The Hybrids of Lexus: A smooth, efficient (and powerful) drive to the future
IN 1989, Lexus redefined the way people saw (and made) luxury cars. Less than two decades later, in 2007, Lexus redefined hybrid luxury cars, thanks to the groundbreaking LS 600h. Not only was the LS 600h the world’s first V8-powered hybrid sedan, it was also the first hybrid that could accelerate as strongly as pure petrolengine sports cars with its 5.5-second 0-100-km/h acceleration time—astounding for a 2.5-ton automobile. And this was 14 years ago.
Lexus launched the world’s first self-charging luxury hybrid in 2004. Today, the majority of luxury self-charging hybrids on the road are Lexus. With almost two million of Lexus’ luxury hybrids sold globally, Lexus is the only premium brand with over 15 years of experience in sales and servicing of hybrid cars. It has the widest range of self-charging hybrids available, with five different models ranging from compact to SUV, sedans and coupés in the Philippines.
Maximizing fuel efficiency and lowering emissions was the goal, and sophisticated hybrid technology—which combined motive power from the gasoline engine and the electric motor, which are proportionally engaged depending on driving conditions— became available to the public through mass production. Clever engineering and out-of-thebox thinking also led to other innovations that reduce energy loss. For example, the engine automatically shuts off when the vehicle is at a standstill; and energy is regenerated by converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical energy during deceleration and braking.
A TIMELINE OF WORLD-LEADING GREEN TECHNOLOGY
Hybrid technology would continue to develop through the years, and the major milestones would soon follow. In 2005, it expanded use of this system to power-demanding SUVs—the Lexus RX 400h being the first in the genre.
Following the debut of the RX 400h, Lexus gradually grew its hybrid lineup by launching the first luxury hybrid sedan, the GS 450h in 2006, and in 2007 the aforementioned LS 600h, the most powerful hybrid luxury sedan of the time. In 2009, the HS 250h was introduced, followed by the first luxury hybrid compact, the CT 200h, in 2011.
The CT 200h compact hatchback was actually the first hybrid Lexus in the Philippines. I got to drive one to Baguio and back in 2012 and it proved to be a highly spirited yet comfortable and fuel-efficient drive, the hatchback body style proving to be very versatile in carrying a weekend’s worth of gear for me and some Philippine STAR colleagues.
The ES 300h midsize luxury sedan was launched in 2012, then the compact IS 300h and GS 300h midsize sport sedan in 2013, and the first luxury midsize crossover, the NX 300h, in 2014. The first luxury hybrid sports coupe, the RC 300h, was launched globally at the end of 2015.
Fast forward to 2016 and Lexus International would announce that it has sold over one million hybrid vehicles since the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle, the RX 400h, went on sale in April 2005. Today, Lexus sells 10 hybrid models and is the luxury brand with the widest hybrid lineup.
LUXURY GREEN MOTORING IN THE PHILIPPINES—CLEAN YET EXCITING
Today, the LS, IS, RX, and NX hybrid variants are available locally. The LS 500h flagship model is equipped with the new Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, a technology that transforms the performance and driving appeal of hybrids, delivering sporty responsiveness and more rewarding, linear acceleration, particularly when moving off from stationary.
The sensational new IS 300 Hybrid Premier and the IS 300 Hybrid sport sedans were born and bred at the Shimoyama Technical Center —where the toughest and most challenging roads in the world have been recreated. The outcome was an IS lineup that is agile and scintillating. The IS 300h—while boasting hybrid technology—thoroughly embodies the Lexus DNA.
The RX 450h, the pioneer in luxury SUVs, makes a bold and completely new statement in this segment while building on and staying true to the pioneering values of previous hybrid RX generations.
The NX 300h also features the Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System bringing a new level of technology and a more sporting driving experience to a Lexus crossover.
THE CUTTING EDGE OF HYBRID DRIVE TECHNOLOGY
Lexus’s Multi Stage Hybrid System was developed with opposing goals in mind: to create a hybrid with a more sporting and engaging driving experience by closely aligning engine speed with throttle inputs, and to achieve the best possible balance of power and fuel consumption.
The new Multi Stage Hybrid System marries the elements of a traditional full hybrid powertrain― usually a powerful petrol engine, a powerful electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack―to an automatic gearbox mounted at the rear of the hybrid transmission. The electric motor generates better acceleration feel than a conventional engine, and adding physical gears more closely aligns engine speed with the driver’s inputs. The result is a much more direct connection between the accelerator pedal and vehicle acceleration, resulting in blistering zero-to-100 km/h times.
The Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System also features ‘M’ Mode, which gives drivers the ability to initiate direct and responsive
gear shifts for the most exciting and inspiring drive yet from a Lexus hybrid. A new lightweight and compact electric motor and a lithium-ion battery offset the weight of the added automatic transmission, and so the Multi Stage Hybrid System weighs the same as the current hybrid powertrain―an amazing feat of engineering.
THE FUTURE OF LEXUS HYBRID
Lexus has positioned Hybrid Drive as its key technology in addressing environmental issues in the 21st century, and it intends to enhance its hybrid lineup while encouraging the widespread use of hybrids. Lexus’s core vehicle technology will help reduce CO2 Lexus models will be available with hybrid technology before then—helping pave the way for a greener future.
WHEN Mazda Philippines launched the CX-8 midsize SUV, it served as an alternative to the typical pickup-based midsize SUV choices in the market. Priced at P 2.290-million, there is the entrylevel CX-8 2WD Signature. But for those who want something more; something with all the bells-and-whistles, well, for P160,000 more, there’s this: the CX-8 AWD Exclusive.
Let’s put things into perspective first. At P 2.450-million, the CX-8 AWD Exclusive actually sits between the other CX-8 variant, and top-of-the-line CX-9 (P 2.950-million). It’s more expensive than the bigger and more powerful, but less equipped entrylevel CX-9 2WD Touring (P 2.380-million). The close price gap between these two models presents a problem to would-be buyers, who may just get more confused on which three-row Mazda SUV to get.
Ultimately though, Filipinos gravitated towards the CX-8, likely realizing that this SUV offers much better value thanks to similar (in some cases, better equipment) than the larger CX-9, while staying under the psychological P 2.5 million barrier. Indeed, it has become Mazda’s third bestselling model in 2020 after the Mazda3 and CX-5.
Style-wise, there’s almost no way to tell the two CX-8 variants apart. Since Filipinos care a lot about looks, it’s brilliant that Mazda offered essentially a complete package—from the full gamut of color choices, exterior LED lighting, to the same 19-inch alloy wheels. In fact, the only exclusive AWD features? An additional badge on the tailgate and standard roof rails.
Open the doors, and you’ll revel in the same sort of luxury Mazdas have come up of late. Nice, plush plastics, solidfeeling switchgear, genuine wood trim, and Nappa leather seats. Simply put, it doesn’t fall short of expectations.
That said, the two CX-8 variants also reveal their biggest difference inside: the AWD Exclusive’s second-row captain’s seats. Initially, Mazda’s decision to swap the traditional bench for individual buckets may seem counterintuitive, but in the end, it’s the very reason why it stands out in the segment. It enables this SUV to play the role of several vehicles. Need a practical self-driven family car? Get the 2WD. Are you more chauffer driven? Get the AWD.
Unlike other captain’s seats, its application in the CX-8 doesn’t diminish its cargo capacity greatly. Apart from being able to move fore and aft and recline, the individual seats also fold flat forming a long, continuous cargo space from the cargo hold all the way to the back of the front seats. If there are shortcomings, there are just two: one, is a missed opportunity to fit ventilated seats like in the CX-9 and Mazda6 (heated seats for the first two rows are standard though), and two, is that the second-row console box protrudes even with the second row folded. This can potentially limit its ability to haul large things like a flatscreen TV.
Now for those who’ll end up being driven most of the time in the CX-8, you’ll be pleased to know that its ride is one of the comfiest, if not the comfiest in the midsize SUV category. Even if Mazdas are known more for their enthusiast-centric handling, this one is extremely pliant— going through all sorts of road cracks and potholes—small and big with poise and grace. Moreover, it’s got none of the float—a typical cause of car sickness. The cabin is extremely quiet, too.
For those who prefer to do their own driving, not much separates the frontand all-wheel drive CX-8, subjectively. Having the added security of one more driven axle is helpful in lowgrip situations such as heavy rain, but as a daily driver, they feel same. Even more surprising, the fuel economy penalty isn’t much with the AWD version registering 7.1 km/L to the 2WD’s 7.5 km/L in similar traffic and driving conditions.
Now what truly sets the AWD apart is its added suite of driver-assist features which Mazda calls i-Activsense. The CX-8 2WD already has features such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Blindspot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but the AWD goes one step further—adding Smart City Brake Support, Driver Attention Alert, and a radarbased Active Cruise Control into the mix. Shame only that the 360-degree camera’s resolution is pretty low rent.
On the flipside, Mazda used the added radar system in the CX-8 to add a functionality called Distance Recognition Support System or DRSS. Something not even found in the Mazda6, it automatically turns on once speeds reach 30 km/h. After that, it continuously scans the road ahead for other vehicles— yes including bicycles and motorcycles—and actively warns the driver to maintain a safe distance via the headsup display. It is, in other words, an unobtrusive yet effective anti-tailgating measure. Neat.
Initially, the CX-8’s market positioning is a bit fuzzy; after all, playing as the inbetweener is never easy. Being the family’s middle child, you’re often the “forgotten” one. However, as you get to know it more, this one brings a lot to the table. Mazda’s decision to offer two distinct seating arrangements is pure genius, offering a level of distinction in this overcrowded segment. In particular, this AWD Exclusive’s secondrow captain’s seats brings a truly business-class feel that make it a genuine and even better alternative to the usual executive sedans, or even some luxury MPVs.