Lexus RX 2016

[-DarkJesús-]

The Lexus RX 2016 is an SUV, more for appearance than for qualities to move out of the asphalt, which measures 4.89 meters long and there is only one version, called RX 450h, a hybrid propulsion system (313 hp in other market there are more versions -RX 200t and RX 350- always with petrol engine). It replaces the RX 2012 and is on sale for 63,200 euros. All prices.

The most similar hybrid alternative is the Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 SDV6 HYBRID (340 hp). This is faster accelerating from 0 to 100 km / h and has a higher average fuel consumption. The basic version of the Range Rover costs 6000 euros more than the RX 450h with the highest level of equipment (comparative tab). The BMW X5 xDrive40e is a hybrid that has the same power as the Lexus, but its battery can be charged by connecting it to the power grid, so it is not completely comparable because their autonomy in electric mode can reach 31 km, while in the Lexus is about 2 km (cost EUR 10 000, comparative tab).

The RX 450h is a car whose driver is more satisfactory roads medium and high speed, which in those slow twisty. -so Has a comfortable suspension hardness is fixed or variable (optional) - which gives a high sense of security on the highway, but that does not convey the sense of precision that has a X5 or a Porsche Cayenne on a twisty road. The cabin is well insulated from noise and acoustically except when accelerating hard, the propulsion system is very smooth and quiet. Several editors km77 agree that it is one of the most comfortable models, in all aspects, we have conducted (driving impressions).

 

The components of the hybrid system are the same as the RX 450h 2012, but have been enhanced to increase performance. The gasoline engine, six-cylinder vee and 3.6-liter, Atkinson cycle of operation has direct injection. The design of the intake and combustion chambers and thus is new Lexus says have gotten a better air mixing with gasoline in the cylinders. Da 13 more horsepower maximum power with respect to engine RX 2012 (now gives 262 hp). The RX 350 2016 version is not for sale in Spain, takes this same engine, but works under Otto cycle.

Besides the combustion engine, a generator and two electric motors. One of these electric motors is 167 hp and transmits its power to the front axle, while the other gives 68 horses and drives the rear wheels. In this case there is no power variation with respect to RX 2012, but Lexus has improved both energy consumption thanks to a new cooling system and the use of aluminum in the casing that protects them, reducing their weight. The battery that powers the electric motors does not change: it is nickel-metal hydride and has a capacity of "around" 1.9 kWh.

An epicyclic gear by the rotational motion of the gasoline engine, generator and electric motor to send forward force to the wheels on the front axle combined. The rear electric motor is not physically connected with any of the other components and their performance is determined by an electronic control unit depending on driving conditions. The operation of the hybrid Lexus RX 450h system is described in detail in the section on technical information RX 450h of the previous generation and remains valid for the current model except the value of maximum power of the combustion engine.

 

The average fuel consumption of the RX 450h 2016 is 5.2 l / 100 with ECO trim level and 5.3 l / 100 km with the rest. No SUV over 300 hp consumes less, except for plug-in hybrid models (comparative list sorted by consumption). Regarding the RX 450h 2012, consumption has dropped from 1.0 to 1.1 l / 100 km, while the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h is practically identical (improvement tenth of a second) and speed maximum does not change because it is still limited to 200 km / h.

In the cabin there are good quality materials (notably better than those in the RX 2012) and plenty of space for the occupants of the rear seats, particularly as regards the hollow leg (own measurements of the interior). The trunk volume is 539 liters, a small value relative to the size of the body and its alternatives like the Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90-, but it is easy to exploit by regular forms of the cargo area (more information on the impressions of the interior).

The scheme has not changed -In front suspension is McPherson strut and rear deformable- there is a parallelogram, but now are always helical springs, there are not any tire type as in the RX 2012. There are two suspension systems, one variable dampers hardness (standard on the highest levels, F SPORT and Luxury) and other fixed (standard on other levels). The variable suspension (AVS called by Lexus) can be adjusted in two levels, Normal and Sport, although the difference in hardness does not seem large.

The F SPORT level also has a system of active anti-roll bars as standard (not available for the rest). This system increases the anti-roll bars effect of cornering and reduces it when traveling straight. This is achieved thanks to the action of an electric motor placed in the center of each bar and increases the feeling of safety and control to the driver and passengers.

The six available trim levels are called Eco, Corporate, Executive, Executive Tecno, F SPORT and Luxury. size, plus distinguished by the amount of standard features (some of them recently talked about and others are available in sheets equipment) for small details on the outside, visible especially on the grill and in the design and tire, which can be 18 or 20 inches (no 19 ").

In all cases is standard package of security system called "Safety System +", which includes the active developer of speed, the system of emergency braking, assistant lane keeping, automatic switching between short and long lights and the system of traffic sign recognition. The headlights are always ledes and may be more or less complex depending on the trim level. For example, Luxury each of the LED modules can be switched on or off selectively to create unlit areas wherever vehicles are ahead in order not to dazzle them are.

Ensure all Lexus RX 450h risk costs annually a minimum of 1186 euros with the company Pelayo, which in this case is also the one that gives a better relationship between quality and price (7,62 points out of 10). This is the price we have obtained using the comparator insurance km77 and entering the following details on the policyholder: married man of 50 years with a parking space in a communal garage in Madrid and travels 35,000 km a year.