The Luxury Hybrid.
Thanks to Lexus, environment-conscious consumers
with luxury tastes can have it both ways. With
the introduction of a hybrid version of the wildly
popular RX SUV, Lexus announces the arrival of
a new category of automobile: the luxury hybrid.
The Lexus 400h is a visual twin of the gasoline-powered
RX 330. Available only as an all-wheel drive
model, the 400h features three electric motor
generators and a 3.3-liter V-6 that produce a
combined 268 horsepower. That's more than
its gasoline counterpart, and fuel economy rated
at 31 miles per gallon in the city and 27 highway
(compared to 19 and 25 on the RX 330). You really
feel the extra horsepower on the road, but once
the gas engine kicks in, you really hear it - more
so than you would expect from a luxury vehicle.
But overall, the 400h has excellent drive characteristics
and road manners. It accelerates quickly
and corners reasonably well, given its weight.
Inside, the standard equipment includes power
adjustable seats, Vehicle Dynamic Integrated
Management system (advanced stability control),
traction control, adjustable second-row seats,
leather seating and trim, moonroof, DVD navigation
with rear backup camera and a power rear hatch.
A comparably equipped, gasoline powered RX 330
will cost about $3,000 less than the standard
400h. The only options are a DVD entertainment
system for the back seat, heated front seats
and an upgraded audio system. The 400h is not
only well equipped, but attractive inside and
out. The leather and aluminum trim and appointments
lend a sophisticated air, and the navigation
system is as intuitive as they come. Cargo and
passenger space is more than adequate, suitable
for transporting the kids and their gear, or
your golf buddies and their equipment. I especially
like the extra touches like the power liftgate
and the back-up camera.
Safetywise, the 400h is loaded with airbags,
and comes with traction and stability control
as standard features. Although it hasn't
been crash-tested, its twin, the RX 330 received
four stars (out of five) for front-passenger
impact and five stars in all other tests by the
NHTSA.
The bottom line is, if you don't want
to give up your SUV, but are concerned about
its effect on the environment, and you can afford
a little luxury, the 400h is a great choice.
For now, it's also the only choice in the
luxury segment, but with gas prices on the rise,
others are sure to follow.
Return
to the Auto Reviews home page.
