Thursday, January 27, 2011

Driving Report Lexus RX 450h: Have fun and savings potential

He is next to the Toyota Prius as a symbol of the hybrid drive, the Lexus RX 450h. At 6.3 liters average consumption according to EU standard, the premium SUV with 143 kW sets / 249 hp gasoline engine and more than 2.1 tonnes unladen weight, the record in the segment. This fabulous value we obtained in the test but not everyday, but any 8.5 to 10.5 liters per 100 kilometers for a car of this class can definitely see, especially in the dormant Lexus not only fuel-saving technology, but also any Mange sporty dynamics.

The RX is used generally as a SUV, but rather relates to the term crossover yet the visual appearance. Large overhangs, like him, is found only rarely and are not exactly what is needed in the field. But despite his four-wheel drive, the Lexus will not necessarily play the climbers. The side window line and the stresses gently sloping rear end show in a more dynamic direction.

The coupe-like appearance of the four-door is the distinctive roof spoiler but then nearly neutralized. From such a mix of styles, the interior is far away. He exudes the typical Lexus luxury and a lot of solidity. The obliquely projecting from the center console shifter is perfectly placed ergonomically, it must be because of the continuously variable automatic but little used.

The control of the multimedia navigation system with eight-inch disply cursor is by a combination of joystick and computer mouse in the center console. The Remote Touch "baptized control element has already won a design award. Since 2010 is also an optional rear seat entertainment system offered, the two seven-inch screens in the front head restraints are integrated.

The headphones can be found in the fold out center armrest of the rear seats. Note: The name is deceptive. The 200 km / h top model in the series as a base the same 3.5-liter engine as the RX 350, but optimized for the hybrid drive, which achieves a performance of 220 kW / 299 PS. So the Lexus reveals the firm foot on the accelerator a different side than his savings.

Since the hybrid begins to hiss and formally mutated not only audible to the sports car. Thanks to accelerate the front electric motor with an output of 123 kW proud / 167 hp and maximum torque of 335 Newton meters, the 183 kW / 249 PS petrol unit of the Lexus sport in 7.8 seconds from zero to 100 km / h.

With so much e-Power on board the car may be driven by a button and up to a speed of 40 km / h is also a good deal on electric power. In any case, it is astounding how often turned off the gasoline engine in city driving by themselves, and the Lexus is moving forward only with electricity.

Also approached will always be pure electric, hybrid can believe what newcomers to the Lexus sometimes start because of the lack of noise, the car could not drive off because the (petrol) engine does not. In addition to the front of the RX 450h has more than a second and smaller electric motor, which contribute 50 kW / 68 hp to the rear wheels when required and thus ensuring all-wheel traction.

In addition to the "EV" mode for pure electric vehicles to the driver are still the mode "Eco", which is down the performance of the air conditioning and changes the accelerator pedal characteristic curve, and "Snow" for the reduction of slip and connection of the rear electric unit. Instead of a tachometer informs a "Ecometer" about whether the battery is just now in the shift operation, the driver is loaded and thus ecologically favorable way, or whether the Lexus is just in the sporting mode ("Power") moves.

The Lexus has on demand via a three-way height adjustable chassis with air suspension, which lowers automatically at high motorway speeds to reduce drag. In addition to "High", "Normal" and "Low" is the fourth option, the position "Loading" is available, that drops at a standstill for easier loading of the vehicle by three centimeters.

Another convenience is the driver's seat, after switching off the ignition - the steering wheel as well - automatically moves back and designed training and access extremely convenient. As a premium vehicle, the RX 450h features including a radar-based pre-crash safety system, ten airbags including a knee airbag for the passenger as well as a high-quality audio system.

The head-up display with the most important driving information is also adjustable and horizontally adjustable in brightness. The adaptive cruise control system excited by an equally agile response. The Lexus RX 450h luxury and fascinated by his technique. With him close dynamic driving performance and economical movement does not even both at once is not natural.

Rather whether the savings or the fun potential is used, each driver has in their own hands. (Ampnet / jri) data: Lexus RX 450h length x width x height (m): 4.77 x 1.89 x 1.69 Engine: V6 petrol, 3456 ccm Power: 183 kW / 249 hp at 6000 rpm Maximum torque: 317 Nm at 4800 rpm electric motor power (front): 123 kW / 167 hp Torque: 335 Nm electric motor power (rear): 50 kW / 68 hp Torque: 139 Nm Power output: 220 kW / 299 hp, average fuel consumption (EU standard).

6.3 liters of Super CO2 emissions: 145 g / km (Euro 5) Maximum speed: 200 km / h Acceleration 0 to 100 km / h: 7.8 seconds Kerb weight / payload: 2185 to 2280 kg / 420-515 kg Boot capacity: 446 - 1570 liter towing capacity: 2000kg Turning circle: 12.2 m Wheels / Tires: 7.5 J x 19 / 235/55 R 19 base price: 59 EUR 950

No comments:

Post a Comment