Lexus RX 450h

Overview

‘As a premium brand always striving to be ahead of its time, yet in tune with society, Lexus takes environmental performance very seriously. Since we launched the first luxury hybrid utility in 2005, Lexus Hybrid Drive has undergone constant development. Drawing on the pioneering spirit of the first-generation model, the RX 450h demonstrates that Lexus is seriously committed to creating a new form of sustainable luxury and values.’

In 1998, Lexus introduced the world’s first luxury utility vehicle. Until then, the idea of a four-wheel drive with the handling, performance, refinement and ride of a luxury saloon was just that – an idea. Lexus made it reality. In 2005, the RX 400h was unveiled and standards were redefined once more. Powered by the new and revolutionary Lexus Hybrid Drive system, combining a petrol engine with two electric motors, it offered greatly reduced emissions, improved fuel efficiency as well as an entirely new experience of smooth high power. It was a breakthrough that instantly met the needs of progressively-minded individuals all over the world – active and engaged people who wanted to enjoy life while, at the same time, going past convention to find deeper value. Four years later, the next-generation full hybrid RX 450h was launched. And the offering is more relevant and compelling than ever. Built at the award-winning Lexus ‘Eco Factory’ at Kyushu in Japan, the RX 450h features second-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, ensuring seamless power, even more impressive fuel efficiency and emissions levels unrivalled by any other vehicle in its class. It’s all captured in a design that expresses versatility, elegance and alert, responsive dynamism. It’s the promise of a deeply satisfying experience. On many levels.

The full hybrid RX 450h takes another important step towards minimising environmental impact and maximising driving pleasure thanks to second-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive technology. By combining a 3.5-litre V6 Atkinson Cycle petrol engine with two high-output electric motors and an advanced compact battery, the RX 450h delivers the power and acceleration you would expect from a much larger engine and the emissions of a compact four-cylinder car. Maximum combined output is 299 DIN hp (220kW) while combined CO2 emissions are just 145g per kilometre. This remarkable CO2 figure means the RX 450h has a Benefit-In-Kind tax rate of only 15 per cent (2010/11). The RX 450h delivers these all-round peaks because its full hybrid technology provides optimum power at all times. It even offers, in certain conditions, true zero emissions* at the exhaust capability. Thanks to its powerful front and rear electric motors, the RX can operate in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode for emission-free driving at low speed over short distances.

The RX 450h draws its seamless and efficient power from a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and two high-output electric motors. It’s all intelligently orchestrated by a breakthrough Power Control Unit and the smooth hybrid transmission

Electric Vehicle (EV) Mode

The driver can select Electric Vehicle (EV) mode using the multiinformation switch on the steering wheel. In EV, power is drawn from the two electric motors for an almost silent drive with zero emissions*.

ECO Mode

The driver can also activate ECO mode, which moderates throttle control and the air conditioning to reduce both emissions and fuel consumption.

Snow Mode

When starting on a snowy or slippery road, activating SNOW mode instructs Lexus Hybrid Drive to adjust traction control responses and torque to all four wheels for confident, trouble-free progress. * At point of driving, dependent on speed, distance and conditions.

AI-Shift Control/Sequential Shift

Another first for Lexus, Artificial Intelligence-SHIFT (AI-SHIFT) sets a new benchmark in driving comfort. This system assesses road conditions and the driver’s intentions to ensure optimum shift patterns at all times. For an even more dynamic and personally involving drive, the RX 450h allows manual-style gear changes using the ‘+’ and ‘-’ function when the gearshift is in the ‘S’ position. This also allows you to create an engine braking effect by downshifting – important on steep descents.

How Does Lexus Hybrid Drive Work?

The drive in the RX 450h may be smooth, and often silent, but there is a great deal of seamlessly efficient work going on behind the scenes. You can, in fact, see exactly what’s happening through informative power-flow animations on the central eight-inch LCD colour display screen. The hybrid system is orchestrated by an advanced Power Control Unit (PCU) which constantly optimises power distribution. For example, when a strong surge of power is required, the PCU combines both electric and petrol power.

Lexus Hybrid Drive also incorporates Regenerative Braking. Usually, the kinetic energy created by braking is lost as heat. This system captures it and uses it to charge the battery. Braking force through the electric motors is also used as a valuable energy source. Other efficiency gains are made when Lexus Hybrid Drive identifies opportunities to switch off the engine when the vehicle is coasting or descending a hill. At lower speeds – in city traffic, for example – power may come solely from the electric motors, for near-silent progress free of all emissions* – not only CO2 but also NOX and particulates. The changeover from petrol to electric power – and vice versa – happens so smoothly that you may never even notice the transition. Second-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive technology offers a number of advanced new control features, such as Electric Vehicle (EV) mode for ‘zero emissions*’ driving and ECO mode for reducing environmental impact

The Lexus RX 450h is a full hybrid. That means it has the flexibility to run at the precise optimum for all driving conditions. It will for instance operate on electric-only or petrol-only power when it makes practical sense to do so. And it will be powered by a combination of both sources to provide peaks of both efficiency and performance whenever required. Two other systems you may have heard about are mild and micro hybrids. A mild hybrid is simpler and cheaper to produce than a full hybrid system, but it is less versatile and the fuel savings are more modest. Parallel mild hybrids have a less powerful electric motor between the engine and the gearbox to provide extra torque, but it is rarely the sole source of power. There are several mild hybrids in development and production but fuel efficiency is compromised and they use conventional transmissions that add weight and complexity.

A third type, the micro hybrid, is a hybrid in name only and is simply an engine start-stop system.

‘Look closer at the RX 450h and, slowly, intriguing design elements will reveal themselves. It’s a uniquely beautiful vehicle, full of contrasts – not only in the detailing, but also in the way lines and surfaces flow through the vehicle. The RX 450h has been designed using our L-finesse creative language. At Lexus, leading edge means using the most advanced technology to make the driving experience as luxurious as possible. However, technology would be nothing without exquisite quality – hence the crucial complement of finesse’

With its generous proportions, the RX 450h assumes an elegant yet reassuringly broad stance. And yet, even at rest, it exudes an unmistakable aura of dynamism. The front grille is set low, creating a purposeful look, while the headlights rise and dramatically sweep into the side profile. Here, the chrome window mouldings describe a graceful concave line, with characteristic Lexus arrowheads at the front and rear. Finished with absolute precision, such details reflect the world-class quality of the RX 450h.

The RX 450h exemplifies the power of paradox resolution. It’s a large premium luxury utility with the agility of a sports saloon; it’s fun to drive, yet supremely comfortable; it’s refined when driving around town, yet engagingly precise along fast winding roads; and it’s elegantly poised, yet exceptionally responsive.

This vehicle is also remarkably aerodynamic, thanks to the hundreds of hours it spent in wind tunnels. A smoother body reduces wind resistance, which, in turn, lowers fuel consumption and emissions. It means quietness and greater stability too.

Every possible detail was considered to achieve the RX 450h’s drag coefficient of just 0.32. Along with scrupulously minimised panel gaps, features include a large undercover to improve airflow beneath the vehicle and door mirrors designed to control turbulence around the front pillars. And, with optional air suspension fitted, the ride height is automatically lowered at higher speeds.

Aerodynamic strength also equates to contemporary style, as you can see with the rear spoiler. While it was developed primarily to lower wind resistance, it was also sculpted with a clear focus on aesthetic value. Closer examination reveals a concealed rear wiper underneath the spoiler and a high-mounted integrated brake light, while a built-in radio antenna does away with the need for a conventional aerial.

Electric Power Steering

The new Electric Power Steering (EPS) system is progressive, responsive and precise. EPS automatically adjusts steering feel according to vehicle speed to improve handling and stability. As you accelerate, for instance, steering becomes progressively more solid and secure. EPS is also more fuel-efficient than conventional hydraulic steering systems.

New Double-Wishbone Rear Suspension

An all-new trailing double-wishbone rear suspension set-up delivers outstanding road holding, sports saloon-like cornering and superb straight-line stability. More complex to build than strut-based alternatives, double-wishbone suspension is often used in racing cars. And, thanks to its compactness, it encroaches far less into the luggage compartment.

Electronically Controlled Air Suspension

Optional electronically controlled air suspension maintains a consistent vehicle height regardless of the number of people or the amount of luggage on board. At high speeds, the vehicle will automatically lower itself to reduce wind resistance and ensure driving stability. And a touch of a button can either lower the RX by 30mm for easier loading or raise it to make it easier to drive over rough ground

A highly refined sense of hospitality has always been extremely important in Japanese culture. Reflecting this, the RX 450h is designed to make a warm and lasting impression on both driver and passengers. One example of this courtesy can be seen when a driver approaches the vehicle at night. Thanks to a special electronic Smart key, the RX recognises that the driver is approaching and activates a puddle light for safe and secure visibility. Your first point of contact with the RX will be the door handle, with its elegantly sculpted surface subtly twisting outwards from the front to the rear. Touch it lightly and the door will unlock thanks to the presence of the Smart key in your pocket or bag.

Enter the RX 450h and the instrument panel lights up to welcome you, while soft ambient lights illuminate key areas such as the footwell, start button and gearshift. An automated system also slides back the driver’s seat by 50mm and adjusts the steering wheel for effortless access. Sumptuous leather seating is standard on SE and SE-I grades, with the highest quality semi-aniline leather standard on SE-L and SE-L Premier grades. Extended buffing and pressing guarantees the smoothest, most even leather, while ergonomic design provides comfort and support for all physiques. The leather-covered steering wheel is precision-stitched by machine and then finished by a master craftsman at the Lexus Kyushu plant. Optional wood trim is also hand-finished, windows open and close with the slow-fast-slow motion of a traditional Japanese fusuma sliding door and instruments dim gracefully when they deactivate. All in the name of Lexus hospitality.

Once seated, the driver will soon notice how the RX 450h enhances both relaxation and concentration, thanks to its advanced dual-zone interior. This is designed to reduce the information overload you can experience in some vehicles by promoting simplicity, comfort and focus. The centrepiece of the ‘display’ zone is an eight-inch colour monitor recessed into the dashboard for optimum visibility. A crisp white LED multi-information display in the central panel ensures exceptional clarity, while the Head-Up Display (HUD), standard on SE-L Premier, projects key data onto the lower windscreen. To ensure maximum effectiveness, HUD was tested extensively in many different conditions, including on the snow-covered roads of Hokkaido in northern Japan.

The ‘operation zone’ is where the driver interacts with the RX 450h, below eye level, via the multi-information switch on the steering wheel, the control panel or the optional Remote Touch controller. It provides easy access to, and control of, a host of functions.

The Remote Touch system revolutionises the way drivers interact with the RX 450h. Ergonomically designed to reduce eye movement, Remote Touch allows the driver and front seat passenger to intuitively operate many of the vehicle’s advanced features, such as the entertainment, climate and navigation systems, using a mouse-like controller and the eight-inch display screen. The system is incredibly easy to use. Simply move the pointer on the display screen to a function’s icon and click. For extra ease of use, when the pointer gets near to the icon, you can feel the controller being very gently, and helpfully, drawn towards it.

The new-generation RX 450h can be ordered with a nine, 12 or 15-speaker stereo system for high-quality playback of music, videos or other digital media. At the top of the range is the 15-speaker Mark Levinson® Premium Surround system, offering exceptional fidelity and clarity. Passengers will also enjoy CDs and DVDs in 7.1-channel surround sound. Lexus and Mark Levinson® spent many hundreds of hours testing in both the laboratory and on the road to tailor the Premium Surround system to suit the acoustic characteristics of the RX. Consequently, each of the 15 speakers is custom-engineered for its specific location in the cabin.

All models are fitted with an auxiliary input and USB port which enables the use of iPods or other media players. The RX is also DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) ready. When the RX is fitted with the Mark Levinson® Premium Surround system, a Hard Disk Drive allows you to save CDs and manage them with Gracenote® software. This state-of-the-art package catalogues data such as artist, album name and track

For effortless relaxation on long journeys, Lexus has developed an advanced rear seat In-Car Entertainment (ICE) system*. The ICE includes a tablet securely mounted to the back of each front seat, with side-loading integrated DVD player, SD card and USB 2.0 readers, and connectivity with your iPod® or other media player. Compatible games consoles can also be connected.

Two sets of foldable infrared headphones allow passengers to enjoy films and music without disturbing the driver. In addition to manual controls on the front of each tablet, a pleasingly tactile, ergonomically designed remote control gives the freedom to access media while remaining comfortably seated. The exceptionally resilient system ensures full protection against screen-jitters and the tablets can be viewed easily from wide angles.

In developing the RX 450h, Lexus aimed for the highest levels of active and passive safety. Approximately 42 per cent of the entire body mass is composed of high-tensile steel, creating a lightweight, exceptionally rigid structure that ensures maximum protection. Endorsing this, internal test results show that the RX exceeds the requirements of global safety test standards. You are also protected by 10 airbags – a class-leading number – and active front headrests.

Active Front Headrests

If there is a rear collision, active headrests can help to prevent or limit whiplash injury to the front passengers. Sensors in the front seats trigger a mechanism that pushes the headrests upwards to support the head.

Twin-Chamber Passenger Airbag

In many crash tests, Lexus engineers noticed that the front seat passenger travelled further than the driver before hitting the front airbag, which can lead to greater facial injuries. To address this, they designed the award-winning twin-chamber airbag. This distributes impact more widely across the shoulders, effectively ‘catching’ the passenger.

Knee Airbags

These are specified for both front seat occupants. In a frontal collision, they supplement the seatbelts and front airbags to provide an equal distribution of restraining force.

Curtain Shield Airbags

In a side collision, curtain shield airbags deploy across the side windows, protecting the heads of occupants in both the front and rear seats. They also provide protection from objects both inside and outside the vehicle, and inflate automatically to protect passengers’ heads in the unlikely event of the RX rolling over.

Side Airbags

Extra protection is also built into the front and rear seats, through side airbags that are wide enough to protect the occupant’s chest even while the seatback is reclined.