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Fifth-generation Lexus RX

The Lexus RX is already on its fifth generation. Yep, the RX has been around for some time. In 1998, the first generation appeared. This made the RX one of the first luxury SUVs on the market. In 2005, Lexus introduced hybrid technology in the RX in the form of the RX 400h. Since 1998, Lexus has sold more than 3.5 million RX models worldwide. The fifth-generation Lexus RX is extra special because, for the first time, the model is also available with plug-in hybrid technology.

RX 450h+ is the cheapest

In the Netherlands, that means excellent news, because on paper a PHEV has low CO2 emissions. As a result, you pay significantly less BPM (only 650 euros). Indeed, the Lexus RX450h+ is the most economical Lexus RX in the Netherlands. Driving can start at 84,995 euros, while a regular RX 350h hybrid should already cost a minimum of 92,995 euros, including 7,709 euros in BPM. The plug-in hybrid is by far the most popular motorization of the new-generation RX. Reason enough, therefore, to take this very motorcycle variant on a road trip towards Stuttgart.

Lexus RX 450h+

First, some explanation of exactly what you get in such a Lexus RX450h+. The powertrain has a system output of 225 kW (306 hp) and maximum torque of 572 Nm. The plug-in hybrid variant within the RX lineup features a 2.5-liter hybrid engine with 136 kW (185 hp) and 227 Nm of torque, a front electric motor with 134 kW (182 hp) and 270 Nm, a rear axle electric motor with 40 kW (54 hp) and 121 Nm as well as an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery with 96 cells.

Is the Lexus RX 450h+ also heavy?

Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 6.5 seconds. On paper, the car can travel a maximum of 65 kilometers electrically. In EV mode, the top speed is capped at 135 km/h. Top speed in hybrid mode comes out to 200 km/h. The RX 450h+ is the heaviest RX in the lineup. It weighs 2,185 kilograms roadworthy. That means that when the battery is “dead,” the gasoline engine has to work extra hard to power the entire car including the heavy battery. Nevertheless, even then fuel consumption remains within limits, although it depends heavily on the chosen driving pace. We achieved an average of about 6.8 l/100 km with large stretches of autobahn and driving in downtown Stuttgart. That’s not even a crazy score.

Advantages of a plug-in hybrid

One of the advantages of a plug-in hybrid is that you can simply rely on the gasoline engine – if you have to – ideal for, say, a car vacation where you want to travel quickly toward your final destination. Of course, that fuel economy drops significantly if you do charge the battery pack. Then you could easily achieve 1 in 25 with this Lexus RX 450h+, an extremely decent score for a car of this size. Speaking of charging, the car has an on-board 6.6 kW charger. With that, the battery can be fully charged in 2.5 hours.

To make your mouth water

Well, the road trip. We have put together a program that will absolutely make the petrolhead’s mouth water. On the menu – spread over three days – are the Porsche Museum, the Mercedes-Benz Museum, Motorworld Stuttgart, Mercedes-Benz Classic, Mechatronik and various exclusive dealers, such as those of Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, McLaren and Pagani. On this website you can expect the necessary content about all these visits in the near future, because especially for you we have captured everything in detail. And lots of walking, because our pedometer was red hot.

Comfortable and dynamic

The Lexus RX manages to behave nicely during the road trip. The car rides extremely comfortably, but there is also a touch of dynamism. The steering has a nice meaty feel and the suspension provides adequate feedback. The rear axle is a bit on the stiff side, though. The space on board is above average, especially in the rear where you can sit excellently as an adult. Legroom abounds and the backrest is electrically adjustable so you can also “couch” in the back in comfort.

This could be better

Of course, some things stand out that could use improvement. We also wrote about it in our test of the RX 500h, the top model within the RX lineup. The steering wheel controls with “touch buttons” could definitely be better. On the buttons shine icons of absence. You first need to place your thumb on the buttons, and then the head-up display will display what options you have. This is too distracting and cumbersome. As a result, resuming cruise control, for example, instinctively requires too many actions. Anyway, I’m sure Lexus will fix that in the future.

Horns can be turned off

Furthermore, the necessary (obligatory) horns sound when you drive the RX. Lexus is simply following European vehicle regulations in this regard, so don’t blame the Japanese. Every new car must meet fairly “patronizing” safety requirements, such as a warning beep if you drive just a little too fast. Suppose you are driving 61 mph where 60 mph is allowed, you will get a warning. Not fun, but this is legal. Fortunately, this can all be turned off, although you have to do it every time you restart the car. Eventually, this act becomes normal: before leaving, just turn off the systems you don’t like and it’s solved.

Searching for the right speed

As an autobahn cruiser, a Lexus RX proves to be an excellent companion. It has plenty of power. When going uphill, you notice that the engine climbs sharply in rpm. In doing so, the CVT then searches for the ideal speed to still drive up the hill with minimal effort. We do not find this really disturbing, as the sound insulation is in good order. Roll and wind noise also remain far in the background. In the Stuttgart area we actually had all kinds of weather, from nice dry asphalt to downpours and even snowfall. The Lexus RX 450h+ knows what to do with all those types of weather. There is always a sense of control. Driving the RX is even a moment of rest in your busy day.

Lots of stop-start traffic

This is nice in Stuttgart’s busy city traffic, as it is extremely busy at all times of the day. You also have to deal with a lot of stop-start traffic. For a PHEV, BEV, HEV or MHEV, that’s good news because you’re gaining energy back every time. Without recharging, you’ll soon have some energy back in the RX battery for electric driving after a few stops.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart – located in southwestern Germany – is known for its significant role in the automotive industry. The city has a rich automotive history closely associated with two world-famous car brands: Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Hence, we also want to visit the two museums of these brands. The auto industry plays a crucial role in the economy of Stuttgart and the surrounding region. You can see this in everything, as various companies are connected to Porsche or Mercedes-Benz in various ways.

In addition to car factories, Stuttgart is also home to a significant supply industry and numerous research and development facilities – related to the automotive industry. This has made Stuttgart one of the centers of technological innovation in Germany. Stuttgart is a city where car culture is deeply rooted in everyday life. It regularly hosts car events, fairs and exhibitions, attracting car enthusiasts from all over the world. The Porsche and Mercedes-Benz museums are open almost year-round.

Nice car

In terms of design, the Lexus RX is a particularly attractive car, even in the dark. For example, we park the RX in the parking lot of the local Porsche dealership where the necessary spotlights are present. Then you really notice that the RX is a nice “fat” car, with quiet yet beautiful lines. Just know that we are driving the President Line, the fattest version. Price tag: a minimum of 97,995 euros. You do get 21-inch high-gloss wheels, seat ventilation for the front seats, a Mark Levinson Premium Surround System with 21 speakers and subwoofer and a ten-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. In the color Terrane Khaki, the Lexus RX is a special appearance.

Original alternative

In (German) traffic, it also appears that the RX is eye-catching. We regularly note that people still take a glance at this Japanese luxury SUV. You see a BMW X5, Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Volvo XC90 often enough. With this RX, you have something special in your hands. In fact, as far as we are concerned, the RX is still a bit underrated. Too bad, because the RX is a multi-talent. Fun to ride, but also convenient to use.

Compared to the previous generation, for example, the length of the luggage compartment has increased by 50 mm, while the loading sill has actually been lowered by 30 mm. The rear seat that folds down into three parts (40/20/40) makes it possible to transport even larger items. In all, we drove the RX 450h+ with four people plus luggage and even had room left over. Fortunately, because a visit to the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz dealership, with all that fancy merchandise, is always a bit more expensive than you initially expect. There was still room left for all the purchases with smart packing.

Lexus RX 450h+

Conclusion? The Lexus RX 450h+ is an SUV that can take you in any direction. You can drive all-electric but also drive toward a vacation destination at once without charging. Do know that the fuel tank of this PHEV is a bit smaller. So you have to fill up a little more often. But you take that for granted, because on all other fronts, this Japanese SUV puts you in the thick of things.

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