"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) |
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) |
"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.