Model Update

Smart and efficient, Lexus have a clear winner in adding to the RX line-up, for 2010, the agile and swift Lexus RX 450h SUV. You can gently persuade this 3.5-litre, VVT-I, V6 engine to optimise efficiency to as low as an average fuel consumption figure of just 6.4 litres/100 kilometres. By the way, this is a figure never achieved by a petrol-fed SUV in Australia.

Sleek styling slices through the air particles with a class leading low co-efficient drag. The use of chrome trim on both the exterior and interior adds plenty of glamour. Features like Smart Card for easy access, elegant wheel designs up to 19-inch in rim size and a choice of eight colours including one exclusive colour, Quartz, and three new colours – Blue Pearl, Sapphire, and Metallic Silver make the eyes sparkle. Other colours include Graphite, Onyx (black), Metallic Beige and Vermilion (Red) which really make this vehicle stand out from the crowd.

The latest Lexus RX 450h has large wing mirrors with turn indicators, satellite navigation, climate control, a 12-speaker Lexus premium sound system, and a Head-Up Display (HUD) in the Sports Luxury model.

Hybrid technology makes use of an electric motor combined with the petrol motor to provide efficient, smooth performance. The vehicle is also equipped with an electro-hydraulic braking system and regenerative braking.

The Lexus RX 450h offers a supremely comfortable cabin.

Striking from any angle, the Lexus RX450h immediately captivates an onlooker’s attention. The aerodynamic lines are sporty and athletic. Many SUV designs look muscly and oversized, but the clean exterior of the Lexus RX450h offers elegance as well as the sporty overtones.

Definitely not overweight, the 3.5 litre VVT-i V6 engine is finely honed and responsive. Combining a sophisticated purpose-developed Atkinson Cycle 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a 123kW electric drive front motor makes for effortless power that is not only very smooth and refined but is also environmentally sensitive. Electronic motors are used when the brake is pushed in. The electric power is silently activated at this point. When you accelerate, the power source switches seamlessly back to the petrol engine when extra power is required. Great technology like this makes the RX 450h a class leader, especially when a second 50 kW AC permanent magnet motor powers the rear wheels during take-off and acceleration. When conditions are demanding, there is a total of 220 kW of grunt to whisk you away. The lusty acceleration is almost sports car-like in delivery and oh-so quiet in response.

Slip inside the immaculate interior of the Lexus RX 450h, and you will find sensational luxury and very impressive craftsmanship. Few cars can match the impeccable build quality that comes from the Lexus design and build team. The beautiful uncluttered dials are superb on the eye, while the swooping dash is first class. The cabin impresses with loads of class and sophistication. Entry into the Lexus RX450h is via a Smart Card.

It doesn’t matter what the outside temperature is because a perfect cabin temperature can very quickly be found with the newly developed air conditioning unit. A humidity control sensor automatically reduces or increases the air temperature as required in the cabin. The Lexus RX450 h Prestige and Sports models feature a 12-speaker premium sound system. If you find yourself seated in a Sports Luxury model, then you will find a 7.1 channel surround sound system with 15 speakers. The speakers have been placed in symmetry across the cabin, including higher mounted front and newly added rear door tweeters to direct sound towards passengers. The result is a sensational musical treat for those who appreciate a good song. Both systems feature an in-dash six-stack CD player capable of MP3, WMA and CD-R/RW playback and, a new feature in the RX, an AUX jack that enables you to connect portable music players.

Another fantastic feature that provides a safe information channel is the Head-Up Display (HUD) which is found in the Sports Luxury model. You can view your speed, simplified navigation arrows, audio settings or the Pre-Collision Safety System brake warning, in a clear display, all without having to take your eyes off the road.

The combination of aggressive power and refinement can be enjoyed with top handling and brakes. Very well balanced on the road, the Lexus RX450h is a joy to drive via an advanced electric power steering unit. Electro-hydraulic braking delivers outstanding brake-force distribution providing superior vehicle control whether you’re driving in city traffic, howling round high speed s-bends or tackling tougher off-road terrain. Regenerative braking captures the vehicle’s ‘kinetic’ energy and converts it into electrical energy, which is then stored in the hybrid battery. This electricity is later put to good use by the electric drive motors to propel the vehicle. Awesome!

A rear-view camera, a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM), a high-tensile steel sheeted body, ten airbags, active front-seat head restraints, cruise control, and wait for it… a why-can’t-every-car-come-with-one pre-collision safety system that uses a radar sensor in the front grille to watch the road ahead relaying information to the pre-collision safety system. If the system determines that a collision is imminent, pre-collision Brake Assist (BA) supplements your braking effort for improved stopping performance. Then, the p[re-collision seatbelts are activated for improved occupant restraint. Wow!

For the world’s most efficient luxury SUV, take a look at the very complete Lexus RX 450h. She ain’t half bad off-road either!

The current model series includes the:

• Lexus RX450h Prestige
• Lexus RX450h Sports
• Lexus RX450h Sports luxury

For any more information on the Lexus RX 450h, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!) we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Lexus dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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