Lexus reveals new hybrid SUV
Dinner party greens can rejoice, as a replacement for the RX 400h SUV darling of the chattering classes has finally been unveiled by Lexus. The new RX 450h has been revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the new hybrid SUV set to replace both its hybrid RX 400h predecessor and the conventional RX 350 relatives in the UK next summer.
The new hybrid drive model features an increase in output over the outgoing RX 400h by 27bhp; the combined output of its 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and electric hybrid drive being 295bhp.
Several new systems have been developed to boost the hybrid drive's economy even further. The first of these is an exhaust heat recovery system that helps warm the engine up more quickly to allow it to stop earlier and more often to run on electricity power alone at slow speeds. Another exhaust-based system uses cooled exhaust gas recirculation to remove pumping losses in the engine to boost efficiency.
The combined electric and petrol hybrid transmission will drive all four wheels through a part-time drive system. As with the current RX 400h, energy recovered from braking is used along with power from the petrol engine to keep the batteries topped up.
Inside, the new RX 450h features a twin cockpit design, and being a Lexus it's fully loaded with the latest technology for comfort and safety. There's an intelligent Pre-Collision System that pre-empts impacts using radar, and other kit including ten airbags, high-beam assist headlamps and a stereo system that's certain to shame the wattage output of a Wembley concert
There's no word from Lexus yet as to the economy and emissions of its new hybrid SUV, but it is certain to improve on the 34.9mpg and 192g/km that the outgoing RX 400h delivers on the official combined cycle. It will need to, as many SUVs on offer from rivals currently can match and even better those figures with conventional turbodiesel drivetrains.
