Weekend roadtest: Lexus RX450 h SE-I


If you thought the big 4x4 market was dead in its tracks, follow the lead of the Lexus RX450h. It is the most efficient and clean 4x4 you can buy, fields ahead of its opposition now it has moved into the second generation, and the benchmark for everything else to be judged. There are five versions in the range and each is powered by the same engine but are differently trimmed. The RX450h is now more powerful than before, has more flexible driving modes, greater stability, greater safety and remote touch communications, parking cameras and head up display. But that is not to overlook the powertrain, which is nothing short of a masterpiece. The comparatively small 3.5 litre engine gets a big boost from the electric power pack which operates independently yet alongside the internal combustion power unit. Lexus say it will give about 44mpg but we only saw 33mpg during test. Electric power is initially produced and sensors detect when the petrol engine has to come into play. This generally means it starts and moves off silently and within a short space of time the petrol engine fires into life. On the road the sensors detect when more power is needed or if the petrol engine can be shut down, say accelerating, coasting, slowing down or stopping. The two can be used under hard acceleration with great effect for rapid and refined overtaking with the absolute power pouring out in a seamless manner.
	The transmission is very smooth as it engages and moves through the six ratios, either in fully automatic or semi-automatic modes. There never seems to be a gap or any hesitation when moving, but I thought it occasionally was not as quick from standstill as it might have been, particularly when trying to join fast moving traffic from a junction, for instance. The steering is firmly weighted and the turning circle good while the brakes haul down speed very effectively and with little effort underfoot. The foot operated parking brake is particularly strong. Secondary controls, and there are a lot of them, are grouped on the wheel, on stalks each side of the column and in a group on the fascia or through the multi-mode selector on the central console. I found some of the console switches very small, confusing and not user friendly. The instruments comprise a familiar speedometer but there is also a power-meter to show charging and economy. Useful warning lights back up the power-meter. A very comprehensive heating and ventilation system is built into the Lexus and it offers left and right hand selection and keeps it faithfully, backed up by powered windows but there’s no sunroof.

	Oddments provision is good throughout with plenty of places to keep items, even some quite large compartments and the SE-I comes with a powered rear fifth door for convenience. Open it and the 496-litres luggage space is just under waist high, flat, broad and deep, topped by a roller-type cover. A door mounted button closes it at a touch. You have to step up into the Lexus RX body but inside it is roomy, with leather covered well shaped and firm seats in the SE-I version tested.
The driver’s seat automatically runs back and the column lifts up when the engine is switched off but you have a three-person memory setting to bring it all back and the individual adjustment room is very good. Ride quality is distinctly on the firm side and it’s not as compliant as some in this class and it even sharply bumped over some bad pieces of road. Handling is a little insulated from the driver because of the steering and the suspension has benefitted from the stability improvements so it has good roadholding when pushed and you get use to it.The Lexus RX450h also shows it has two characteristics on the move.
	There is a high riding driving position and you can see a lot around you but when manoeuvring in town the extremities are out of sight and that means you may damage some bodywork unless you believe in the beeping parking sensors front or back and a very clear reversing camera which gives high quality images. It is quick once moving and it cruises easily and quietly along main roads while returning an overall reasonable economy figure.The Lexus RX450h is not only green to drive but it will make other manufacturers green with envy at how good it is. *©Robin Roberts*

FAST FACTS		Lexus RX450h SE-I
Price:	£46,895	Insurance group:	17
Mechanical:	295hp 3.3V6, 6sp auto	0-62mph:	7.8sec
Maximum:	124mph	Fuel consumption:	33mpg
CO2 Emissions:	148gkm	BIK rating:	17pc
Residual value:	41pc	Warranty:	3yrs/ 60 k