Green and mean luxury machine
THERE must be a lot of testosterone swirling around the Lexus design department judging by this week’s test motor - the Lexus RX450h F Sport looks like an angry ninja with road rage.
Aggressive is certainly the word to describe the origami styling of the facelifted front end in this ‘all new’ 2016 model with its huge and intimidating X-style grille.
But while the striking exterior draws lots of attention for its muscular looks, inside is an oasis of peace and calm with all the luxury we have come to expect from the Japanese high-end brand. The latest version, which hit our streets in January, is faster (0 to 62 in 7.7 seconds) and even more luxurious than the previous car.
Everything is quality... you really can tell this is a Lexus as your seat automatically glides forward and the steering wheel descends into your hands. Those soft leather electric heated and cooled seats have memory function and the sports steering wheel is also heated plus there are drilled aluminium pedals and high-quality switchgear throughout.
The large display screen and mouse controller (which seems fiddly at first) remain and F Sport spec also includes sat-nav, a DAB digital radio and climate control as standard plus adaptive cruise control, a large heads-up colour display and power tailgate,
Lexus were the first to introduce cleaner and more efficient hybrid power into the premium SUV segment back in 1998 and they claim the new, fourth generation, RX is another big step forward.
There are two powertrains – the hybrid two electric motors system with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine in the RX 450h and the new Lexus 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit in the RX 200t. All hybrids have E-Four all-wheel drive, while the RX 200t is offered in front-wheel drive or 4x4.
The entry point to the RX range is the 200t S from £39,995 with front-wheel drive. Spec is still good though and includes dual-zone climate control, rear privacy glass, heated front seats, Lexus navigation with an eight-inch display screen, a nine-speaker audio system with DAB, reversing camera, LED headlamps, roof rails and dual chrome-tipped exhausts.
The RX 450h SE starts the hybrid versions with improved levels of kit and the RX 200t and RX 450h Luxury feature all-wheel drive, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with memory settings, Lexus premium navigation with 12.3-inch display screen and DVD player, 20-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate with ‘no-touch’ opening, LED headlights, wireless smartphone charger, and auto-dimming door mirrors with memory setting.
Both engine versions are available as F Sport models with bold, specific features including revised front and rear bumpers, black door mirror housings, F Sport 20-inch alloys and (on the 200t) twin F Sport rear exhausts.
The treatment continues in the cabin with F Sport front seats and steering wheel, perforated leather upholstery, those drilled aluminium pedals and a specific illumination design.
The F Sport models also get dynamic ride, handling and control features, including Adaptive Variable Suspension, Lexus’s Sport Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system and sports-tuned electric power steering. In other respects the F Sport models share the same impressive equipment list as the Luxury grade, plus low-speed cornering fog lights and sun shades on the rear doors.
Top of the line Premier is only available on the RX 450h, with high-end spec technology and premium quality features from £58,000 - all the above plus a Levinson surround audio system, 360-degree view monitor, illuminated scuff plates and either an opening sunroof or panoramic glass roof.
So all boxes ticked on the looks and comfort/ luxury departments… but what is it like to drive? Well this is a really big vehicle, it feels as long and wide as a Range Rover if not quite as tall.
It wafts you along A-roads and motorways with three main driving settings - Eco, Normal and Sport - and if you boot it in the latter that 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine races a little alarmingly as it helps the twin electric motors get the car’s 295bhp through its complex transmission system and onto the asphalt.
Lexus claim over 50mpg is possible in all driving conditions, although I got a shade over 33mpg overall during the week with very little time spent in ‘Eco’ mode. Still not bad given the size and weight of this beast. When it comes to CO2 emissions, however, company car drivers choosing the Lexus will get tax benefits compared to non-hybrid rivals.
RX PRICES: From 39,995 for the non-hybrid 200t petrol turbo FWD (36mpg combined). Prices for the hybrid versions are from £47,000 for the SE up to the top of the range 450h Premier at a shade under £58,000. Our 450h F Sport hybrid is from £52,995
More info at lexus.co. uk.