Luxury Cars

The Lexus Hybrid RX Series is the world’s first luxury SUV that maximizes comfort and power while reducing emissions. It comes in a couple choices. You can purchase it as an all wheel drive or a front wheel drive. They are quite similar but do have a few differences in performance.

The RXh 400h AWD 2008 has a base MSRP of $42,580. It’s got a 3.3 liter V6 engine with 268 horsepower of the total system. The fuel economy is good with estimated 26 mpg in the city  and 24 mpg for highway driving.

The RXh400h FWD 2008 has a slightly lower base MSRP of $41,180. It’s got the same 3.3 liter V6 engine and 268 horsepower as it’s AWD sibling. It’s predicted to get slightly higher fuel economy with 27 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. At 7.5 seconds from 0 -60, it’s slightly peppier than the AWD’s 7.3 seconds.

Both models use Lexus’ ECVT – electronically controlled continuously variable transmission which does a fine job at balancing the power between the gas and electric motors. ECVT can produce an infinite number of gear ratios to help provide optimal performance for all driving conditions. This helps improve both acceleration and fuel economy.

Safety features include advanced airbags that protect you from front or side collisions. They literally wrap around the interior sides. The reinforced body has structural reinforcements including front and rear crumple zones to protect you and your passengers. ABS with brake assist helps reduct stopping time and improve control – always a good feature to have on today’s roads.

There’s a direct tire pressure monitoring system that will let you know when your tire pressure is critically low. Daytime running lights to help other see you coming are automatic.

Adaptive front lighting systems (AFS)help to illuminate more of the road. It gives the headlights the ability to towards the turn. The left headlight can pivot 15% and the right on 5%.

The rain sensing wipers are a huge hit. They can automatically adjust themselves to the necessary speed depending on how hard it’s raining.

Lexus also what they call VDIM that is seven safety features that seamlessly work together to keep good traction through turns.

The basic warranty is 48 months or 50,000 miles – whichever comes first. Wheel alignment and balancing are covered for 12 months or 20,000 miles.

Hybrids, Lexus, Mid-Level Luxury

Hybrid cars and good performance don’t normally appear in the same sentence. The fuel-efficient, rear-wheel-drive Lexus GS 450h is an exception. This luxury sports sedan is just what you’re looking for to appease your conscience without sacrificing one ounce of engine power.

While it has a 3.5-liter 24 valve V6 in it, Lexus named it the 450 because it delivers the power of a 4.5 liter V8. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.  It can hit 75 pretty quick too and before you know it, you’re flying past lesser cars in silence.

How did Lexus create so much power and performance from a luxury hybrid?

At lower speeds, battery power is sent to the electric motor which sends power to the drive train. At higher speeds, the electric motor and gas engine work together to create power at a moment’s notice.

The revolutionary transmission is the key. The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission  (ECVT) distributes gas and electric power depending on driving conditions.  This new improved design gets rid of the annoying drone of the older CVT’s. It offers a choice of Sport, Snow or Normal driving modes.

When the car is driven for performance, a "sport" suspension setting can be selected that noticeably firms up the double-wishbone, coil-spring suspension. This Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) System calculates how much force is needed to help keep the Lexus GS 450h flat in a turn. And since this is an electric system, response time is greatly shortened when compared to conventional hydraulic systems.

Lexus has crammed in so many safety features that they simply named them "Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management" system (VDIM). These include all the braking systems and stability control. This advanced engineering works together to provide performance and safety. The GS 450h can stop within 123 feet when traveling 60mph. Pretty darn impressive for a car weighing 4,134 pounds.

The interior comes well-equipped with the features you’d expect to find in a luxury car: surround sound, bluetooth, push button start, dual climate control, heated seats, power rear sunshade, satellite radio and Lexus Link – a 24 hr emergency service. A built-in HomeLink remote allows you to control devices such as garage doors and entry gates from your vehicle.

One feature that was somewhat disappointing was the small trunk space of 7.5 cubic feet. The batteries are stored behind the back seat and take up quite a bit of room. Four suitcases or golf bags would be nearly impossible to fit back there.

I like the voice-activated DVD Navigation system that understands  over 100 commands. No need to push buttons while driving especially if you’re already not sure where you are. The power rear window sunshade is a life-saver on hot days. Just the thing we need to keep the interior comfy.

High performance, smooth acceleration, increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions, with a MSRP of $54,900 you don’t have to compromise a thing with the Lexus GS 450h.

Hybrids, Lexus, Mid-Level Luxury