By Khulekani Dumisa

Recently we spent time with the updated Lexus RX450h SE SUV. The luxurious hybrid Lexus is powered by a 230 kW 3,5ltr V6 hybrid engine that is paired with a CVT transmission. The bestselling Lexus SUV has had changes to the front gaining the latest Lexus spindle grille, revised bumpers and a new set of smart ‘bladescan’ adaptive LED lights.

Interior

The cabin is beautifully executed with fine materials selected (not a fan of the wooden finish on door panels and steering wheel). The introduction of the large and crisp 12.3 inch infotainment screen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto is a win. It saves you from the impractical trackpad used to control the infotainment screen. You can completely bypass it now. You also get 15G of data via in-car WiFi that can be topped up through Vodacom. There’s a bump in USB ports (resulting in a total of six) and a wireless charging pad.

Practicality and Safety

The cabin has ample space for 5 occupants with the back bench employing an electronically operated reclining feature. The battery pack in the hybrid eats up the luggage space and falls short of what rivals offer. The RX offers the latest safety systems such as blind spot monitor, lane keep and lane keep assist with steering assist and adaptive cruise control. The tweaks to the shocks and suspension have resulted in a ride quality that is nothing short of plush and the sweet V6 engine noise does well to musk the drone sound of the CVT transmission.

Final word

Overall, the luxurious hybrid SUV impresses with a lot of standard features, clever use of storage and an impeccable ride quality. It lags competitors with smaller luggage space and fuel efficiency (that’s if you favour sparing your pocket than the environment) averaging 8,1/100km.

Pricing

The Lexus RX range is priced as follows:

• Lexus RX 350 EX                                                R1,012,000
• Lexus RX 350 EX L                             R1,087,000
• Lexus RX 350 F Sport                       R1,132,200
• RX 450 h SE                                         R1,315,800

The entire RX range is offered with a Lexus best-in-class 7-year/105,000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. The warranty on the hybrid battery is 8 years/195,000km.