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Lexus's RX400h, a green SUV.
By Stéphane Schlesinger on 8 June 2005 | 
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Toyota has adapted its hybrid technology to the Lexus RX400, which thus becomes the RX400h, a ‘clean’ SUV. Under the bonnet, two engines take place now, a 3.3-litre petrol V6 developing 211bhp and a 167bhp electric unit. But the Japanese engineers thought this was not enough, so, another electric unit (67bhp) is to be found at the rear of the R400h! Yet, the maximum available power amounts to 272bhp.
Below 30mph, the big SUV is propelled by its rear engine. As it is totally silent, it may catch pedestrians by surprise.
Beyond this speed, the V6 smoothly starts and, helped with the other electric engine, allows the RX400h to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 7.4secs! Better than Porsche Cayenne V6 then.
The association of the three motors works in total smoothness, thanks to the CVT transmission.
Even if the RX400h is quite heavy, with a kerbweight of 2 tons, its average fuel consumption reaches no less than to 30mpg. Its C02 emissions match the Euro IV norm. So, is it the ideal car for off-roading? Not quite, for the RX400h prefers straight highways to rocky paths on steep hillsides.
£35,485.00, this is the lowest price if you want to drive a huge SUV with a clear conscience, and this is cheaper than a BMW X5 3.0i. It includes power front seats, a Multi-CD and a cruise control. The £39,540 SE trim adds a sunroof and a leather upholstery while the £44,350 SE-L adds sattelite navigation combined with a hand-free phone. Do you think Ken Livingston will buy one?
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