an innovative Advanced Pre-Collision Safety system with pre-collision seatbelt and pre-collision brake assist functions. (more…)

November 30, 2010

Lexus Takes The Pain Out Of Parking

When it comes to parking manoeuvres, a moment’s inattention can cause a costly mistake. Scraped alloy wheels and dented bumpers might seem part-and-parcel of modern driving, but with the new RX 450h Lexus has gone further to make life easier and safer when it comes to navigating tight spaces.

The new full hybrid luxury SUV is available with three different monitor systems that eliminate blind spots and provide handy guidelines to ensure drivers keep on the right track as they negotiate parking spaces. (more…)

May 13, 2009

Lexus Cuts Driver Distraction With New Head-Up Display

Lexus targeted an advanced, yet user-friendly design for the cockpit of the new RX 450h with a focus on making key vehicle data and controls easy to access with minimum driver distraction. A key element in Lexus’s innovative approach is the new Head-Up Display (HUD), which projects essential information on to the base of the windscreen, within the driver’s field of vision. (more…)

May 7, 2009

Lexus Puts The World At Your Fingertips

Increasingly sophisticated on-board entertainment, navigation and information systems are among the must-have features of today’s premium cars, but adjusting and monitoring their functions can risk taking a driver’s attention away from the road ahead. Designing a centralised control system that is simple to understand, intuitive to use and likely to cause the least distraction from the job of driving was a key challenge for Lexus in designing the new RX 450h. (more…)

April 29, 2009

Tag: Lexus RX 450h

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Lexus RX 450h Hybrid