Lexus RX 450h Test: powerful and simple
Presented as a concept at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris and in its final version at the Geneva Motor Show 2009, the second generation of hybrids from Lexus is preparing to make its appearance in concession under the name RX450H in line with the previous first generation RX400h.
The RX450H is an evolution of the RX400h in many ways. If we recognize at the outset a clear relationship between the two models, the RX 450h is bigger, more powerful and also with an improved hybrid technology which gives better performance, both in consumption that the level of emissions.
RX450H The design appears at first glance like a lot bigger than its predecessor. It is indeed but earns only 10mm in length 40mm width, 15mm in height and has a wheelbase 20mm higher. The difference beyond these figures is the highest level of design. The front of the vehicle is larger with a more aggressive grille, headlights and a more tapered look more modern, massive and more “sitting” that the RX400h which may seem paradoxical since it is also more dynamic and provides better penetration coefficient in the air.
Passenger side, no surprise, we are at Lexus. The whole is sober and harmonious with materials of excellent quality both in leather as interior plastics. The aluminum center console is both ergonomic and modern and leaves enough room for plenty of storage space available at the arm and under the console itself. The navigation system, something rare these days, unless you have an integrated Tomtom, is intuitive and easy to use for the followers of the “non-consultation leaflet. The latter, as the audio system, telephone or air conditioning is run by a multifunction remote Touch “treated as a computer mouse that goes easy on the color LCD screen 8”.
The driving position is optimized to perfection. The driver of this is the flagship fingertip adjust seat and steering wheel through a small electric wheel. The dashboard offers many well-appointed on a retro blue light with the best taste among other fuel savings realized in real time and head-up display (HUD) that displays clearly but without the driver, speed direction and information on the audio system.