Lexus RX450h Premier driven, car review: Perfect for those who appreciate refined tranquility
It’s perfect for those who appreciate refined, relaxed tranquility - why not give it a spin?
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Your support makes all the difference.Driving with the minimum of fuss if not much in the way of fun, Lexus’s RX SUV has always provided a quality ownership experience. The latest version delivers more of the same, but aims to enhance its drive with a stiffer chassis and better ride, while featuring more cabin space thanks to a longer body.
With a broader engine range than before, does the model succeed in its bid for improved refinement and more excitement? Here it’s driven in hybrid RX450h form, with a 3.5-litre petrol V6 working with two electric motors to achieve 308bhp and only 127g/km of CO2 emissions.
Lexus RX450h Premier
On sale: Now
Price: £57,995
Engine: V6, 3456cc, petrol, plus 2 AC synchronous electric motors
Power: 308bhp
Torque: 349lb ft
Gearbox: CVT
Kerbweight: 2210kg
0-62mph: 7.7sec
Top speed: 124mph
Economy: 51.4mpg (combined)
CO2/tax band: 127g/km, 20%
Well, we can report that Lexus has succeeded in those essential aims. Hushed road, wind and suspension noise means on-the-road refinement is superb in both electric and petrol-powered modes. Meanwhile, although the performance/handling balance is still set up for the brand’s rather conservative target market rather than to provide genuine driving thrills, ride quality on our Premier-spec car’s variable-rate dampers is admirable over all but the largest bumps. As with the handling, the drive isn’t exactly involving, even with the CVT gearbox set to manual, but power is delivered in a strong and linear fashion.
Inside, the RX450h’s relaxing cabin has been designed and constructed exactly as a Lexus owner would expect – it’s big on quality, with solid switchgear and excellent materials. And, yes, there is more space than in the previous model, in both the passenger compartment and the boot. The investment in hybrid tech pays off on the garage forecourt, even if our 30-35mpg average didn’t come close to the officially quoted 51.4mpg.
So, as with its predecessor, if you’re looking for ultimate driving thrills this SUV isn’t for you. It’s perfect for those who appreciate refined, relaxed tranquility, however; why not give it a spin?
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