Here’s a big car that gives you more, much more, and pretends to be taking away less. Expensive, beautifully equipped, stacked with brainy hybrid technology, it’s hard to understand as anything more than a conceit. Yet for its striving for perfection alone, I loved driving it.
The hybrid system operates mainly in Eco mode which allows the electronic controller to shuttle between electric and petrol engine operation, and it’s almost totally seamless. Ev or electric only mode gives just a kilometre or two of silent-only operation. Pulling away mutes throttle response to give near silent going, but hooligans can hoof it and blow away the intent of all those azure ‘hybrid’ badges.
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RX
I'm a Lexus fan, but that dashboard is a no no!!
Clueless journalist!
While the opinions expressed in the article are subjective so I wont focus on them too much, although it's rather surprising that the journalist makes no reference to the fact that hybrid systems offer no benefit at constant speed long distance cruising... something that many local SUV owners no doubt do.
However what results in a total lack of credibility this article is the fact that the journalist wasn't able to grasp the spec sheet. The cheaper XS has a 'full leather interior' too, the PDC system isn't camera based, but rather uses a rear reversing camera in addition to front and rear parking sensors (and the cheaper XS version also has a reversing camera which displays in the rearview mirror) but no sensors). What the SX version DOESN'T have is the navigation system and simply has a conventionally operated radio.
Possibly the journalist could have also mentioned some more of the toys and features on the LXE (NOT LXH) that help justify the price tag in terms of spec for spec against the german less powerful V6 SUVs.
Not defending the car, I found it very mediocre to drive, but I was able to comprehend the spec sheet (as found on the lexus website should the journalist have thought to check)
Clueless Editor
I read with regret but no suprises that this editor know little or nothing about Hybrids. He is the same to praise not yet available elevtric motor on a BMW thatr is still being drive developed and will say stupid this like he says above vabout the only hybrid SUV. We know your style and whose paying for the car you now.
Lexus will beat al this so caled German and they will do nothing about it! Shame on you!
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