24 Aug 05 16:06
The Hybrid Lexus RX400h: less efficient than a diesel
A diesel Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI consumed nearly 11percent less fuel than the hybrid Lexus RX400h in a 3210-mile coast-to-coast economy run across the US. The endurance test, carried out by German magazine Auto Bild, started in New York and ended in San Francisco, with the M-Class returning an average of 31.04mpg and the Lexus just 27.69mpg, despite being 13bhp less powerful and having less torque (pulling power). Even in city driving conditions, the Lexus returned fuel consumption only 0.42mpg better than the diesel Mercedes, which managed 24.14mpg, as its electric powertrain has only a limited range. Mercedes has been keen to point out that the latest ML 320 CDI engine is also fitted with a particulate filter, even though it meets the Euro IV emissions regulations without one, keeping its emissions of harmful smog-forming compounds very low. However, the ML 320 CDI has an official carbon dioxide output of 260g/km, compared to the Lexus's 192g/km.
