At the New York Auto Show, along with the "traditional" version of the 4th generation Lexus RX, a hybrid version, the RX 450h, also appeared. In key world markets, this crossover went on sale by the end of 2015, and reached Russia at the very beginning of 2016.
The appearance of the “fourth” Lexus RX 450h is made in the same vein as the exterior of the “350th”, but still it is not devoid of distinctive details.
The front of the petrol-electric model still flaunts a large “spindle” of the radiator grille, the silhouette stands out with swift outlines, and the feed includes LED lights and a neat tailgate.
The hybrid has a different rear bumper - it has a slightly revised architecture with hidden exhaust pipes. In addition, the "Lexus" emblems are placed on a blue background, and "Hybrid" inscriptions "meet" on the body.
Inside the "fourth" Lexus RX 450h is almost an absolute copy of the standard crossover. The arsenal of the hybrid crossover includes a three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, a modern panel with a huge 12.3-inch screen in the center, expensive finishing materials and a high level of performance. The main difference is the instrument cluster, in which the indicator of the functioning of the hybrid drive is based on the place of the tachometer.
The driver and passengers in the "450" will be as comfortable as in the gasoline RX 350. There is enough space in both rows of seats, optimally molded front seats have a tenacious profile and great customization options, and the "gallery" offers a separate ventilation unit, tilt-adjustable backrest and optional heated end seats and multimedia screens.
The capacity of the luggage compartment varies from 553 to 1626 liters (depending on the position of the back of the rear sofa).
For the fourth generation Lexus RX 450h, a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle V6 engine is offered, which is responsible for the rotation of the front wheels, and two electric motors help it - one drives the rear wheels, and the second assists the gasoline internal combustion engine. The total potential of the hybrid power plant is 300 “horses”, and the transmission of traction to the wheels is provided by an electronically controlled E-CVT automatic transmission.
In terms of design, different versions of the 4th generation Lexus RX have no differences: based on the bogie hybrid from the 3rd generation model with a classic McPherson in front and a “multi-link” rear, electric power steering and ventilated brake discs on four wheels .
In Russia, the fourth generation Lexus RX in a hybrid modification, according to data for 2018, is offered in two trim levels - "Premium" and "Exclusive".
- For a “petrol-electric” car, they ask from 4,440,000 rubles, and “in the base” it “flaunts”: 18-inch wheel rims, a dual-zone “climate”, ten airbags, heated front seats, LED lighting equipment front and rear, standard audio system , multimedia center, as well as a host of other equipment.
- The “top-end” equipment of the “450th” will cost from 4,886,000 rubles, and in addition to the above, it has a premium audio system, 20-inch wheels, front seats with electric settings, a panoramic roof, an all-round view complex, an adaptive chassis, a second row of power seats and more.
Engineers of various automobile concerns began to design hybrid power plants a very long time ago. But, as practice has shown, not everyone managed to effectively introduce an electric motor. Lexus skillfully took advantage of the hybrid setup, as a result - one of the best-selling premium crossovers with such a technical stuffing. In this review, we take a look at the Lexus RX 450H - a chic crossover, the letter "H" in the name of which stands for "Hybrid". As usual, at the beginning we present the main characteristics of the Lexus RX:
- Length - 4770 millimeters;
- Width - 1885 mm;
- Height - 1725 mm;
- Clearance - 175 (with the help of air suspension can be increased);
- Curb weight RX 450 H - 2185 kg;
- Gross weight - 2700 kg;
- The crossover has 5 doors and 5 seats;
- The main engine is a V-shaped gasoline unit with a volume of 3.5 liters, the power of which is 249 horses;
- The volume of the fuel tank is 65 liters.
Design
We understand that in the case of the Lexus RX 450 H, the technical part is the most interesting, but the interior and exterior of the car cannot be ignored. High-quality photos will help us with a description of the body and interior. How has the RX 450 H changed compared to the previous version? First, the crossover from Lexus has become larger in all sizes. But for drivers, the fact that the Lexus 450 H is the leader in terms of drag coefficient is important - among cars in this class, only PX has 0.32.
As for the appearance of Lexus, more photos than text will tell about it. But it is worth saying that many drivers found the body design a little strange. In any case, most of the reviews indicate that the Lexus RX received a successful update in terms of appearance. Yes, and here the main highlight is the hybrid installation, which we will soon get to. And now for a moment let's look into the interior of the Lexus RX.
Inside the crossover
As for the interior, no special changes are planned here - all the same brilliance, quality and luxury. But all these premium indicators in this model do not go off scale, which undoubtedly pleases. As you can see in the photo, pleasant contours of the body await the driver inside, settings for literally every element of the inner world. Ergonomics remains on top - there is enough space for a driver of any build. As for the modern elements that the designers introduced into the Lexus RX 450H, we were most interested in the joystick that controls literally all systems. In fact, this is an analogue of a mouse for a personal computer.
The driver does not need to use the touch screen, because the joystick, as practice has shown, is much easier to control the system. Although some reviews hint that it takes quite a long time for some motorists to get used to such a novelty. But after mastering, the comfort immediately increases, because the control of the RX 450H is almost no different from the control of a computer. What else can surprise modern motorists? Maybe someone will be impressed by the system that projects instrument readings and on-board computer directly onto the Lexus windshield.
In addition, there are standard features for the premium class: cameras for comfortable parking, high-quality Marc Levinson audio system, which comes as an additional option, a full set of functions for the on-board computer and much more. The engineers decided not to be impudent and added a minus to the interior - the AUX socket is located in the armrest so deep that the driver will definitely play “intuition” while trying to insert a flash card.
Specifications Lexus RX 450H
For those who don't know, Lexus crossover hybrids have already been up to 450 H, so the company has experience built on mistakes. In the new version of the PX, a serious refinement of the power plant was made, which even affected the algorithm of its operation. Thanks to experience, the company paid attention not only to modern electric motors, but also to their heart - a 3.5-liter gasoline unit.
The hybrid setup uses the latest generation V6 engine, which uses two overhead camshafts. If you are well versed in engines, then you probably know that almost all car engines work on the Otto cycle. But the engineers, having made all the necessary calculations, came to the conclusion that the hybrid would work better with the Atkinson cycle. And as the tests showed, the designers made the right move. The power of the gasoline unit is 249 horses, and the power of the entire hybrid installation is already 299 hp.
Management and additional modes
As the reviews say, driving the RX 450 H is a pleasure. The comfort of this crossover is not to occupy, but there are some unusual moments associated with the hybrid. Let's delve a little into electrical engineering: powerful transformers convert alternating current to direct current. The kinetic energy from this process, with the help of special conductors, is supplied to a three-block battery (by the way, it can be found under the rear seats).
Due to engineering solutions, the size of the battery in the Lexus RX has been reduced. The company said that it should work out no less than the Lexus RX itself. It's funny, but the tachometer is not included in the 450 H. But instead, it is divided into zones - power, charge and eco. As for the accelerator pedal, there is a feeling that it has no other positions besides “on / off”. But it's not particularly surprising when you find out that the Lexus RX H has a continuously variable transmission.
Most of all, the company advertised new modes: SNOW, ECO, EV. As for SNOW, this mode is responsible for reducing traction in severe winter conditions (ice, snowfall). By the way, the hybrid in Lexus has full tolerance to cold, and this is great news for the inhabitants of the northern part of Russia. The ECO mode is responsible for the safe operation of the crossover - it will not allow the motor to be overstressed. The box in the Lexus RX starts to work more smoothly, the air conditioner also does not work in vain. In general, ECO is economy, not ecology.
The EV mode seemed to be the most interesting to us, because it demonstrates the capabilities of the hybrid. In this mode, the PX 450 H is driven solely by electric motors. Obviously, this ecological mode is in the Lexus RX, because it is unlikely that you will drive more than 3 kilometers, and the speed will not exceed 40 km / h. If the limit is exceeded, then the gasoline engine is immediately switched on. But the benefits of this EV mode are there - for example, you can turn it on at the entrance to the city and rejoice at your contribution to clean air.
Another trend
As sad as it may sound, most people who prefer the RX 450 H do not think about the environment at all. Then a logical question arises: “Why do they need a car with electric motors then?”. Fashion. Hybrids are now in trend, which is why they are gaining popularity among motorists.
Of course, there is also a percentage of drivers who really think about the environment when they buy a car with electric motors. People are no longer impressed by engines with a huge volume and a whole herd of horses, the letter H on the bumper looks unusual and is of interest to both pedestrians passing by and other drivers.
Summing up
We did not write anything about the air suspension due to the fact that it did not reach Russia. This is disappointing, because its absence calls into question the off-road capabilities of the Lexus RX. In the end, I would like to say that the Lexus RX hybrid version is a powerful, reliable and stylish crossover that is more suitable for European roads and European-quality fuel - on a brand below 95-AI, the RX 450 H engine will not live long. As for the price, it starts now from 2,898,000 rubles.
The mid-size crossover Lexus RX 450h is the most expensive and technically complex representative of the RX line. Introduced in 2007, the third-generation car survived a planned upgrade in 2012, and is currently being sold unchanged.
Outwardly, the Lexus RX450h is not much different from its ordinary counterparts, but still it has elements of individuality. The benzoelectric premium crossover is equipped with head optics with three “round wheels”, which have become a generic feature of all hybrids of the brand (optics feature is LED filling instead of xenon). In addition, Lexus emblems, nameplates and taillights received a touch of blue.
Otherwise, there are no external differences from the “regular RX 350”. The front part is made in the same style - a relief bumper with recessed fog lights, as well as an hourglass-shaped radiator grille. The profile of the car is emphasized by large wheel arches, a sloping roof and an almost flat window sill line - all this together creates a swift silhouette. The back part - completely repeats that on other Lexus RX.
In addition, the Lexus RX 450h is available with an F SPORT body kit (exactly the same as on the "350" F SPORT), which makes the car's appearance more vicious and aggressive. As for the external dimensions of the body, then there is absolute parity with gasoline counterparts.
The interior of the hybrid crossover is almost identical to the Lexus RX 350 - here is a convenient multi-steering wheel, and a spectacular center console with a large LCD display, and a functional dashboard (only the hybrid drive operation indicator cannot be replaced with a tachometer), and well-thought-out ergonomics, and expensive finishing materials and high quality workmanship.
The interior of the Lexus RX450h is rider friendly. The front seats are equipped with comfortable seats with a pronounced profile and a mass of electrical adjustments. The rear sofa is suitable for three passengers, and the most comfortable position allows you to choose longitudinal movements and settings for the angle of the backrest.
The volume of the luggage compartment of the hybrid is 446 liters. The rear seat backrest transforms flush with the floor, resulting in more than three times the usable space.
Specifications. The hybrid powertrain of the Lexus RX450h is a conventional combustion engine, an electric motor and a generator, which are connected by a planetary gear: this combination acts as a continuously variable transmission and helps to achieve the "synergy" of gasoline and electric traction.
Under the hood of the Lexus RX 450h is a V-shaped "six" operating on the Atkinson cycle, which generates 249 "horses" of power and 317 Nm of peak thrust. On the front axle is a 167-horsepower, and on the rear - 68-horsepower electric motors. The total return of the hybrid power plant reaches 299 horsepower.
In fact, the Lexus RX450h is a car with a leading front end. The rear electric motor turns the rear wheels when starting off (hard or very smooth), accelerating quickly from a standstill and traction control is deactivated. But after the speed exceeds 50 km / h, traction control starts, after which the crossover becomes a single-wheel drive.
The acceleration of the hybrid to 100 km / h takes 7.8 seconds, and the peak speed is located at around 200 km / h. But the primary advantage of such a crossover is fuel efficiency. It consumes only 6.3 liters of fuel per 100 km in mixed driving mode.
In terms of other parameters, the Lexus RX 450h is no different from the RX 350 - this is a completely independent chassis design (front - MacPherson struts, rear - multi-link), all-wheel disc brakes with ventilation and anti-lock system, as well as active electric power steering.
Options and prices. In the Russian market, the hybrid Lexus RX 450h in 2015 is offered in four versions - Executive, F SPORT, Premium and Premium +. The car in the initial version is available at a price of 2,998,000 rubles, and its equipment includes ten airbags, full power accessories, various comfort and safety systems.
For the F SPORT package, they ask for 3,208,000 rubles, Premium is 123,500 rubles more expensive. Well, the top version of Premium+ already costs 3,348,000 rubles.
The fourth-generation Lexus RX is even sportier, with sharper edges predominating in its exterior, making it look strikingly different from its predecessor. The main element of the front is a large spindle-shaped radiator grille, bordered by a chrome-plated outline. As energy-saving technologies, the car is equipped with a full set of LED optics, from headlights to taillights.
The new version of the RX450h, offered for the Russian market, is equipped with the latest hybrid drive system, which combines two electric motors and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline powertrain, sending power to all four wheels (AWD). In electric vehicle mode, the RX450h can drive almost silently, while not consuming gasoline or polluting the atmosphere.
Standard equipment includes: 19-inch alloy wheels, side mirrors with turn signal repeaters and heating, electrically adjustable and electrically folding; electrically heated windshield (entire surface), welcome lighting when boarding the car, leather multifunctional steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, power and heated front seats, 8-inch LCD display on the center console. The Premium package offers 20" wheels, a power sunroof, a heated steering wheel, perforated leather upholstery, a 12.3" display and a Remote Touch control joystick, heated second row seats. The Exclusive package offers features such as a panoramic roof with an opening section , LED-lit door sills, upgraded leather upholstery, 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and more.
The basis of the driving force of the RX450h is a hybrid power plant with derated up to 263 hp. V6 gasoline engine (2GR-FKS series Toyota engine) operating on the Atkinson cycle and two 120 kW electric motors, and the total output of the power plant is 313 hp. The rear-mounted battery pack does not require external charging. The declared fuel consumption in the new generation has become even less - 5.3 l / 100 km. Power is transferred to the wheels via an electronically controlled E-CVT automatic transmission. Thanks to the high dynamics of the electric motors, the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds with CO2 emissions of just 122 g/km. Thanks to the high torque of the electric motors and the constant availability of it, the hybrid Lexus RX450h behaves "alive" at the start than the RX350, although in general the acceleration time is the same.
In the new generation, the RX has increased the size of the body and wheelbase: the latter has grown by 5 cm, the length of the car has increased by 12.7 mm. The design of the chassis has not changed fundamentally compared to the previous generation and still includes independent suspension on all wheels (McPherson front and double wishbones at the rear). As standard, the car is equipped with an ECO / NORMAL / SPORT driving mode selector, and for the Exclusive package with adaptive suspension, an additional set of modes is offered: CUSTOMIZE / SPORT S / SPORT S +. The latter makes the adaptive suspension stiffer for better cornering.
The Lexus RX450h restraint system includes a full set of airbags (front, side airbags, curtain airbags and front knee airbags for the driver and passenger), as well as child restraints, active head restraints. In addition, the standard equipment includes: an electronic stability control system (ESP) with a set of ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, TCS traction control and a hill assist system; tire pressure indicator, adaptive headlights and emergency braking alarm. The options include a “blind spot” monitoring system, an assistant to exit the parking lot in reverse and other assistance systems.
The new RX450h offers a spacious interior, especially for rear passengers, both legroom and overhead, with the rear seats split, move fore and aft, tilt and power-fold. The battery pack located at the back is placed in such a way that it "eats" very little space in the trunk (its volume is 539 liters, which is only 14 liters less than the standard gasoline version). In general, interest in hybrid modifications in the Russian market is growing steadily, although not so much. On the other hand, judging by the declared prices, the RX450h is offered by dealers at almost the same starting price as the standard RX350, but it is problematic to find such machines in the free sale, and the cost of the next Premium version is much higher than even the most expensive RX350.
According to many in the automotive community, the new Lexus RX 450x is incredibly sophisticated and innovative. Graphically clear lines of the body, spectacular radiator grille, aggressive "squint" head optics form a luxurious image that reflects a strong and daring character.
A characteristic feature of the car was the presence of a particularly durable chassis, an upgraded front suspension, and improved steering technology. The implementation of such solutions led to exceptional stability and refined handling of the Lexus RX 450h.
Options and prices Lexus RX 450h
Thoughtful configurations and prices for the Lexus RX 450x, which are competitive, are the professional credo of the Major Auto holding. At the company's sites, this car is presented in spectacular versions of AWD Premium and AWD Exclusive. The difference between the older modification is the presence of additional options in the form of a panoramic roof with an opening section, a leather multifunctional steering wheel, transformable seats in the 2nd row, 4 video cameras, a color projection monitor (10”).
Specifications Lexus RX 450h
A key feature of the Lexus RX 450h is the revolutionary hybrid drive system, which includes 2 electric motors and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline unit. The total return of the system is 313 hp.
The incredible technical characteristics of the Lexus RX 450h (dynamic, environmentally friendly, fuel efficient, easy to control) are largely due to the high quality of the hybrid drive. This vehicle is capable of operating in electric vehicle mode, which is capable of being recharged while driving.
Buy Lexus RX 450x in Moscow from an authorized dealer
Autoholding Major Auto provides an opportunity to buy a Lexus RX 450x in Moscow from an official dealer on the most favorable terms in the region. Our specialists are ready to inform about the competitive advantages of the car, offer effective programs for its purchase, including Trade-In.
