THE LATEST LEXUS RX range kicked off to a strong start, launching as a 450h+ plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that combines a 43-mile pure electric range with a luxurious interior and peaceful cruising manners. It's now been joined by two regular hybrid versions to suit different tastes and budgets.
The entry-level 350h uses the same 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor combination as the PHEV, but with a 247bhp power output (rather than 304bhp). That means it's a little slower than the 450h+; its 0-62mph time of 7.9sec lags 1.4sec behind. However, being around 145-175kg lighter (depending on spec), it never feels like it struggles to get going. Yes, you'll have to work it a little harder than the PHEV on hilly roads or when you're overtaking, but it's hardly a stressful exercise; in short, there's more than enough performance on tap.
Alternatively, if you're after something with a bit more gusto, the 2.4-litre 500h might tickle your fancy. Not only is its petrol engine bolstered by a turbocharger for the first time in a Lexus hybrid, but it's also connected to a six-speed automatic gearbox rather than a CVT one. This makes the 500h the most powerful and quickest model in the RX line-up.
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av What Car? UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av What Car? UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Lexus RZ 450e+ Takumi Bi-tone
Greater stamina and a lower price would have enhanced our opinion of this upmarket electric SUV
Audi A6 Avant 45 TFSI quattro Sport
Our new posh estate has to deal with a mega-miles commute and an older sibling. How will it get on?
Renault Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Evolution
It's our reigning Small Car of the Year, but will the latest Clio continue to impress in daily use? We're finding out
ALL POSHED UP
Looking to buy an upmarket SUV? For around £35,000, you could have a new Lexus LBX or a used BMW X1. Let's see where your money should go
JOINING UP THE TOTS
Small, cheap cars bring numerous benefits, especially if most of your driving is around town. We take three leading examples on a road trip to see which of them paints the most complete picture
GRIPPING STUFF
Tyre choice can make a huge difference to how your car behaves in changeable weather. We search for the best
Audi A6 e-tron
BMW i5 rival uses the same tech as the Q6 e-tron SUV for serious pace and range On sale Late 2024 Price from £62,000 (est)
Renault Symbioz
Slightly smaller than Renault's existing Austral, this new hybrid family SUV has its sights set firmly on the popular Nissan Qashqai On sale Now Price from £29,295
Volkswagen Golf
Family car celebrates its 50th birthday with an update, including much-improved infotainment On sale Now Price from £27,035
Hyundai Tucson
Update for Hyundai's family SUV includes a redesigned interior and a revised engine line-up On sale Now Price from £32,000
