Lexus RX450h.
Lexus' petrol/electric hybrid system, derived from that of the Toyota Pruis, is in theory a fuel-saving technology that makes little compromise in the way of power and performance when compared to "normal" cars.
Unfortunately, when applied to an SUV body style, as was the case with the original RX400h, the package came off as over-engineered and too bloated; it also didn't deliver on its fuel-consumption claims.
Since then Toyota and sister company Lexus have been fettling the hybrid system and the new, slightly more powerful and re-worked, RX450h has recently been in our hands for a re-test. So is it any better now?
First, a quick refresher. The RX450h has an internal combustion engine, an electric motor powered by a mass of batteries in the floor that provides a little help when it's needed, and - because it's an SUV - there's another electric motor (unlike the Prius and Lexus GS and LS hybrid sedans) at the back to make it all-wheel drive.
So three motors, one petrol and two electric.
This updated model makes 20 more kilowatts (220 in total) than its discontinued predecessor thanks to a bigger, 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (RX400h was 3.3-litres) and better electronics but at the same time claims a drastically improved average fuel consumption of 6.3 litres/100km (was 8.1) and dirty gas emissions comparable to bovine flatulence.
No beating around the bush. The earlier RX400h recorded a rather disappointing actual average of around 11.3 litres/100km, and while this new RX achieved much better at 10.3 it's still a long way off Toyota's claims. Granted, that result includes our high-performance testing and, in all fairness, is reasonable considering the nature of the beast.
But that brings me to my biggest gripe. This vehicle is punted as a "performance SUV" in advertisements but flat-out acceleration with hybrids such as this depends on the amount of power in the batteries.
Even with all the digital bars representing charge illuminated, the RX450h could only muster a best time of nine seconds to 100km/h. With battery power running low, the sprint time slumped to 9.6.
UNMISTAKEABLY JAPANESE
Otherwise the hybrid Lexus does everything a luxury SUV should do pretty well. Because it's bursting at the seams with heavy batteries (kerb weight is 2700kg!), it glides along the road.
It also disguises its mass well; the brakes are linked to the charging system so slowing down generates electricity, and the car can stop with urgency. The suspension has been modified to cope with the extra weight and body roll is similar to that of SUV's of half the weight.
The cabin is unmistakably Japanese, the instrument cluster and colour monitor light up like the Las Vegas strip, the monitor in the centre of the fascia, previously a touch screen, now uses a mouse-controlled cursor. It's intuitive to use but I'm not sure if the simple touch screen's not better.
As a whole, the RX's interior lives up to the requirements of the brand's usual calibre but one fault is the rear seat mounting. On our test unit, when the back row was unoccupied, the seat backs jiggled with an annoying rattle.
VERDICT
Not quite the 10 out of 10 required to make hybrid tech a realistic alternative. The RX450h is, however, a very comfortable SUV with a standard spec list to make German rivals take notice.
I give it a B minus for green-ness and an A minus as an SUV. Definitely not a "performance SUV", as claimed by its maker. - INL Motoring