PETA LEE is overwhelmed by the sublime performance hybrid from Lexus: the RX450h
This must be, surely, one of the quietest, smoothest, most beautiful cars on the planet. Also one of the most luxurious. And definitely, in fact certainly, one of the greenest.
The brochure says: “Owning a Lexus is a magnificent adventure in itself. Measured not in mileage but in experience. Flashes in time will delight and inspire you. You’ll feel it in the peace of mind you get from our unparalleled vehicle quality and dependability . . . and you’ll taste it in the anticipation every Lexus drive experience delivers.”
This is so true. Driving a Lexus is like no other driving experience – particularly the
RX450h.
Lexus is deservedly proud of this, the world’s very first luxury performance hybrid range. It’s no Heath Robinson eco-friendly rattletrap. In fact, our forefathers would’ve scoffed at the wild notion of a car that complements the environment being quite this luxurious. With a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 litres per 100km (amazing!), the Rx450h proves you need not sacrifice power for fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
If you thought hybrids were for sissies and tree huggers, how’re these apples, honey: combining a breakthrough 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine with two high-output electric motors and an advanced compact battery, the Rx450h combines performance driving with a clearer conscience. Turn on the vehicle and the system automatically engages electric-only mode for silent low speed and low resistance driving. Accelerate, and the petrol engine kicks in automatically, seamlessly adding power to that of the electric motors while also driving the generator to ensure power is stored in the Power Control Unit (PCU). The SUV is no slouch either. Despite being a fairly big vehicle, it springs from 0-100km/h in a pretty brisk 7.8 seconds, and boasts a top speed of 200km/h: truly the strong, speedy and silent type . . . To put the emissions thing into perspective, the RX450h provides up to 50% better fuel ratings and 70% fewer smog-forming emissions that its conventional counterparts.
And oh, the luxury of this sleek and beautiful machine! Poetry in motion on the road, everything a girl wants and needs from her steed, and more. There’s that gorgeous indigo back lighting on the gauges, and the same on the hybrid signage on the door sills when you open them. There’s the electric tailgate, the Mark Levinson digital surround sound system (and something like 15 speakers); front seat heaters, tilt and slide moon roof; (colour) reverse camera; electronic multi-vision display with navigation system; park distance control . . . and seriously brilliant seats that are 10-way electronically adjustable.
Plenty of stowage space front and aft, and with a super-smooth auto gearbox, sitting in the cockpit is as sublime an experience you could wish to have.
Incidentally, to operate the radio/CD/ventilation/nav system etc, you simply use the discreet centrally mounted mouse (beside your left hand on the console) . . . the kids will love it! I must hasten to add you need never take your eyes off the road while operating it. The state-of-the-art Remote Touch allows you to control your next generation satellite navigation, climate on board computer and audio system without ever diverting your gauze. All that’s needed is a light tap of your fingertip.
Oops, and nearly forgot: the RX450h comes not just with auto air-conditioning with independent passenger and driver control, it also includes a pollen-removing clean air filter.
The Lexus tag line proclaims “the pursuit of perfection”. But drive this car, and it’s clear that perfection has been attained already.