It can be forgiven- as an eleven-speaker Mark Levinson stereo with all the gadgets belts out sound powerful enough to blow the doors clean off the gas-chugging combustion-only ute at the lights beside you.
Electrically assisted drivetrain
The performance does the same thing. A 3.3 litre V6 hooked up to Lexus Hybrid Drive combine for output of 268 horsepower, so the 400h leaps as if startled when the accelerator is mashed. Electric and gasoline power are intelligently combined in the intelligent E-CVT transmission before being intelligently delivered to all four wheels. These, by the way, stayed completely free of brake-dust all week long as the system can electrically slow the car, reducing brake usage.
Sounds smart, don't it?
Sure is. The electric motors are torquey as can be, and the brief wait as the gas engine fires up is quicker than a downshift on your average automatic, so the effect is one of responsive and linear acceleration as if the RX400h was gliding along on an invisible and near-silent power surge. It hauls along with authority- certainly better than most would assume given its Hybrid badge. When conditions are right, the gas engine shuts down, creating a condition of zero emissions and zero fuel usage. These generally short periods of no-fuel operation add up though- and have a positive effect on mileage.
On the road
The ride is very quiet, even at higher-than-legal speeds. The loudest noise entering the cabin comes from the 18" wheels which look great, but can pound heavily into bumps.
Steering is light and effortless, making the RX easy to park but somewhat numb to the touch. The brakes are similar- lacking meaningful feel as to how much stopping force is still available in a panic. RX throws its weight around without shame when pushed, though a stability control system is fitted to help keep attitude in check. You can't turn it off - so there won't be any battery-power-only powerslides on empty, snow-covered roads come winter. Shame.
Electrically assisted drivetrain
The performance does the same thing. A 3.3 litre V6 hooked up to Lexus Hybrid Drive combine for output of 268 horsepower, so the 400h leaps as if startled when the accelerator is mashed. Electric and gasoline power are intelligently combined in the intelligent E-CVT transmission before being intelligently delivered to all four wheels. These, by the way, stayed completely free of brake-dust all week long as the system can electrically slow the car, reducing brake usage.
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| The combine output of 268 hp is put to the ground via all 4 wheels. |
Sounds smart, don't it?
Sure is. The electric motors are torquey as can be, and the brief wait as the gas engine fires up is quicker than a downshift on your average automatic, so the effect is one of responsive and linear acceleration as if the RX400h was gliding along on an invisible and near-silent power surge. It hauls along with authority- certainly better than most would assume given its Hybrid badge. When conditions are right, the gas engine shuts down, creating a condition of zero emissions and zero fuel usage. These generally short periods of no-fuel operation add up though- and have a positive effect on mileage.
On the road
The ride is very quiet, even at higher-than-legal speeds. The loudest noise entering the cabin comes from the 18" wheels which look great, but can pound heavily into bumps.
Steering is light and effortless, making the RX easy to park but somewhat numb to the touch. The brakes are similar- lacking meaningful feel as to how much stopping force is still available in a panic. RX throws its weight around without shame when pushed, though a stability control system is fitted to help keep attitude in check. You can't turn it off - so there won't be any battery-power-only powerslides on empty, snow-covered roads come winter. Shame.
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| The RX 400h's steering and braking are a bit aseptic. |