Lexus RX 450hL Hybrid Review: Know What This Luxury SUV Priced At Rs 1.09 Crore Offers - In Pics

New Lexus RX 450hL exclusive hybrid SUV review

Hybrid cars are self charging vehicles in the way they do not require you to charge them but like EVs they do have an electric motor. However, unlike EVs, there is also a petrol motor as well with the hybrid. The advantage is that you do not need to have range anxiety because you do not need to charge the car in the first place. Till now we have seen a few hybrid cars but more than anyone else Lexus has a nearly whole hybrid portfolio with its ES, NX and now the new RX along with LS full size limousine of course.

We exclusively drove the new RX 450hL to find out how good a luxury SUV is powered by a hybrid powertrain. The RX is a famous product within the Lexus range and it made its debut in India with the last generation model as a 5-seater. This new model is a longer three-row version with more luxury along with a reduced price-tag. Back to the hybrid set-up and it has a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine along with two electric motors. It is also all-wheel drive of course. The total power output is around 310bhp while the car comes with many drive modes indicating use of either the full petrol engine or both the petrol as well as a hybrid.

One of the key points of the new RXL is the silence. At low speeds there is no noise at all as the electric motor does its work and you do not realize how and when the petrol motor joins in. It is very smooth and so is the CVT automatic gearbox which is suited well to this type of car. The big RXL is best for cruising around in silence and along with that the suspension did an admirable job at keeping the potholes or any road noise from coming inside. As a calm, peaceful luxury automobile the RXL hybrid does make sense.

When you want more power you can change the drive modes and bring in the petrol engine in full force and it does deliver in being quick but we think it is best as a cruiser rather than a sporty type of SUV. Around town the RXL does feel big but less so than its rivals with a lower driving position and instant response of the hybrid powertrain. A big advantage of any hybrid motor is the efficiency. The RXL is a lot more efficient than any petrol SUV with mileage touching 15kmpl plus thanks to various efficiency saving measures plus the fact that the RXL shuts off the engine and coasts at every opportunity. While the hybrid system does add weight, it brings in massive efficiency and actually increases the luxury experience.

The RXL is also longer and sleeker looking than the earlier RX with new headlamps and a massive grille. It does have presence and stands out from the crowd. Inside, the interior is a bit old-school especially with the analogue dials but the leather/metal and all the materials are top class. New to the RXL is a 12.3-inch touchscreen now while it gets features like heads-up display, ventilated and powered front seats, sunroof, leather, heated rear seats and recline function, 10 airbags etc. There is a nice Mark Levinson sound system too. The three row seating has a captain seat option for the second row with individual seating and they are suited for chauffeur driven owners.

The RXL is also longer and sleeker looking than the earlier RX with new headlamps and a massive grille. It does have presence and stands out from the crowd. Inside, the interior is a bit old-school especially with the analogue dials but the leather/metal and all the materials are top class. New to the RXL is a 12.3-inch touchscreen now while it gets features like heads-up display, ventilated and powered front seats, sunroof, leather, heated rear seats and recline function, 10 airbags etc. There is a nice Mark Levinson sound system too. The three row seating has a captain seat option for the second row with individual seating and they are suited for chauffeur driven owners.

What we like- Sleek styling which stands out, superb interior quality, massive touchscreen improves in cabin functionality, smooth hybrid powertrain and excellent refinement level. It's also more efficient than other big SUVs.

What we do not- Bit expensive now while it is still cheaper than the old RX, interior could have had more features.