Lexus RX 450h: This luxury SUV drives like a sportscar

Lexus has brought their A-game to India by ushering in the latest hybrid drive technologies they have to offer. Their RX 450h SUV delivers a sportscar like experience, while retaining all the capabilities of a luxury SUV and offering impeccable fuel efficiency.

Sharp design
Lexus is very proud of their design language, especially the sharp lines, sleek finish and the signature grille design. All of these can be found on the car and despite being an SUV, it still manages to have a rather sleek sporty look that makes it stand apart from the competition. The LED headlights, razor design F Sport grille, and large 18-inch alloys ensure that the vehicle has that purposeful stance which is quite futuristic looking and a definite head turner.

 

Sleek Interiors
The svelte look carries over to the interior of the RX450h as well and the first thing that impresses you is the fit and finish. Quality materials including perforated leather seats, soft leather finish on the dash, brushed aluminium and a crafted gear knob add that touch of class.

In terms of creature comforts, the automobile comes with heating and cooling for the front driver and passenger seats, 10-way electrically adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, Lexus remote controller, sport pedals and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system. There is a large display screen to access a plethora of information and all your connectivity needs are sorted as well. The vehicle also offers wireless charging for mobile phones that have that capability. 

Efficient performance
What makes the Lexus RX450h stand apart is its hybrid drivetrain. The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine is coupled with an electric drive system that offers a combined output of 308 hp and is capable pushing the car from standstill to 100 kmph in just 7.7 seconds while returning a fuel efficiency of 18.8 kmpl.

For that kind of performance, the fuel efficiency is outright amazing. You also get drive mode select to switch between ECO, SPORT, and SPORT+ modes to suit your driving style. The car also runs in a ‘pure’ electric mode which seamlessly comes on and off to allow for that increase in efficiency.

 

The verdict
Offering a great ride quality thanks to the adaptive variable suspension and keeping things safe on board with its high rigidity body structure and 10 airbags, the RX450h is quite a package. It is priced at `1,28,56,000 which is a bit steep, however, when you take into account that it has the lowest annual maintenance cost amongst all luxury SUVs currently available in the market and is extremely efficient as well, the complete package isn’t a bad deal at all.