Lexus RX test drive since 2012 SUV

A report on the Lexus RX450H test drive in Japan

Lexus RX for Japanese
Blue decoration with emblem and blue LED lights emphasize the RX450H belonging to the class of hybrid cars.
In Japan, tax benefits are distributed to this car, including the acquisition and weight tax are completely removed. Ultimately, buying RX450H, the Japanese can save up to 350 thousand yen.
Originally created for the American and European markets, the Lexus RX crossover is now officially sold in Japan, where it was previously presented under the Toyota Harrier brand. At the same time, the price of a new car has become significantly higher. Will they understand, will fans of Toyota and Lexus brands approve this act?
Surprisingly, it seems that fans will understand and approve. For the month that has passed since the launch of RX on sale in Japan, about 2,500 applications were received for the purchase of a car against the expected 650. The premium-SUV under the Lexus brand was unexpectedly in demand in his historical homeland. It is curious that of these 2,500 applications, about a thousand were submitted to the hybrid version of the RX450H, although it appeared on sale only three months after the RX350. It turns out that buyers were consciously waiting for this particular car.
Despite the increased demand for hybrid SUV in Japan, there is still no large assortment in this segment. So, a lively interest in RX450H is quite logical both from those who have not yet have experience in possession of a hybrid crossover, and from experienced Harrier Hybrid users, which have been quite satisfied with their car, but now they want a higher class car. .
RX450H really meets high consumer expectations. But is it so different from Harrier? Let's try to find out.
New in the cabin
The new navigation control device Remote Touch, resembling a computer mouse. The current location and entry (Enter) are very reasonably located. The readings of the devices are additionally displayed on the windshield, which allows the driver not to take his eyes off the road, such a display is included in the standard equipment of the series (on the RX350 it is installed as an option).
The RX450H seats, depending on the modification, are lined with either semi -aniline skin (in the photo) or textiles. Passive safety is provided by frontal and lateral airbags of the driver and front passenger, pillows for protecting the knees, front and rear safety curtains, as well as rear side pillows.
The rear seats can be moved 120 mm.
Visually RX is the same Harrier, only more size. Radiator grille, decoration of windows and rear -view mirrors are the same, but on Lexus are made of more high -quality materials. RX450H hybridged is emphasized with blue wool trim and blue LED lamps.
The prototype of this design was the Lexus LF-XH concept, presented at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007. But to be honest, the RX muzzle relative to the entire body seems to be some kind of unpleasant small. Harrier looks more photogenic in this regard, but this is my subjective look, although, I am sure, many will agree with me.
Another thing is the salon. This is a delight. Each bend not only pleases the eye, but also executed functionality. The interior RX is beautiful, noble, representative. We pay special attention to Remote Touch The innovative navigation system control system using an ergonomic joystick. This system is very easy to use. The cursor on the screen responds to the movement of the hand on the joystick, but does not react to shaking when passing road irregularities. This greatly facilitates the work with the system, since there is no need to look at the screen intensely. The screen itself has a rather large diagonal and very good visibility. So, the salon of the new Lexus RX both functionally and aesthetically embodied in itself the obvious progress of the thought of designers.
RX450H: High capacity and savings
The power plant includes a 6-cylinder V-shaped engine with a volume of 3.5 liters operating on the Atkinson cycle (the Lexus engine has been received for the first time), the rear electric motor and the E-Four all-wheel drive electrical system. For ordinary movement and to save fuel, you can use front -wheel drive, and on a slippery road or if you need to give gas, you can switch to all -wheel drive mode. Only the front engine works in EV Mode mode.
The front suspension of the MacPherson rack, the rear is independent two -winged. In the configuration of the Version L Air Suspension, the car is equipped with an electronic control air suspension, and in the configuration of the Version S sports suspension with an active stabilizer.
 
The impressive power plant of the new Lexus RX450H includes the V6 engine with the Atkinson cycle with a volume of 3.5 liters (against the previous 3.3-liter) and a hybrid system. The power plant demonstrates a very powerful torque at low speeds: it is worth pressing on the gas pedal, you immediately forget that this colossus weighs more than two tons so easily, it starts off.
Another pleasant feature typical of a hybrid car is a quiet work when driving at high speed, which is ensured by low speeds that achieve a good moment. The effectiveness of the Harrier Hybrid motor could be increased with the help of High Boost the functions of an interesting, but somewhat clumsy. In Lexus RX450H, this function is no longer needed, and without it it is able to fly easily and at ease. Among other things, the RX450H received an improved EV Mode movement mode (traffic only on an electric motor). The fuel consumption of a new car in a 10/15 test mode is 5.3 liters per 100 km is almost half as much as on RX350.
During the creation of the new model, great attention was paid to increasing the hardness of body structures, and the improved properties of the updated rear suspension allowed to bring RX450H running qualities both when moving in a straight line and on turns. This is manifested by the initial purpose of Lexus for the Western user. Of the presented versions of the new Lexus RX, only hybrid is equipped with an electronic stabilization system in my opinion, in combination with air suspension, this is the perfect option.
High power and modest fuel consumption make Lexus RX450H an excellent car for traveling highways. The car is not so responsive that communication with it seems super-interactive, but for long trips it is it.
The only hybrid SUV in Japan
The fuel consumption RX450H in 10/15 mode is 5.3 liters per 100 km. For comparison, European cars of the same class BMW X5 and Audi Q7 consume 12.5 liters per 100 km (engine 3.0i) and 14.1 liters per 100 km (3.6fsi quattro), respectively.
The latest electro -luminant multinformation display displays the average fuel consumption and a possible distance that the car can pass on the existing amount of fuel. The display has a wide viewing angle and high contrast.
Battery charge level
The very delicate side of the issue is financial. Needless to say, the new RX car is expensive. However, it should be noted that in Japan all Lexus RX models are distributed by various benefits as cars with increased environmental characteristics. In addition, the RX450H model is completely exempted from acquisition and weight tax. Due to this, the price difference between the RX450H and RX350 does not look so monstrous. And the low fuel consumption, again, adds a score in favor of RX450H, especially if trips are planned over long distances.
Undoubtedly, in the premium-SUV class, hybrid crossovers occupy a very honorable niche, and their role is growing steadily. However, deciding to buy such a car, you do not risk encountering the problem of choice. Roughly speaking, on the bezes ... But we will not rush with sharp proverbs. Note that in the European market the RX450H has already managed to become a worthy competitor both in terms of assembly and power and proved itself as a bright, comfortable, economical SUV. Starting next year, the official sales of European hybrid crossovers will begin in Japan, and the Lexus RX450H will have a chance to compete with them in their homeland.
 
Technical characteristics Lexus RX450H
Full length: 4 770 mm.
Full width: 1 885 mm.
Complete height: 1 690 mm.
The length of the wheelbase: 2 640 mm.
Weight: 2 130 kg.
Drive: complete.
Engine: 3.5-liter 6-cylinder V-shaped DOHC; The maximum power is 183 kW (249 hp) at 6,000 rpm, maximum torque 317 nm (32.3 kg-m) at 4,800 rpm.
Front electric motor: power 123 kW (167 hp), torque 335 nm (34.2 kg-m).
Rear electric motor: power 50 kW (68 hp), torque 139 Nm (14.2 kg-m).
Transmission: Variator.
Fuel consumption in 10/15: 5.3 liter per 100 km.
 
 
 
   

Source: carView.co.jp