Lexus RX400h Limited Edition : CITY LIMITED

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The Lexus RX400h gets a value for money boost in Limited Edition guise. Steve Walker reports.

If you simply must have a full-size luxury 4x4, the RX400h hybrid from Lexus is one of the most economical and environmentally friendly ways to do it. Thanks to a pair of Limited Edition models, it now looks better value than ever too.

An all new Lexus RX is on the horizon but the current model isn't going out with a whimper. To boost sales during its final months, Lexus has concocted the RX400h Limited Edition and the RX400h Executive Limited Edition. These models bring added value to the standard package and should help persuade the public that this groundbreaking Lexus hybrid is still a good idea. The RX400h isn't your typical hybrid. There's nothing overwhelmingly green about a 272bhp output resulting in a top speed of 124mph and sprinting capability that can shame some hot hatches. In fact, this heavy 4x4 has jet heels, getting to 60mph in just 7.4 seconds. On the road, the extra weight of the batteries and electric motors in this hybrid model do make themselves felt and the RX400h isn't the most graceful luxury 4x4 through the corners. Drive in a sedate fashion though, as traffic conditions often force us to in urban areas, and the comfort and refinement of the package are remarkable. The 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine under the bonnet of the RX400h isn't anything special, but Lexus has also engineered a pair of high-torque electric motors positioned front and rear that can either assist the petrol engine during acceleration or replace it altogether at start up or low to mid-range speeds. Moreover, during deceleration and under braking, the engine switches off and both the electric motors act as high-output generators, driven by all four wheels. This regenerative braking system optimises energy management by recovering kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat as electrical energy for storage in the high performance battery. The battery power level is constantly maintained by the engine-driven generator, which means there is no need for the system to be recharged from an external power source.

"â€¦far reaching tweaks have been made to the specifications of the car, and its pricing"

The batteries in the RX400h are zero maintenance items guaranteed for 100,000 miles and are a lot more compact than you'd imagine. This sort of drive system is similar to that pioneered in Toyota's Prius but Lexus have finessed certain elements to suit the character of a luxury 4x4. Electrical power enhancements to the new Hybrid Synergy Drive include the use of a boost converter to increase generating capacity. A special, high speed front motor operates at twice the speed and delivers more than double the power of the one used in the Prius. The addition of a rear motor facilitates four-wheel drive and an advanced high power nickel-metal hydride battery is used. The rearmost motor can deliver a 68bhp boost to the rear wheels when you need maximum acceleration or when the computers detect front wheel slippage. The RX has never been much of a mud-plugger but on snowy roads and wet grass, its additional traction should pay dividends. The Lexus RX400h is a more benign presence on the road than most of its rivals and this may help deflect some of the flak that urban 4x4s are forced to take in the current political climate. It's attractive enough to look at but signature styling features are in short supply. Inside, the quality of the construction stands out though, again, the ambiance is less stylish than in some competitors. The cabin lays on space for five with decent head and legroom and a big boot. There is a bit of a lip that stops you sliding large items into the rear but when serious luggage capacity is needed, the rear seats can be folded virtually flat to the floor. The basic RX400h package may be unchanged in the Limited Edition models but far reaching tweaks have been made to the specifications of the car, and its pricing. The highlights of the Limited edition model include leather upholstery, heated front seats and the Lexus Multimedia system which incorporates a seven inch colour screen with satellite navigation and the outstanding Mark Levinson 11-speaker stereo. Adaptive front lighting is also thrown in along with cruise control and a fetching set of 18" alloy wheels. Step up to the Executive Limited Edition model and there's also an electric sunroof, electric steering wheel adjustment, memory settings for the seat and wheel, rain sensing wipers and a powered tailgate. Prices for both models have been cut making the Limited Edition packages look particularly desirable. All RX400h models feature a comprehensive haul of safety kit. As well as the usual set of twin front and side airbags, it features curtain shield bags at the sides and knee airbags for the driver. These bags help to reduce injury caused by contact with the unyielding steering column, but tests have shown an additional benefit. Knee bags also reduce head and chest injuries. How? In a usual front end collision, the legs come into contact with the lower dashboard and steering column. Rarely contacting square on, this causes the pelvis to cant forward and begins a twist in the driver's body that can prevent the airbag in the steering wheel doing its job to optimum effect. Knee bags nip this in the bud, making for a safer car. If you want to do your bit for the planet, you probably won't buy a luxury 4x4, even one with an advanced hybrid powertrain like the RX400h. If, however, you want a luxury 4x4, the RX400h is as good a way as any of driving one while minimising your impact on the planet and your wallet. The official combined economy figure for the car is 34.9mpg which is easily bettered by any number of smaller cars but is amongst the best for a model of this size. Emissions of 192g/km will help the bottom line too. How attainable the official economy figures for the RX400h are in real world conditions will depend on your driving style. By going easy on the throttle and allowing the electric motors the chance to do their thing, you should get close but by giving it the gas, you're leaning more heavily on the V6 petrol engine and can expect returns that are more in line with those of the conventionally-powered RX350. The Lexus RX400h remains a unique prospect in the luxury SUV segment thanks to its hybrid powertrain and the Limited Edition models give it a further string to its bow in terms of value for money. With extra features and lower prices, these versions should attract their fair share of customers. There's even a 2-year/20,000-mile servicing package included in the price. The RX400h has never been the best of the luxury 4x4 brigade but it is solidly built, extremely refined and has a certain novelty value thanks to its hybrid powertrain. Considering the amount of technology Lexus has crammed beneath the skin, this has always looked like a lot of car for the money and that impression is only magnified by the Limited Edition versions.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Lexus RX400h Limited Edition
PRICES: £35,995-£37,995 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 16E-17E
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 7.6s / Max Speed 124mph
CO2 EMISSIONS: 192g/km
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (Urban) 37.2mpg / (Extra Urban) 31.0mpg / (Combined) 34.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side, curtain and driver's knee airbags, ABS with brake assist, traction control
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4750/1845/1720mm WHO TO SEE: