Lexus RX450h Engine & Performance
The Lexus RX450h is powered by a 3.5 litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine combined with an electric motor. The total power output stands at 308 horsepower and maximum torque of 335 Nm. Transmission duties are handled by an e-CVT gearbox. The RC450h is not a plug in hybrid so driving in full electric mode is virtually impossible. However the transitions from electric to petrol and vice versa are super smooth. The RX starts in electric mode and you don’t even realize that you are good to go. There are four drive modes to choose from and each mode alters the steering feel, suspension and throttle response to an extent. Comfort mode is for everyday driving. Acceleration is linear and the steering feels very light at most speeds. Eco mode focuses on using the electric motor as much as possible, making the performance feel lethargic. If you want to get into some spirited driving, there’s Sport and Sport Plus. In these modes, the suspension firms up and the steering does feel nicely weighted. The V6 motor also gives out a nice note on pressing the throttle pedal hard. That engine note however comes from the speakers similar to what we earlier saw in the BMW i8. Also the car feels genuinely quick in Sport Plus. The CVT is not the best shifting of the lot but it does what it has to. You do end up revving the engine hard while requesting for a downshift though. Also, thanks to the CVT, the engine feels strained at the higher end of the rev band at full throttle. The RX450h comes with all wheel drive as standard.
Ride quality thanks to the adaptive dampers is really good. The suspension has been well set up and most of the rough patches of road are handled without a problem. The 18 inch alloys with 65 high profile rubber only add to the comfort. Body roll is well controlled too and stiffness in the Sport and Sport Plus mode makes the Lexus go enthusiastically around corners. Grip levels are decent and braking is excellent. Safety features on the Lexus RX450h include 10 airbags, ABS, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, 3 point seat belts, Vehicle Dynamic Management and Heads Up Display.
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