27 Jan 05
Hybrid spotters will struggle here, as the RX 400h looks virtually identical to the regular old RX 300 that's been on sale in the UK for five years, with just a couple more intake vents on the nose and, of course, the badging to distinguish it. Inside, you'll find a display much like the one in the Prius, which tells you when you're being propelled by the petrol engine, or battery power alone, or both. It also lets you know when power is being captured and stored in the battery as the car coasts or brakes. It is a fantastically complex system, but as the reliable Prius seems to indicate, it should be pretty dependable in service.
Ironically, Lexus flew us halfway around the world to Hawaii so we could be first to drive the RX 400h (I reckon I'll have to drive one for the next 87 years to break even, emissions wise). That said, a more appropriate place to drive this new hybrid off-roader I can't imagine. Hawaii's Big Island offers up an incredible diversity, with everything from deserts and volcanoes, to rainforests and snow capped mountains. It's home to the world's most massive mountain, Mauna Loa, which forges 9150 metres into the sky. And even though the Island comprises 6500 square kilometres, there are just 130,000 full time residents. So, a good place to have a secret little drive, then. I'm also pretty sure that the few people who did note our passing had no idea of the significance of a car that looks pretty much off-the-shelf.
It is in the driving that the RX 400h really distinguishes itself. Move off slowly, which the RX 400h does with eerie calm and quiet, and you'll be doing so on the battery only. As your speed rises, the engine joins in, but so seamlessly that you'll struggle to identify the moment it happens. As with the Prius, the RX 400h uses a CVT constantly variable transmission, which doesn't have separate gears so there is no kickdown or shift-point jerks. The result is a refined driving experience that really sets the RX 400h apart from competitors.
Then there is the performance - where the Prius can occasionally comes over pretty breathless, you really can feel the Lexus getting a helping hand from the electric motors. That's especially noticeable in the midrange, and the extra shove you get for overtaking from, say, 40-50mph, does feel more V8 than V6. Pull out, put your foot down, and it feels like the Lexus has somehow managed to find an extra 100lb ft of torque.
