Search
Close this search box.
Sign up for our weekly Newsletter

Eco-luxury off-roader

Share

24 November 2009

Lexus RX450h SE-I road test

Lexus RX450h SE-I

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.

Share this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit
Email

Want more motoring news?

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

Latest news

Top