Driving Times

Playing music through the superb Mark Levinson sound system is a beautiful experience.

The Lexus RX450h (Hybrid) large SUV really is luxurious. Its interior envelops you, providing a comfortable, safe environment for your journey. Quality materials are used throughout, along with plenty of driving aids and passenger provisions.

Although this is a large SUV with a V6 engine, you will notice the difference between this hybrid and a conventionally powered vehicle in a couple of ways. Firstly, an improvement in fuel economy through higher mpg figures. The RX450 spec sheet lists an mpg of 51.4 mpg but I managed 41.9mpg on a 70-mile journey. The V6 engine combined with the electric motor powers the RX to 124 mph with a 0-62mph of 7.7 secs. It is quick enough and then you can cruise along in total comfort.

It has USB charging points as well as wireless charging, meaning phones, tablets etc can be kept powered for the whole family. Phones can be connected via Bluetooth and whatever you are listening to will sound brilliant through the fabulous speakers distributed around the entire car.

It is equipped with the ‘Lexus Safety System +’, a collection of features that aid driving. ‘Lane Departure Alert’ notifies the driver of any straying from direction without indicating and a ‘pre-crash’ safety system continually monitors the road and analyses the likely hood of a collision. Audible warnings sound if it believes an impact is approaching and if the driver fails to respond by slowing or braking, the brakes are applied, and seatbelts tightened. The RX also has blind spot monitors in the door mirrors which notify the driver of vehicles behind the car that are in a blind spot. The RX450h comes with a colour HUD (heads up display), which projects important information on the windscreen in the driver’s eye line.

The automatic box is smooth, so you don’t detect the changes unless you drive the car hard. If you want to do this, you can engage ‘sport’ mode. In sport the acceleration increases, the suspension tightens, and the car is more responsive. In Normal mode, the car is more economical, and it provides a softer ride. In ECO the car adapts to give the best fuel economy. You can also choose to enter EV mode at speeds under 30 mph. This is the full electric mode and is ideal in confined areas like car parks.

The RX is AWD which gives excellent handling to the SUV, both on and off-road. A large boot space easily accommodates shopping, luggage, bikes or sports kit and seats can also fold flat to increase carrying capacity.

I loved the luxury feel of the RX450h, it felt impressive driving it. If you drive one, you will buy one.

https://www.lexus.co.uk Price starts from £51,500

Jeremy writes for www.roadtestsandreviews.co.uk Words and pictures by Jeremy Webb Copyright 2020