2006 Lexus RX 400h Road Test

Luxury SUV Turns Green

I spent an interesting day recently with the folks from Lexus. They were keen to show off a luxury SUV that treads much more

To be a Lexus, a hybrid SUV must lead the way in sophistication and technology - and without question, the RX 400h does. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

lightly upon Mother Earth than conventional rigs. And because I prefer mid-size SUVs over sedans and wagons, due to their increased ability to access ski hills and carry outdoor gear into remote locales, I was all ears when Lexus Business and Innovations Manager, Ritchie Lilly, told us about the new hybrid RX 400h.

Lilly first assured us that to be a Lexus, a hybrid SUV must lead the way in sophistication and technology - and without question, the RX 400h does. The level of technology, electronic and mechanical, seamlessly at work throughout the vehicle is quite stunning. The RX 400h is what is referred to in the industry as a "full hybrid," meaning its gas and electric power systems can function independently of each other, or together, depending on a number of operational factors. Gas/electric systems in hybrids not classed as "full hybrids" only

The RX 400h is what is referred to in the industry as a "full hybrid," meaning its gas and electric power systems can function independently of each other, or together. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

function together, meaning the gas engine never shuts down to maximize fuel economy and minimize tailpipe spew.

The combining of the RX's gas and electrical modes of power generation into an all-wheel drive configuration through an electronically- controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT) is labeled 'Hybrid Synergy Drive' (HSD) by Lexus. This system makes the most efficient use of the vehicle's 3.3-litre V6 gas engine and the two accompanying high-torque electric drive motors to hustle the good-sized SUV from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in under 8 seconds. Lexus claims that the effective output of this performance duo is 268 horsepower - enough to rival some V8s.