2008 Lexus RX400H Reviews

Warning luxury SUV drivers. The following article contains words and images that may disturb some readers. You see, we did something that many owners of luxury “soft-roaders” would never contemplate. We actually took the vehicle off road.After all, the Lexus RX400h is classed as a Sports Utility Vehicle: sports meaning sporty I suppose, and it has a bit of that about it, because it looks sharp and goes great, and utility meaning all-rounder I would imagine.OK, you wouldn't throw your tool box in the back, or haul a bogged cow from one paddock to another, but sport and utility surely mean that this vehicle is meant for fun and that means getting off the beaten track occasionally.When I first learnt that I was taking the new RX400h for this trip, I logged on to the Lexus website to get a brief rundown on what I could expect when I got behind the wheel.What really grabbed my attention, though, were the options, it didn't have any.This car has everything as standard; there's power everything, heated leather seating, sat-nav, a DVD system, dual climate-control airconditioning, airbags everywhere and the list goes on and on.But what sets this vehicle apart from its rivals in the luxury SUV class, is its hybrid drive system.It really is a wonderful piece of technology. In a nutshell, it has a 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine, supplemented by three electric drive motors (two up front, one in the rear).Using electrical energy generated by the petrol motor, it then powers the two electric front motors, and when needed, the rear electric motor, for a combined output of 200kW.The really cool part is that even when you hit the brakes, the Regenerative Braking system captures the kinetic energy, which is normally wasted. This energy is then converted into electrical energy, which is used to charge the battery. Confused?The real benefits are the excellent fuel consumption and much lower engine emissions compared with normal petrol and diesel drivetrains. In the nearly 700km of combined urban highway and dirt road bashing that we undertook on this mission, it drank an average of about 10 litres per 100km, which is very impressive for a two-tonne car.Yes, that's a lot of car, especially for what is essentially a mid-sized SUV. For just under $100,000, you would expect plenty as well.As with all Lexus vehicles, everything is done well. But despite all the bling of this car, I didn't find myself overwhelmed by the fact I was in a $100,000 luxury car.The leather seats were comfortable, but slippery and unsupportive on tight cornering.The handling was adequate, and the ride was smooth and quiet, but hardly sporty. Dials and instruments were all user-friendly and accessible. The sat-nav system was very functional but took some getting used to.Once on the open road though, the RX400h was at its best. Fuel consumption plummeted and, when required the V6 had plenty to spare, with effortless overtaking.When we hit the well-maintained dirt roads just out of Canberra, the RX400h remained comfortable and able, although we did notice some rear-wheel loss of traction at times.This car had road tyres fitted, so better-gripping all-rounders may have made all the difference. The Brindabellas make the drive well worthwhile. If you plan to stay the night, there are many popular camping spots on the approach to Wee Jasper.Banjo Paterson part-owned a property on the banks of the lovely Goodradigbee River, so his children could get a taste of country life.We also decided to set-up camp next to the river at Billy Grace Reserve. Equipped with hot showers, flushing toilets and a hospitable ranger who cut wood for our fire, which was needed. From the reserve it is only a short drive to the village itself. Here you can find a tavern and general store that serves the 100-odd residents, and trailer loads of holiday campers who flock to this pretty town bordering the Burrinjuck Dam to fish, camp, swim and waterski.We decided to visit Carey's cave, just out of town. This is a magnificent limestone system dating back about 40 million years.So back to the Lexus. Being the only AWD available in Australia, it's a compelling argument for purchase if you have a spare $100,000 and require all the extras.But most of the “luxury” items were simply unnecessary and if something in this vehicle's array of extras were to go on the blink, then it could be catastrophic.

So now you can have your cake and eat it too, to put it figuratively. In other words, you can have that big, luxury four-wheel drive, without feeling too guilty.Lexus has gone a step further to practically remove that guilty complex by introducing the world's first luxury SUV hybrid.But being green and feeling good about the environment doesn't come cheap. The RX400h is the third member of the RX family and is now the range topper in terms of pricing, with a $94,100 price point, a hefty $10,000 premium on the RX350 Sports luxury.And while it's new to Australia, the RX400h has been available in the US since April last year (selling more than 33,000 vehicles), as well as in Japan.Lexus says the reason for the delay in bringing the vehicle to Australia was largely the result of unique conditions here, and the extra testing required.The RX400h uses the 155kW 3.3-litre, V6 petrol engine, which was used in the previous RX330 model. The new 3.5-litre engine in the RX350 was not available at the time of the development and world launch of this hybrid.The RX400h also uses a 123kW front electric motor and a 50kW rear-axle electric motor, with a combined reading for all three power sources of 200kW.The petrol V6 generates a maximum of 288Nm at 4500rpm, while the electric motors produce 333Nm in the front and 130Nm in the rear. All power is delivered through an electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission - which blends the electric and petrol power.On take-off, the RX400h is very quiet and smooth, using only the front and rear electric motors. But you can hear the petrol engine really kick in when more power is needed.The torque also feels like it takes a while to respond and the brakes are rather spongy, which could be attributed to the regenerative braking system. Once reaching normal driving conditions, however, the system no longer uses the rear electric motor and as with other hybrids, the petrol engine switches off when completely stopped, conserving fuel.The electric motors are available for immediate start up. Lexus claims the hybrid has a fuel consumption of 8.1-litres per 100km and on our test on a combination of busy roads and highway stretches out to Camden, it recorded an average of 8.3-litres per 100km, making it better than some four-cylinder family cars.For example, the Honda Accord Euro claims 9.1L/100km, new Toyota Camry 8.9L/100km and Mazda3 8.6L/100km.Cruising, the RX400h provides seamless driving and feels very smooth, with good handling and comfortable ride. But travelling at constant high speed, you feel like you're doing about 20km/h less than the reading on the speedo. This hybrid doesn't have that thrilling performance of the larger, more powerful engines and won't satisfy everyone.But for those wanting to save some money at the pump, and who don't mind spending the initial premium (or for those who tend to be a little green minded), the RX400h may just be the right cup of tea.The RX400h is also the first mass-production hybrid to power both axles. It has rear-wheel drive capability with an E-Four System (Electric Four Wheel Drive) activating all wheelsonly when it's needed - for instance in situations like low-speed cornering, take-off, acceleration and traction. It gains the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDiM) over the RX350, sending more torque to the rear wheels when dangerous situations arise.The RX400h is almost identical to its siblings in the RX range in appearance, with that sophisticated shape and flowing lines, exuding style and flare.In addition, the hybrid has a new, muscular sporting front bumper as well as a large central opening to assist with the cooling of the hybrid system and a larger Lexus badge on the front. It also has a hybrid emblem.The RX400h has the same specification level as the RX350 Sports Luxury. It sits on 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, has LED rear lamps, power seats, air conditioning and leather trim.It also features Bluetooth connectivity, touch-screen satellite navigation, 11-speaker, six-disc sound system and rear-view camera, all as standard. It gains heated seats up front, leather steering wheel and metallic trim on the shifter. Rear spoiler, roof rack, rails and that sporty moonroof, add a more flavour to RX range's classy character.There are lots of elements going on and you can monitor the process on the interior display screen. And forget the traditional tachometer, as the RX400h has a power meter instead. The RX400h has seven airbags, anti-skid brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), vehicle stability control, active traction control and rear-view camera.And while the battery in the hybrid system costs around $3000 to $4000 to replace, Lexus claims it has a life of more than 10 years. It expects sales of around 50 per month, with 200 orders taken, and is available from October 16.FAST FACTS Lexus RX400hPrice: $94,100Engine: 3.3-litre, V6 petrol engine, 155kW@5600rpm, 288Nm@4400rpm, front electric motor, 123kW@4500rpm, 333Nm@0-1500rpm, rear-axle electric motor, 50kW@4610-5120rpm, 130Nm@0-610rpmTransmission: electrically controlled continuously variable transmissionFuel: 60-litre tank, consumption 8.3L/100km (as tested)OTHER HYBRIDSHonda Civic HybridPrice: $31,990Body: 4-door sedanEngine: 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, 85kW@6000rpm, 170Nm@2500rpmFuel: 4.6L/100km combined claimedToyota PriusPrice: $37,000Body: 4-door sedanEngine: 1.5-litre petrol; 57kW@5000rpm, 115Nm@4000rpm; electric motor 50kW between 1200 and 1540rpm, max power restricted to 82kW, combined torque 478NmFuel: 4.4L/100km combined claimedLexus GS450h HybridPrice: $121,990Body: 4-door sedanEngine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol electric motor, 218kW@6400rpm, (V6) and 147kW (electric), 368Nm@4800rpm (V6) and 275Nm (electric)Fuel: 7.9L/100km combined, claimed