Eco-luxury off-roader

Lexus RX450h road test
Review: Sam Hardy
Date Posted: 24/11/2009

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Lexus RX450h: SUV experience, hatchback tax

Lexus RX450h SE-I

What is it?

LATEST version of the hybrid SUV from luxury car maker Lexus. New RX450h produces 295bhp thanks to a 3.5-litre V6 boosted by twin electric motors but promises the same fuel economy and CO2 emissions as a diesel hatchback. Priced from £41,600.

What's hot?

Well, it's not lacking in performance...
...0-62mph in 7.8 seconds...
Impressive claimed economy of 44.8mpg
Low 148g/km CO2 emissions mean a tax band of just 14%
Congestion charge exempt
Brilliantly built and spacious cabin with lovely soft leather seats
Soothing on the motorway
Boot is large with 496 litres of luggage room
Awesome Mark Levinson stereo, epic equipment levels
First class dealer service

What's not?

CVT auto can sometimes take the edge of refinement
Stiff suspension means the ride isn't as comfy as it should be
Uninvolving handling
Awkward looking from some angles
Company car tax rises to 15% (10/11); 19% (11/12)

What you need to Know

P11D Value:	£45,090
Monthly Rental*:	£840 (CH)/£966 (PCH)
Tax Band when posted:	14%
Monthly BiK:	105 (20%)/£210 (40%)
Engine:	3.5-litre 24v V6 hybrid
CO2 Emissions:	148g/km
Power/torque:	295bhp/234lb ft
Economy:	44.8mpg

*Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

Want a powerful SUV that costs little to run? Well, the RX450h is it. It might not be perfect – the driving experience is no match for a BMW X5. But its incredible fuel economy and low emissions mean the big Lexus RX450h makes lots of sense for business drivers – as long as you can afford the capital cost or the rentals in the first place.

TAGS: Lexus RX450h SE-I, Lexus, Sam Hardy, hybrid