2005 Lexus RX 400h Hybrid Preview

"Amazingly, the 400h will also deliver combined-fuel-efficiency that will be significantly better than the current-EPA-average for a four-cylinder compact sedan (about

Just imagine, the functionality of a midsize luxury SUV with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder compact sedan. (Photo: Lexus)

8.6 L/100 km or 27.4 mpg)," Clements said, adding that the SUV's driving range should exceed 966 km (600 miles) on a tank of gasoline."

A normal V6-powered Lexus RX 330 with all-wheel drive can achieve 12.4 L/100 km (19 mpg) city and 9.0 L/100 km (26 mpg) on the highway, by the way.

The new 400h will also be rated as a super ultra low emissions vehicle (SULEV), the best rating given to vehicles under U.S. federal government standards.

"The real story about our hybrid drive is the acceleration; the 0-30 and

Just because it's a hybrid doesn't mean the RX 400h is slouch, Lexus is saying the SUV will have a 0 to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) time of somewhere under 8 seconds. (Photo: Lexus)

30-50 (mph) is extremely quick," he added. "We don't have final numbers, but I can tell you that our 0-60 (mph) acceleration is under eight seconds."

"Luxury buyers aren't really concerned about fuel economy--it's not in the top 10 things that they worry about--but they want to do the right thing for the ecology, but they don't want to make the sacrifice."

To attract luxury buyers, the RX 400h will feature distinctive features such as all LED tail lamps and a larger front end air intake vs. the RX330, while the interior will have brushed aluminum accents to give it a high-tech look.