The Lexus RX 450h is one of the most advanced cars using hybrid technology. This SUV from Lexus has the refinement and finesse that you would expect from a top notch car. The Lexus RX 450h is indeed an outstanding vehicle. The fuel sipping economy and low emissions are very impressive. Lower emissions mean lower taxes, which makes it more attractive.
There are several pros of the Lexus RX 450h which make it a more attractive purchase for the people who are ready to pay more an excellent SUV. The first pro is its power output. It has a 3.5 litre V6 engine in conjunction with not one but two electric motors, which means the combined power of the vehicle is 295bhp. The vehicle boasts a zero to 62 miles per hour dash of 7.9 seconds, which is impressive for an SUV. It has a continuous variable transmission, which automatically combines the power of the two power sources and provides the best pulling power. Up to speeds of 25mph, it runs silently on the electric motors. The batteries that drive the electric motors are charged when the car is coasting or braking. The electric motors kick in when the petrol engine requires extra power, like when changing lanes or overtaking.
The standard Lexus RX 450h has more comfort for its passengers. The vehicle has standard leather trim, and heated and electrically controlled adjustable front seats. There is cruise control and dual zone air conditioning, and the external noise interference is virtually existent. You can hear the swish of the wheels at high speed, but that is because everything else is very silent.
The boot space is a bit limited because of the space taken to accommodate the battery pack. But, Lexus has been clever by offering a 40/20/40 folding seats as compared to 60/40 offered by other cars. Folding the seats is easy and a lever in the rear folds them flat to give them the extra storage space required. There are various cubby holes and storage spaces in the cabin of the vehicle.
The Lexus RX 450h comes loaded with equipment for which you would pay extra on any other car. Bluetooth, USB port, keyless entry, privacy glass, auto dimming interior and door mirrors is what you would get on the entry level Lexus RX 450h.
The higher trim levels offer a host of additional equipment. The elevated driving position and the high quality plastic and wood in the cockpit are impressive. Drivers who are used to using the satellite navigation system in Lexus cars will like the touch screen display. However, this can be a hazard as the vision of the driver is off the road while looking at or adjusting the display.
The Lexus RX 450h is fitted with ten airbags, including knee protection for the front passengers. Active head restraints on the front seats reduce the risk of whiplash for the front seat passengers. In the top models, there is a pre-crash safety system. They also come with an adaptive cruise control system that keeps the vehicle at a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
The cons are very limited as they depend on a choice of the driver and the trim level of the vehicle. The electric power steering makes the driver feel that there is not enough feedback from the steering wheel. The second con is the harsh ride quality. But, this depends on the trim level of the vehicle.
The Lexus RX 450h has more pros then cons and is an outstanding SUV. Lexus is known for reliability and outstanding build quality. Being a luxury car, top quality engineering and luxury is expected, which you get in a Lexus RX 450h.
