Lexus RX test drive since 2008 SUV

Lexus RX450H from 2 720 000 rub.

Hybridomania, born in California, gradually penetrates not only advanced Europe, but also to us. On the streets, cars with the inscription HYBRID began to appear more and more often. This fashion has reached our editorial office: Lexus RX450H arrived in resource tests. We share our impressions

We make a reservation right away: enthusiasm for appearance, configuration, as well as all kinds of excesses this time we will omit. This has been written more than once by both us and colleagues in other automobile publications. Let's talk about hybridity. In the end, it is precisely for the desire to save fuel and apply minimal damage to the environment that overpays the dealer of 350,000 rubles compared to the usual Lexus RX350. Is this amount justified? Let's start with savings. According to the manufacturer, the RX450H hybrid in ideal conditions spends about 6 liters per 100 km on the highway. However, no matter how we tried during a car from Moscow to St. Petersburg, no matter how they tried to create these very ideal conditions, the average fuel consumption did not sink below 9.5 liters. The appetite of a less advanced relative, however, is even more, but there the declared numbers are closer to reality.

Let's move on to the city cycle. Everything is much more optimistic here. Due to the fact that in traffic jams the RX450H allows you to push on an electric protrusion, its consumption, of course, is much less than that of a gasoline counterpart, about 8.912 liters. But again above the declared 6.6. Why? The fact is that the possibilities of traction batteries are not unlimited. In the electric trim, this car can drive no more than 2.53 km. As soon as the electronics understands that the battery is not enough, the main power plant is immediately launched. After half an hour, the crowds of the electric motor almost did not turn on and all the movements took place exclusively on the main engine. In general, creating ideal conditions again did not work. More precisely, it was not possible to get into that cyclicity in which the batteries would receive the necessary charge.

But what about the ecology? We mean that with this indicator the RX450H is all in full openwork. Yes, and how could it be otherwise, because some part of the time the car still allows you to move along the traffic jams exclusively on the electric trim, that is, with zero output. And on traffic lights, the engine is usually at rest. But how strongly the issue of the ecology of those who purchase such cars is strongly worried? However, saving here is also not the main message. Estimate how much you can buy fuel for 350,000 rubles. And then what is the priority? We think, here we are already talking about completely different values. In any case, in relation to our mentality.

Attention!
The abundance of servo drives today will already surprise someone, especially if we are talking about cars of this class. But we still had a reason for surprise. The electric drive of the rear door, although equipped with a lock when the object gets into the opening, but it works only after a significant force is applied to the object. An empty pack from cigarettes, for example, presses at a time. So, pressing the key, be careful.

Driving
Dynamics and brake system deserve a good assessment. At level and handling. However, you should still not forget about the high center of gravity.

Salon
Spacious and kind, as befits a car of this class.

Comfort
At a fairly high level, but the sound insulation of the motor compartment is not good.

Safety
The basic equipment consists of eight -generation pillows, which effectively protects the driver and passengers.

Price
High.


Advantages and disadvantages
+ Predictable handling, effective brakes, comfortable interior.
- the inconsistency of the declared fuel consumption actual, high price.

Specifications

Mark and model - Lexus RX450H
Dimensions - 4770x1885x1685 mm
The engine is gasoline, 3456 cm3, 298 liters. S./6000 min--1
Transmission - Step -shaped variator
Dynamics - 200 km/h; 7.6 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - no direct competitors


Author: Oleg Kalaushin
Photo: Igor Kuznetsov

 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [January 2010]