The current fully loaded RX 400h makes a total of 268-horsepower due to the combination of two electric motors, one independently
powering the rear wheels and the other turning the front wheels in unison with the SUV's 3.3-litre V6 gasoline engine. The gasoline-electric Lexus provides similar acceleration to many premium V8-powered sport utility vehicles, with fuel consumption closer to that of four-cylinder economy cars, if driven with care.
With Monday's announcement there was no information offered about just how much the deletion of the second rear-mounted electric motor will affect acceleration, or on the other hand, how much it will benefit or detract from the current 400h's stellar 7.1 L/100 km city and 8.4 L/100 km highway fuel consumption rating.
The question many may be asking themselves right now, is why Lexus Canada has chosen not to sell the less expensive front-drive 400h variant north
of the 49th? Are Canadian luxury SUV buyers so well off that only the top-line model will do? Are Canadian winters so cold, with snow-covered roadways and slick icy streets, that no-one would buy a front-wheel drive luxury SUV?
While the above scenario may be correct for much of Canada, Vancouver and surrounding area, which is a haven for all vehicles alternative, gets very little snow. But nevertheless, it's a relatively small market in a country that houses most of its populace in the snow belt. Obviously, for reasons not fully understood by those on the outside, no business model can be made for a front-wheel drive RX 400h in Canada, and therefore none will be offered.
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| The current RX 400h makes 268-hp due to the combination of two electricmotors, one powering the rear wheels and the other turning the frontwheels in unison with a 3.3-litre V6. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
With Monday's announcement there was no information offered about just how much the deletion of the second rear-mounted electric motor will affect acceleration, or on the other hand, how much it will benefit or detract from the current 400h's stellar 7.1 L/100 km city and 8.4 L/100 km highway fuel consumption rating.
The question many may be asking themselves right now, is why Lexus Canada has chosen not to sell the less expensive front-drive 400h variant north
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| What isn't known is whether or not FWD will improve on the current AWD 400h's 7.1 L/100 km city and 8.4 L/100 km highway fuel consumption rating. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
While the above scenario may be correct for much of Canada, Vancouver and surrounding area, which is a haven for all vehicles alternative, gets very little snow. But nevertheless, it's a relatively small market in a country that houses most of its populace in the snow belt. Obviously, for reasons not fully understood by those on the outside, no business model can be made for a front-wheel drive RX 400h in Canada, and therefore none will be offered.