The deceleration SUV

Against BMW, Mercedes and Co., Lexus does not have it easy in Germany. The models of the Japanese have their own charm, which is mainly due to the hybrid technology and the quality. The big SUV RX convinces in the test, but also pats in one discipline.

Although it has been on the European market for almost three decades now, Lexus has not really penetrated the cosmos of local drivers. There are many reasons for this. The thin dealer network, the ambitious prices, the rather boring, but currently overextended design in the first few years and the overall level of awareness that can still be expanded may be the most important. After two weeks in the large SUV of the luxury brand belonging to Toyota, one can hardly understand the reluctance of drivers - apart from the price - however.

The Lexus RX 450h is the largest of the upcoming three model series (UX, NX, RX) comprehensive SUV fleet of the Japanese and a hybrid. Only for the sake of completeness it should be noted that there is a pure gasoline version (RX 300, 238 PS) for the RX, which is much cheaper, but at least in this country as good as not ordered. If Lexus, then hybrid, that applies to the RX as well as to most other model series.

Much has already been written about the hybrid system and the pioneering role of Toyota / Lexus. The combination of gasoline engine and electric motor today seems neither overly modern nor exciting in view of the more emerging plug-in hybrids and pure electric cars. However, the system is mature and fulfills its purpose: to save fuel and thus emit as little CO2. In 4,90 meter-measuring RX operates a 3,5-liter six-cylinder petrol engine with 193 kW / 262 PS along with two electric motors (one front, one rear). Together, under optimal conditions of cooperation, so a whopping system performance of up to 230 kW / 313 PS is achieved, which drives the RX in 7,7 seconds on Tempo 100. Even after that accelerates the SUV merrily on, but Lexus turns him on 200 stuff from the propulsion.

In fact, one more to Vmax also does not have to be, because the five-seater is not designed by its basic character forth for speed orgies. Although he feels on the highway at around the 150 km / h, then the fuel consumption is limited. Because the stated standard consumption of 5,8 liters is of course not nearly reached. Who creates a 6 before the comma, should be satisfied, but only succeed in very restrained driving in the city or on lonely country roads. We managed to get by with just under 8 liters over the entire test period, which is absolutely fine considering the size of the vehicle and engine performance.

In addition, the hybrid system initially acts almost imperceptibly on the driver or on his driving style. Since the SUV does not like high speeds anyway and the load jumps into unattractive heights under load, you prefer to drive a bit slower and more relaxed. And enjoys the fine interior, the exemplary workmanship and the rest on board - annoying but perhaps also on the often a little awkward operation. As an example, it should be mentioned that you can adjust the volume of the Navis only in a submenu, and not during the announcement, which would be logical and comfortable. Also, the operation by mouse has few advantages and the voice control can not withstand a comparison with the southern German premium competitors. On the plus side, however, we also record that, given the size of the vehicle, however, there is hardly any surprising space available, which should be sufficient even for a family of four with a large holiday baggage allowance.

The long journey on the highway at medium speed should be anyway the domain of the Lexus. Here, the noble and quiet interior as well as the gliding hybrid system are the most comfortable and make the RX a real deceleration SUV so that the stressed manager can relax on the way to the skiing holiday in St. Moritz the cliché is allowed at this point.

But cliché or not, you have enough small change you have to bring to call this Lexus his own. At least 58.900 Euro call the Japanese, up to 76.550 Euro ranges the price list for the luxury version. Lots of money, even compared to a BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE. But you also get a car that you will not encounter a second time even on a very long drive through Germany. Since we forgive the well-being SUV also like his biggest optical slip: The almost the entire front engaging Diabolo grille looks then a little overdesigned.

Peter Eck / SP-X

Lexus RX 450h - Specifications:

Full-size five-door, five-seater SUV, length: 4,89 meter, width: 1,90 meter, height: 1,69 meter, wheelbase: 2,79 meter, trunk volume: 539 - 1.612 liter

3,5-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine, 193 kW / 262 HP, maximum torque: 335 Nm at 4.600 rpm, electric motor front: 123 kW / 167 HP, max. Torque 335 Nm, rear electric motor: 50 kW / 68 HP, max. 139 Nm, system performance: 230 kW / 313 HP, 0-100 km / h: 7,7 s, Vmax: 200 km / h, average consumption: 5,8 liters, CO2 emissions: 132 g / km, test consumption: 7,9 liters, emission standard: Euro 6d-temp, efficiency class: A +

Price: from € 58.900

Lexus RX 450h - Short:

Why: exemplary workmanship and equipment, plenty of space, quiet, comfortable

Why not: expensive to buy and maintain, high consumption under load, operation awkward

What else: BMW X5, Audi Q7, Mercedes GLE, VW Touareg