The Lexus RX 400H

Take a good look at the world’s first high-performance hybrid SUV !

Take a look at the world’s first high-performance hybrid SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) ! Already a champion, from all points of view…

Its predecessor, the RX 300, was elegant. And the RX 400h is a genuine Lexus, though it offers a certain number of stylistic modifications. All enhancements, of course ! Even sportier and more powerful, its front bumper benefits from a generously-sized central grille which is fitted with round integrated foglamps and helps significantly to cool the hybrid system. The horizontal bars on the new radiator grille bear the Lexus badge. Also new, the vehicle’s tail lights, which now look like gems : an impression further emphasized by the LED tail lamps and diamond-like reflectors. This SUV boasts exclusive alloy 5-spoke wheels and there is a choice of no less than seven colours for the bodywork (from Crystal White to Black Onyx, via Bamboo Pearl, Millennium Silver Metallic, Savannah Beige Metallic, Almond Green Metallic and Neptune Blue). The passenger compartment has also benefitted from real research in both design and practicality to give a blend of luxury and ergonomics. The rear seats fold down separately, and brushed-aluminium accents have replaced wooden ones around the instrument panel on the center console. The technology - spearhead, as ever - has been invited on board. In the guise of a feature exclusive to Lexus, an electric air-conditioning compressor, with an integrated reverter and continuous-current motor. There’s no point letting the engine run to cool the passenger compartment, which thus lowers consumption without reducing comfort. In the President Pack version, the RX 400h has a DVD navigation system with GPS and electronic maps, so that the car’s location can be shown on an 18-cm touchscreen on the center console and visual and spoken information can be provided to direct the driver to his chosen destination. Another novelty : the Lexus parking assistance system benefits from a tiny video camera positioned just above the rear license plate.

Specifications Overall length : 4755 mm Overall width : 1845 mm Overall height : 1670 mm Wheelbase : 2715 mm Luggage compartment : 439 l Fuel tank capacity : 65 l Weight empty : 2000 kg Total weight laden : 2505 kg Top speed : 200 km/h 0 to 100 km/hr : 7.6 s Consumption (mixed regime) : 8.1 l Non-city driving : 7,6 l City driving : 9.1 l

As part of the vehicle’s active safety features, the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) combines several systems such as ABS, traction contol and stability control. It makes for more homogeneous behaviour and more enjoyable driving. Also worth noting : emergency braking assistance, an Adaptive Front Lighting System, a highly rigid body structure, and no less than seven airbags. Luxury - and peace of mind !

A superb alternative

In a secteur dominated by diesel vehicles, the RX 400h, the first hybrid SUV, offers its owner the chance to rediscover all the pleasures associated with petrol engines while remaining “ecologically correct”. Cleaner than many vehicles that run on diesel (it emits no NOx), its consumption is lower than that of its diesel-run peers. Which opens wide the gateways to city driving… with no bad reputation ! And what exactly is the “Hybrid Synergy Drive” concept ?

It involves cohabitation of two powerful electric motors (one at the front, one at the back) with a high-performance gas engine. They function in total synergy, giving “intelligently” attributed power to the four wheels while simultaneously improving traction under low and medium regimes, as well as consumption. RX 400h Luxury Pack : 56,000 €. RX 400h President Pack : 61,800 €. DVD navigation system: 3,450 €.

By Cécile Olivéro - photos : press.