The Lexus RX 450h is proof that economy and luxury can coexist. For 2013, this midsized luxury SUV has undergone a minor midcycle facelift.
The third-generation RX debuted in 2009 and not much has changed. The biggest visual hint that it's a 2013 is the new spindleshaped trapezoidal grille. This look recently made its debut in the GS sedans and presents the new face of the luxury division of Toyota. The fascia also incorporates a strip of very bright (and very trendy) LED daylight running lamps.
Changes to the interior are harder to spot - a redesigned steering wheel and different materials is all I could come up with.
Although I had driven the last-generation hybrid, this was my first opportunity to drive the latest generation gasoline-electric hybrid. The tester was equipped with the Ultra Premium Package 2, which adds $14,650 to the $56,750 list price.
The major difference between the RX 450h and its gas-powered siblings is the powertrain. Lexus has changed the 3.5-litre gas engine from a conventional Otto-cycle to a more fuelefficient Atkinson-cycle.
In combination with the motors, it produces 245 net horsepower and 234 lb.-ft. of torque, while using only 6.7 litres of gas per 100 km in the city and 7.2 on the highway. The 450h actually has three electric motors - two in the front and one in the rear.
Unlike other all-wheeldrive vehicles, the 450h has no driveshaft to the rear. The rear wheels are driven by the rear electric motor and only comes into play when starting off and under acceleration.
A little bit of trivia: The 450h has no starter or alternator. The vehicle uses the electric motor to start the gas motor.
There are four driving modes: Normal, Eco, EV and Sport. With Eco mode engaged, power is reduced - throttle response and even air conditioning are tightly controlled for maximum economy.
On the EV setting, drivers are supposed to be able to drive short distances solely on the hybrid battery.
In the week I had the 450h, I was only able to successfully engage the EV mode once. The owner's manual has a list of reasons why and when it can be engaged - the battery charge must be high, the engine needs to be at optimum operating temperature and so on. It was disappointing not being able to engage it for longer periods - if at all. Lexus claims it can drive on electric-only mode at 40 km/h or less for up to one kilometre, although it adds, somewhat unnecessarily, "under certain conditions."
Confusingly, the owner's manual states: "Driving in EV mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy." Isn't driving more in electric rather than gas mode the primary reason a person would purchase a hybrid in the first place?
Equipping the 450h with a Sport mode also seems to go against the reason one would pay a premium for a hybrid vehicle. When it's engaged, the instrument panel lighting goes from blue to red and the engine's throttle response is increased.
The motor is mated to a continuously variable transmission and a 288-volt nickelmetal hydride battery pack located under the rear seats.
The interior is very well appointed - having a $14,650 Ultra Premium upgrade doesn't hurt, either. The package includes navigation, upgraded stereo, smart-key entry system, park assist, heads-up display, leather seat surfaces with seat heating and ventilation (great on hot, sunny days).
Although the Lexus is equipped with a sunroof, it seems small compared to the panorama sunroofs found in almost all of its competitors.
The upgraded wood and leather steering wheel is elegant to look at. On a cool morning, however, the wood is much colder to the touch than the leather.
The wheel is heated, but the wood surfaces aren't. The button to turn on the heat is partially hidden on the lower part of the dash. It's difficult to see the little "on" light that indicates the system is in operation.
Lexus has decided to replace the more common touch-screen with its Remote Touch system - a short joystick on the centre console used like a mouse to navigate the screen. I found it more difficult to use and less intuitive than others.
The back seats can fold 40/20/40 and recline and slide for more legroom or cargo. The Ultra Premium package also gives second-row passengers display screens on the backs of both front seats.
Although it was frustrating not being able to utilize EV mode more, the vehicle's stellar fuel economy makes up for it. Until the competition comes up with alternatives, the 450h is the one to beat.
THE SPEC SHEET
Type: Mid-sized luxury hybrid SUV, front engine, all-wheel-drive
Engine: 3.5-litre V-6 coupled with three electric motors, 245 hp and 234 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 r.p.m.
Transmission: CVT
Dimensions (mm): Length, 4,770; width, 1,885; height, 1,720 ; wheelbase, 2,740
Curb weight (kg): 2,110
Price (base/as tested): $56,750/$73,495 (includes $1,995 freight and PDI and $100 AC tax)
Options: Ultra Premium Package 2 ($14,650)
Tires: 235/55 R19 on alloy wheels
Fuel type: Premium
Fuel economy (L/100km): 6.7 city/ 7.2 highway
Warranty: Four years/80,000 km new car, four years/unlimited km roadside assistance, six years/ 110,000 km powertrain, eight years/160,000 hybrid-specific components
