LexFather

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevi...x5_30d_se.html




October 2009

Lexus is hoping to make a splash with its new RX 450h! The SUV blends off-road looks with the latest generation of the firm’s petrol-electric technology to deliver family car fuel economy of 44.8mpg on the official combine cycle.

The luxury brand is committed to hybrids and, in keeping with its stated aim of providing a range comprised solely of hi-tech battery-assisted vehicles, the new RX is available only with petrol-electric power.

Is it good enough to rival the ultimate on-road SUV? If you’re planning to stick to the highway, the dynamic BMW X5 takes some beating. It doesn’t come with the option of a hybrid drivetrain, yet buyers do get a choice of excellent diesel engines. And they don’t come much better than the firm’s 3.0-litre unit – even though its claimed combined fuel return is only 34.4mpg.

Hybrids traditionally struggle to match their claimed figures, so will the Lexus win at the pumps? And even if it does, is the new RX a better buy than the X5? We got our feet wet to find out...

kitlz

I see everyone was overly impressed with this article

IMO the BMW is looking a little dated compared to the 450h. But I won't go beyond that because I haven't driven one.

encore888

The improved efficiency of the RX 450h, best in class, apparently is the winning factor in a number of reviews.

RXSF

throughout the article, it sounded like the X5 would win, but i guess not. Im surprised by the ending

lucasb7

One thing to consider is that they compared the 30d instead of the 35d, which is what we get in America. Still a very impressive feat. In my opinion, the RX is what it should be; the technology in it is astounding. However if I wanted to carve the pavement and wanted to spend more money, the X5 is a reasonable car. One thing I really like about it is the true AWD system. The one in my RX is pitiful-my year still had an open diff.

SLegacy99

I really think that this setup paired with a smaller, more efficient V6 could do some real damage in vehicles that don't need as much power as the RX450h has.