The hybrid RX 400h has three engines for four wheels at once - gasoline unit and two electric motors. As long as the car is new, there are usually no problems with it, but we are interested in how used copies of it feel on our roads.
At first glance, this is a regular second-generation Lexus RX. But more observant people will notice that it has a different front bumper with an additional air intake slot and not rectangular, but round foglights. The trunk lid bears the RX 400h nameplate, and later versions' rear door moldings bear the "Hybrid" lettering. Indeed, this is not quite a simple version, but an RX equipped with Toyota's proprietary Hybrid Synergy Drive hybrid power plant. Its main advantages are: low exhaust toxicity (which is not very important for domestic motorists), higher fuel efficiency and excellent dynamics - better than all other RX, and at the level of many “charged” passenger car models. It was the latter quality that played a key role in the success of sales of these modifications in Ukraine. The level of their equipment was also a nice bonus: the base provided for options that were offered as additional options for the rest of the RX. There are no complaints about the operation of the interior equipment, but there is a quality - the trunk curtain and sliding rear seats.
"Four hundred" were not officially delivered to Ukraine, and all those operated on domestic roads the cars were sold by "grey" dealers. The disadvantage of the "American" versions is poor visibility through side mirrors with large dead zones (non-aspherical mirrors are used).
Lexus RX 400h 2004-2009 from $27,000 to $59,300 |
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No starter, no gearbox
The power plant is the main difference between the RX 400h and conventional RX crossovers. The “four hundred” uses a proprietary hybrid installation Hybrid Synergy Drive, which combines three motors and a transmission. Main unit - borrowed from the RX 330 Gas engine volume of 3.3 liters and a capacity of 214 liters. With. Paired with it are two electric motors: the first (with a capacity of 167 hp and a torque of 330 Nm) rotates the front wheels, the second (68 hp and 130 Nm) - the rear. The total power of the power plant declared by the manufacturer is 272 hp. With. Mathematically, it is impossible to “plus” the “horses” of all three motors, since they have the maximum power value at different speeds, in addition, the rear electric motor works according to an individual program. Also, 30% of the energy of a gasoline internal combustion engine is “eaten up” by a starter-generator for charging a nickel-metal hydride (traction) battery.
The RX 400h has neither a classic starter nor a generator, as, indeed, a gearbox, and the gasoline unit is started from the front electric motor using a starter-generator, which also provides charging of a high-voltage traction battery with a capacity of 6.5 Ah and a total voltage of 288 V. The role of the gearbox performs a planetary mechanism, which, depending on different situations mechanically (commands are given by the Hybrid Synergy Drive ECU) distributes the torque from the motors to the front wheels. It also has a built-in reduction gear, because the electric motor develops a very high speed(12400 rpm).
After turning the ignition key, nothing seems to happen, and in the well of the instrument panel, located on the left side, the inscription Ready lights up. Step on the accelerator pedal, and the RX 400h starts moving smoothly and silently with the help of the front electric motor, you press a little harder - the rear motor comes to the rescue. If you push the gas pedal “to the floor”, the gasoline unit immediately starts up, and the “four hundred”, driven by three engines, pressing the riders into the seats, rushes forward. Crossover dynamics - 7.6 s to "hundreds", which is even better than the flagship RX 350 (7.8 s)! Moreover, thanks to the "planetary" acceleration occurs smoothly and with an even increase in speed, without any jerks and jerks inherent in traditional transmissions.
When braking, the electric motors switch to generator mode, recuperating energy, which goes to recharge the traction battery. When the car slows down and stops, the gasoline unit turns off, and when driving for a long time in city traffic jams, when the energy reserve of the starting battery runs out, the gasoline engine automatically starts to recharge it.
Four-wheel drive is independent, unlike the rest of the RX with a cardan shaft and a lockable center viscous coupling. The algorithm of its work is designed more for powerful and dynamic starts on asphalt than for off-road. So, when driving through a problem area, the front electric motor may not always be enough, and the rear one cannot help it - it is frankly weak, and when a gasoline unit is connected, the front wheels quickly burrow due to the high torque.
In terms of cross-country ability, the RX 400h is noticeably inferior to the rest of the RX modifications and is able to fold in a situation that is harmless for crossovers.
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You can't stand still!
Main condition durable work hybrid installation - regular driving so that the processes of discharging / charging the traction battery occur constantly. With long (more than 1 month) downtime of hybrid cars, the nickel-metal hydride battery can be completely discharged, and then it is almost impossible to “revive” it. Specialists capable of doing this in Ukraine can be counted on the fingers. New battery costs about 25 thousand UAH. With rare use, the seals of the axle shafts lose their tightness.
From under the front cover transfer box oil also often oozes - this is a factory defect of the “four hundred”. To eliminate leaks, you have to remove the gearbox.
"Left" fuel can disable the damper damper coupling torsional vibrations(spare part - 10500 UAH). It is installed between the gasoline unit and the "planetary" and serves to smooth transmission torque when connecting / disconnecting the gasoline engine.
Experts advise cleaning radiators every 50-60 thousand km: contaminated cells can cause overheating of the gasoline engine, as well as the inverter (DC converter 650 V-288 V-12 V) and disable it. The inverter has a separate cooling circuit.
There are no serious complaints about the 3.3 liter engine either. The variable valve timing system VVTi and individual ignition coils serve without problems. The timing is equipped with a belt, which is changed along with the rollers every 120 thousand km. Cleaning of nozzles and throttle is carried out every 40-50 thousand km, and candles with iridium electrode tips serve up to 80 thousand km. Fuel filter it will last a very long time, but its replacement is laborious - it is necessary to dismantle the tank.
Failures of electric motors and other units of the hybrid installation were not recalled by domestic experts.
Problem areas of the car |
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Full electrification
Unlike the rest of the RX, equipped with a hydraulic booster, the “four hundred” is equipped with an electric booster. Although the mechanics have no complaints about this node. Yes, and the tie rods will last a long time - up to 100 thousand km.
The brakes are also electrified - they are electro-hydraulic here. It is necessary to lubricate the caliper guides regularly (when replacing the pads). Otherwise, they begin to wedge, which causes uneven wear pads. In the end, you will have to change the guides.
The “four hundred” suspension is independent, like other versions of the RX. Front - McPherson type, rear - passively thruster "multi-link". The chassis is tuned for a comfortable ride - it copes well with road bumps, but during sharp maneuvers the crossover rolls unpleasantly, and in corners it squeaks early with tires, sliding from a given trajectory.
The chassis is quite durable. More often you will have to change the bushings of the stabilizers: rear - every 30 thousand km, front - 50 thousand km. Racks will last up to 100 thousand km. In the front suspension, about 100 thousand km, the rear silent blocks of the front levers and strut support bearings serve, and the “ball” ones - up to 200 thousand km. AT rear suspension about 100 thousand km, the usual "elastic bands" of the rear links are kept, and the floating silent blocks will last up to 200 thousand km.
However, during scheduled repairs suspensions will have to fork out - all silent blocks of the rear rods and the "gum" of the front levers change as an assembly.
Find out the whole truth...
Domestic experience of driving RX 400h hybrids has shown that there are no serious complaints about them. Complex power point It is reliable if used properly. Unlike "independent" models of hybrids like Toyota Prius the “four hundred” has almost all body parts similar to other versions of the RX, which makes it easier to find the right parts.
However, there are difficulties with servicing - only specialized service stations will take care of it, and there are few of them in Ukraine. Since the "four hundred" is much smaller than the other modifications of the RX, all of their copies are well known to the employees of special stations. The only problem is that they tell the future owners the whole truth ...
Story
01.04
Presented at the Detroit Auto Show crossover Lexus RX 400h with hybrid powertrain
08.04
The European presentation of the RX 400h took place at the Paris Motor Show
11.08
Second-generation Lexus RX 450h hybrid crossover unveiled at Los Angeles Auto Show
Summary
Drivers about Lexus RX 400h
I bought a car because I am a fan of all sorts of newfangled technologies. It is very comfortable, soundproofing is excellent. Long distances are not a problem - my family and I often went on vacation to Odessa, to the Crimea. At high speed, the RX 400h handles well, but rolls a lot during sharp maneuvers. Acceleration is fast, and with a quiet ride in the city, the engine is very economical - 8-9 liters per 100 km! The suspension is reliable - only the stabilizer bushings have changed. Now there is a problem with the hybrid installation: the car shakes when the gasoline engine is turned on. The guys at the service took a long time to figure it out, they even ordered some kind of damper in America and replaced it. But it didn't help, and I decided it was time to sell the car: four years of trouble-free driving is not a bad time for such a complex hybrid device.
| from $27 thousand to $59.3 thousand | According to the catalog "Autobazaar" |
common data |
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body type |
station wagon |
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doors/seats |
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Dimensions, L/W/H, mm |
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Equipment weight / full, kg |
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Tank volume, l |
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Engines |
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Petrol 6-cyl.: |
3.3L 24V (214 HP/288Nm) |
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2 electric motors: |
167 l. s./330 Nm (front) and 68 l. s./130 Nm |
Transmission |
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type of drive |
conn. full |
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best. variable speed drive. |
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Chassis |
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Brakes front/rear |
disk. vent./disk |
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Suspension front/rear |
independent/independent |
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Prices for new orig. spare parts, UAH* |
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Front/Rear brake pads |
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Cabin air filter |
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Air filter |
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Fuel filter |
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Oil filter |
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Front bearing hubs |
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Drive hub with bearing |
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Spherical bearing |
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Front suspension arm |
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Front bushing/strut stabilizer |
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Tie rod end |
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Damper clutch |
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timing belt |
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Timing roller |
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Timing pulley |
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*Prices may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and modification of the vehicle. Prices provided by LLC AK "TERRA" |
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Julius Maksimchuk
Photo by Andrey Yatsulyak
The editors would like to thank STO LLC AK "TERRA" for their help in preparing the material
If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.
Thanks to its outstanding performance, the five-seater all-wheel drive SUV Lexus rx 400 s hybrid engine was able to change the mind about hybrid technologies. This is put into action luxury car hybrid installation called V6 Hybrid Sinergy Drive, which consists of a six-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors at once permanent magnets. All three motors are used to quickly accelerate the car, so the acceleration time to “hundreds” is only 8 seconds.
Thanks to the power of the hybrid, equal to 270 HP, heavy car moves with the expense of a compact sedan.
Along with excellent off-road qualities, comfort and workmanship have been brought to the absolute level, deserving the highest rating.
Outwardly, the hybrid differs from its predecessor only in an additional air intake, which is located in the center front bumper, as well as a special design of alloy wheels R18, yes round fog lights.
In the interior design and functional equipment of the Lexus RX 400h, it is easy to find everything that is in the RX300, with the exception of the trim, for which polished aluminum is used here. Well, and the last - a tachometer. It is not in this model, and in its place is an indicator showing the battery charge.
The workmanship is impeccable - this is the embodiment of the image of a real luxury SUV. Everything is provided here, even special shock-absorbing zones, thanks to which the impact energy is extinguished and deformation of the cabin is prevented. Having got acquainted with the car, we can confidently say that the future has come, even if for now in this car - an extraordinary, serial, out of the ordinary, and even the first to be officially delivered to Russia!
Battery high voltage and both electric motors are hidden under the bottom. One of them is located closer to the left front wheel (directly under the gasoline engine), the other was found on rear axle on right. Japanese designers placed the battery under back row seats, while the interior space was not affected. And in addition to electric motors, a 3.3-liter V6 and a battery, the car also has a generator, a power control unit and a power divider. And it all works like a special song!
The leader in this chorus is a 211-horsepower gasoline engine, which is not a complete analogue of what is installed in the RX 330. The intake, cooling, exhaust and engine management systems have undergone significant modifications. In other words, the motor has been modified to be compatible with electric motors.
Power front engine electric alternating current with water and oil cooled, is 167 horsepower(!) and can issue 5400 rpm.
The rear-mounted electric motor is not so strong, but its power is also 67 hp. Its operating voltage is 650V, and the cooling is air.
Battery Nickel Metal Hydride Voltage car batteries - 288V. It is cooled, like the rear motor, by air, which is driven by three fans at once. For those who are wary of the fact that you have to ride behind the battery, reference - electromagnetic fields are completely extinguished due to the metal hermetic casing in which the battery is placed, incl. no health risk.
The work of the power plant is clear and well-coordinated. With a charged battery, the car goes at low speeds exclusively on electric traction - silently, as if under sail. With more intense pressure on the gas pedal, the gasoline engine is connected, and then you drive, enjoying the beautiful sound of the gasoline engine and powerful dynamics (just 7.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h).
Determine what it is hybrid car according to "habits", it would be very difficult if data on the operation of the power plant were not displayed on the monitor. The hybridity of the car is also indicated by a wattmeter installed on dashboard instead of a tachometer, which is not needed, since the speed of the auxiliary petrol car the driver doesn't care. In addition, the Lexus px 400 does not even have automatic transmission gears, and a continuously variable variator.
Auxiliary gasoline engine
Auxiliary gasoline engine is that when you turn the key it does not start. Only lights up on the dashboard "Ready", i.e. "you can go" (electric motors are ready). When the battery is discharged, it is recharged by a gasoline engine (when free rolling, the generator is engaged in charging it, as well as during braking). The gasoline engine is switched on through the planetary divider even when the electric traction of the car is not enough. Therefore, with a power of 272 hp. and so low level fuel consumption - 9 liters per 100 kilometers. It transmits torque simultaneously to the alternator charging the battery and to the front wheels. The rear wheels become driven only if this becomes necessary, which the VDIM system determines. Only in the event of slipping of the front wheels, the second electric motor is turned on, which controls the rear-wheel drive.
Everything in the four hundredth Lexus is unusual and unusual, and the concerns of its owner are completely different: The main thing is to monitor the battery charge, and not the fullness of the gas tank. This car will never stall. You can always leave on electric motors.
The only "trouble" of a miracle car is the constantly required attention. It is worth leaving it alone for a couple of weeks, the car will be completely discharged, and it will not be easy to cope with it without the help of service specialists.
And yet the Lexus RX400h is a wonderful achievement of the genius of Japanese thought. It works without making any noise.
Because around battery the whole system is concentrated, many are concerned about the issue related to its operation in our winter conditions and with its service life. On the first part of the question, problems should not arise, since not a single case of battery failure associated with operation at low temperatures (up to minus forty degrees) has been registered by service departments. According to Toyota experts, they cannot be in relation to the service life either, since it is unlimited and the resource should be enough for the entire period of operation of the car. If you still have to deal with replacing the battery, then it will cost 9.5 thousand dollars.
Disadvantages of a hybrid car
A beautiful car, a huge range of options, expensive finishing materials ... But it was not without flaws. Firstly, a somewhat heavy steering wheel, which at high speeds is an indisputable plus, but the heaviness in it does not disappear even when the wheels are turned in a stationary car. Secondly, a rear-view camera that gives an excellent overview during reverse movement, which in rainy weather makes the driver simply blind just a few minutes after the start of the movement, during which it has time to splatter with mud. Finally, air conditioning. He is in automatic mode behaves not quite adequately: a stream of cold air escapes from the deflectors, which is difficult to fight.
But the rest useful options never cease to amaze. This includes rear seats that move forward and backward, an electrically adjustable steering wheel, an adaptive lighting system that rotates the headlights by 15 degrees to better illuminate the turn, and an easier landing, when just touching the ignition switch, from dashboard the steering wheel moves back, rising to the previously set position. The rear door, following the example of government-class sedans, can be locked and unlocked with a remote key or a button on the fifth door.
One only seven inch screen with the TouchScreen function, which is worth it. It allows you to do without buttons, and change all the parameters by pressing the necessary icons on the screen.
There is nothing to say about the passive and active safety system when it comes to Lexus. Special thanks to the company Mark Levinson, who gave the interior an audio system that is simply amazing. Its power is 240W, ten speakers, a ceramic 230 mm subwoofer! Is there anything else you could wish for?
RX400h hybrid price
It's scary to think about the cost of a car. This figure is $78,250 approximately 4,000,000 rubles. But, comparing it with the price of the RX350, which is equal to 70.1 thousand dollars, the difference is $ 8,150. Lexus for this money will be able to cover a distance of 143,728 kilometers. Well, and, in the end, you have to pay for the comfort!
Lexus RX400h? Shame!LHD
Early morning. Gas station on the outskirts of Moscow. We refuel "under the cork", reset trip computers and make the first entry in the fuel accounting table. Our goal is Volgograd: 1000 km due south along the M-6 highway, then a test outing to light off-road and march to reverse direction. Our cars - Cadillac SRX with a petrol V-shaped “eight”, BMW X3 with an in-line six-cylinder turbodiesel ...
And the most intriguing novelty of the season is the hybrid Lexus RX400h with a unique petrol-electric power unit.
What is Lexus RX400h? First, it is more powerful, prestigious and expensive version crossover RX300. And secondly, it is a technical alternative to conventional cars. After all, as conceived by Toyota designers, the hybrid power plant HSD, Hybrid Synergy Drive (previously called THS, Toyota Hybrid System, but now it is also installed on Lexus cars), is designed to combine high power with enviable fuel efficiency. Therefore, the Lexus RX400h, equipped with a 3.3-liter V-shaped “six” gasoline, has the number “400” in the index. It indicates the imaginary displacement that is typical for eight-cylinder engines.
For this reason, we took a Cadillac SRX to run with a hybrid Lexus. Its 4.6-liter V8 engine develops 325 hp, but at the same time, Cadillac is comparable to a hybrid in price: it is even cheaper in the basic configuration. And the alternative on the part of fast diesel crossovers is perhaps the BMW X3 3.0d with an in-line “six” with a capacity of 204 hp. There are no new Mercedes M-classes with a 224-horsepower turbodiesel (320 CDI) in Russia yet.
So, here is the main intrigue of this test. Can the Lexus RX400h match the pulling power of an eight-cylinder SUV and the fuel economy of a turbodiesel BMW?
Starting Lexus RX400h is unusual. You turn the key, and in response - silence. But the word “Ready” appears on the indicator of current power - having thought about the electronic “brains”, Lexus has already prepared the electric motors for the start. The selector is in Drive, carefully step on the accelerator pedal. And - again silence! The car moves off, but the motor is not audible, since only the front electric motor is working now. If you push the pedal a little more boldly, another traction electric motor will join the case, which leads rear wheels. And only when you drown the pedal in earnest, the gasoline "six" will come to the aid of the electric motors - and the Lexus will begin to rapidly pick up speed, justifying its "four-liter" designation. Acceleration is excellent!
On the busy Moscow-Volgograd highway, there was no particular difference in the dynamics of the cars. But powerful Cadillac SRX lost in terms of ease of traction control - tangible jerks and large delays of the "automatic" when switching "down" interfered. But the BMW X3 is good. Soft and fast shifts, excellent responses to the actions of the accelerator ... A special buzz is acceleration in the zone of medium diesel speeds. Cannon acceleration to the whistle of a turbocharger - and constant combat readiness of the “automatic”: when the gas is released, the tachometer needle lingers on the right side of the scale, as if expecting the driver to stomp the pedal again properly.
And Lexus - as if from another planet. It doesn't start like a BMW, and it doesn't irritate like a Cadillac: a slight hitch at the start - and smooth, but very assertive "stepless" acceleration. After all, there is no gearbox here at all - the role of the variator is performed by an electromechanical transmission, which smoothly changes gear ratio electronic commands.
In terms of handling, BMW has the most "car" habits. Reactions to steering turns are accurate and unambiguous, rolls are small. When entering the arc, the “x-third” begins to slide the front end, but the understeer is quickly replaced by neutral. And if at this moment the gas is fully opened, then the BMW X3 will easily go into a skid - of course, if the DSC stabilization system is disabled.
Cadillac is the exact opposite. Low steering sensitivity, a high degree of understeer, excessive delays, large rolls and significant diagonal buildup on bends ... However, how could a cruise ship be controlled differently?
Maybe! If it's a Lexus. It also rolls heavily, but with benefit - the thruster suspension willingly changes the curvature of the trajectory. Moreover, neither rolls nor diagonal buildup affect the accuracy of reactions. And with the information content of the steering, everything is in order here. Claims deserved only electro-hydraulic brakes - when you press the pedal, there is no reaction at first, and then the deceleration comes too sharply. By the way, it was Lexus that showed the largest braking distances from 100 km / h - 45.2 meters.
We carried out measurements of acceleration and braking dynamics after returning from a 2500-kilometer run. What turned out? The fastest is, of course, Cadillac (222 km / h “maximum speed” and 7.9 from the acceleration time 0-100 km / h). Turbo diesel BMW slower - 202 km / h, 8.6 s. And Lexus, as it turned out, is able to gain 198 km / h and accelerates to “hundreds” in 8.3 seconds.
Not bad, but ... It turns out that the BMW X3 with a three-liter turbodiesel and the hybrid Lexus with a 3.3-liter engine and two electric motors are approximately the same in acceleration dynamics! Moreover, this is true only if the hybrid traction battery is fully charged or at least half. But what if you have just completed a series of energetic accelerations and the gasoline engine has not yet had time to renew the supply of ampere-hours with the help of a special generator? Then the RX400h's dialing time will increase by as much as two seconds. In fact, at this point, the Lexus only accelerates 211 horsepower gasoline engine.
What about fuel consumption? On the track, the undisputed leader is the diesel BMW. The average consumption of diesel fuel was only 9.2 l / 100 km! Hybrid Lexus loses, and a lot - 14.2 l / 100 km. And the powerful Cadillac, as expected, turned out to be the most voracious - 18.1 l / 100 km.
The victory of diesel technology over hybrid? If we talk about fuel efficiency on a long trip, then this is the case. After all, long-term movement at high speeds is just the mode when all the advantages of turbodiesels are revealed. And all the ingenious electromechanics of the hybrid power plant, on the contrary, turns out to be almost useless - the Lexus RX400h holds cruising speed exclusively by the efforts of the gasoline engine, and consumption increases to 16.7 l / 100 km.
But if you push in city traffic jams, then the situation changes: BMW's diesel fuel consumption is growing, and the appetite of the hybrid Lexus, on the contrary, is falling. After all, if regular car(it doesn’t matter, gasoline or diesel) when braking, it turns the kinetic energy of movement into useless heating of the brakes, then the “hybrid” electric motors allow you to save some of this energy - and pump it into the battery in the form of a free “bonus”. Eventually average consumption for Lexus and BMW in city driving, it turned out to be approximately the same - 11.9-12.1 l / 100 km.
Where are the promised radical advantages of a hybrid car? They are. But only if you compare the Lexus RX400h with powerful eight-cylinder petrol cars- like the Cadillac SRX. It is this comparison that is typical for America and Japan, where there are practically no modern passenger turbodiesels. And it is these two countries that are the main sales markets for hybrid vehicles.
And how promising is the Lexus RX400h on Russian market? After all, in Russia they buy a hybrid car very willingly - only in July 55 cars were sold. That's more than Cadillac SRX crossovers in six months!
A huge plus for Lexus for us Russians is comfort. Excellent ride, excellent noise isolation - here the RX400h outperforms both BMW and Cadillac. But this can hardly be attributed to the advantages of a hybrid power unit - after all, the usual RX300 is no less comfortable.
But the specific disadvantages for Russian exploitation the RX400h hybrid car has, and we've come across some of them.
Firstly, Lexus RX400h is actually a front wheel drive car. After all, the rear wheels are driven only by a 50-kilowatt electric motor, which is not able to provide serious traction. Therefore, when overtaking under full throttle a powerful front power unit provokes the steering of the front wheels, and the "steering wheel" tends to escape from the hands. Getting out of the asphalt rut, the car literally shied away!
What will happen outside the asphalt?
Stop. "Your vehicle is not designed for off-road driving" - clearly stated in the instructions for the hybrid Lexus. What a blessing that we read these words at the right time! But we had an idea to overcome a small channel that flows into the Akhtuba, wade. But when you read that “water getting inside the car can lead to a short circuit of the traction battery”, the desire to swim disappears ...
But it's not even about storming the fords. We discovered the complete off-road helplessness of the Lexus in the simplest life situations.. For example, starting on a steep slope. We press on the gas, release the brake... And Lexus does not even try to move forward, treacherously sliding back!
Another example is sand under the wheels. The photographs show that this is not an "off-road" ride - we just drove to the shore of Akhtuba for photography. Both the BMW X3 with its automatically connected front-wheel drive (xDrive) and the Cadillac SRX with permanent all-wheel drive here felt like fish in the Volga water - they famously plowed the coastal zone, merrily uplifting sand whirlwinds. And Lexus...
The hybrid stood aside and waited for a tug. When starting off on electric motors, the connection of the gasoline “six” played a cruel joke: the torque on the front wheels increased sharply, and the Lexus immediately “buried” in the sand. But the most offensive thing is that the "captive" did not really try to free himself. The maximum that the "synergistic" installation was capable of was to turn the front wheels half a turn, no more. And for these half-turns, the car only dug deeper into the sand!
Apparently, the electronic "brains" that control the installation of the Hybrid Synergy Drive are tuned to a certain maximum "starting" torque. And if the resistance of the wheels exceeds this moment, then all attempts to move are stopped in the bud. And this can be a problem when starting off in the sand - or in the snow. How will Lexus RX400h behave in Russian snowdrifts? We'll find out soon.
You can read about one more feature in the instructions. “If you don't use your vehicle for two or more weeks, the traction battery and backup battery will run out. Charge them once every two weeks for approximately 30 minutes by running the hybrid system with the electrical components switched off.” It means that Lexus RX400h should not be left unattended for a long time. Otherwise... “When the traction battery is depleted, the hybrid vehicle will not start. Contact your dealer Lexus". The fact is that the hybrid car does not have a starter and it will not be possible to “light it up” either. Therefore, if the Lexus is discharged, then the client will have to deliver the car to the dealer at his own expense, and the mechanics will revive the battery using a special charger. True, so far there is not a single such “charging” in Russia - they will appear later.
Isn't it too much trouble? But this is always the case with new technologies!
However, we would not take risks yet - and preferred the conventional Lexus RX300 to a hybrid car. And if you want to contribute to the fight against global warming, you can buy a car with a powerful turbodiesel. Although it is noisier and more vibration-loaded than a hybrid, it is still more adapted to Russian realities...
What's the price?
Ordinary Lexus RX300 with a 211-horsepower gasoline engine costs from $56,900 (R1 trim) to $66,100 (R3). And even in the simple execution the vehicle has nine airbags, including a driver's knee airbag. hybrid crossover Lexus RX400h for $77,300 has a more powerful powertrain (272 hp) and the highest level of equipment: there is a seven-inch color display for
to control the 11-speaker Mark Levinson music system and to view the image from the rear view camera. In addition, the "hybrid" is equipped with an "advanced" stabilization system VDIM, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management. The suspension is not air (installed on the RX300 in R2 and R3 trim levels), but spring.
Cars brands Lexus in Russia serve four dealer centers- two each in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Warranty - three years or 100 thousand kilometers.
Cadillac SRX- this is the most affordable crossover with an eight-cylinder engine in our market. The rich "basic" package ($71,000) can currently only be supplemented with a DVD player with wireless headphones, sunroofs of various sizes, third-row seats with electric drive and mother-of-pearl coloring. This Cadillac costs $76,150. And soon seven dealers in three cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg) will start receiving cars of the 2006 model year, made in Kaliningrad. But they will not become cheaper - because they will be sold in two fixed configurations that exceed the current "base". In the first, a DVD player and a power tailgate ($72,900) will be installed on the crossover. And the second version will add a third row of seats and a huge UltraView Plus sunroof ($77,900).
Warranty - three years or 100 thousand kilometers
BMW X3 with a two-liter gasoline engine (150 hp) and “mechanics” costs $46,620 (Є37,900). A two-liter diesel is two thousand euros more expensive. And the most expensive X3 is a crossover with a three-liter petrol engine (231 hp) performed by Dynamic or Luxury - $69,990 (Є56,900). BMW X3 3.0d, which participated in our trip, is sold in a single Business version for $62,610 (Є50,900).
Warranty - two years without mileage limitation. BMW cars are sold and serviced in Russia by 34 dealerships in 23 cities.
And what other crossovers can you buy with the amount to purchase a hybrid Lexus? Firstly, the seven-seater Volvo XC90 T6 - with a 272-horsepower (like a "hybrid") power unit: from $ 75,300. Secondly, Volkswagen Touareg with any engines except diesel V10 and gasoline W12. For example, a "base" Touareg with a V8 petrol engine (310 hp) costs $77,095. True, unlike the Lexus RX400h, there are no turning or fog lights, there are no telephone preparations and an electric fifth door. Another option is the Mercedes M-class: with a diesel engine (ML320CDI, 224 hp) or a gasoline engine (ML350, 272 hp). The price of "basic" Mercedes is the same - $73,680 (Є59,900).
| BMW X3, Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX400h (manufacturer data) | |||
| BMW X3 3.0d | Cadillac SRX | Lexus RX400h | |
| body type | 5-door station wagon | ||
| Number of places | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk volume, l | 480-1560 | 918-1968 | 439-n.d. |
| Curb weight, kg | 1855 | 2015 | 2040 |
| Gross weight, kg | 2355 | n.a. | 2505 |
| Engine | turbodiesel | petrol | petrol/two electric motors* |
| Location | front, lengthwise | front, lengthwise | front, transverse / on the front and rear axle |
| Number and arrangement of cylinders | 6, in a row | 8, V-shape | 6, V-shape |
| Working volume, cm3 | 2993 | 4562 | 3311 |
| Cylinder diameter / piston stroke, mm | 84,0/90,0 | 93,0/84,0 | 92,0/83,0 |
| Compression ratio | 17,0 | 10,5 | 10,5 |
| Number of valves | 24 | 32 | 24 |
| Maximum power, hp/kW/r/min | 204/150/4000 | 325/239/6400 | 211/155/560 (272)** |
| Maximum torque, Nm / rpm | 410/1500-3250 | 427/4400 | 288/4400 |
| Transmission | A5 | A5 | -*** |
| gear ratios | |||
| I | 3,42 | 3,42 | - |
| II | 2,22 | 2,22 | - |
| III | 1,60 | 1,60 | - |
| IV | 1,00 | 1,00 | - |
| V | 0,75 | 0,76 | - |
| reverse | 3,03 | 3,02 | - |
| main gear | 3,38 | 3,23 | n.a. |
| Drive unit | full, with automatically connected front wheel drive | permanent, full, with free center differential | full, with automatically connected electric drive of the rear wheels |
| Front suspension | independent, spring, wishbone | independent, spring, McPherson | |
| Rear suspension | independent, spring, multi-link | independent, spring, wishbone McPherson | independent, spring |
| Front brakes | disc, ventilated | disc, ventilated | disc, ventilated |
| Rear brakes | disc, ventilated | disc, ventilated | disk |
| Tires | 235/55R17 | 235/60 R18 (rear - 255/55 R18) | 235/55 R18 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 210 | 225 | 200 |
| Acceleration time 0-100 km/h, s | 8,2 | 7,2 | 7,6 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | |||
| urban cycle | 12,1 | 14,7 | 9,1 |
| suburban cycle | 7,3 | 11,8 | 7,6 |
| mixed cycle | 9,1 | 13,1 | 8,1 |
| Capacity fuel tank, l | 67 | 76 | 65 |
| Fuel | diesel fuel | gasoline AI-92 | gasoline AI-95 |
| * - front electric motor: alternating current, synchronous, 123 kW; | |||
| rear electric motor: alternating current, synchronous, 50 kW | |||
| ** - total power of the hybrid power plant 272 hp | |||
| *** - planetary continuously variable electromechanical transmission | |||
| n.a. - no data | |||
| Some measurement results Autoreview | |||
| Automobile | BMW X3 | Cadillac SRX | Lexus RX400h |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 202,2 | 222,5 | 197,9 |
| Acceleration time, s | |||
| 0-50 km/h | 3,16 | 2,95 | 3,42/4,09* |
| 0-100 km/h | 8,63 | 7,89 | 8,31/10,27* |
| 0-150 km/h | 19,10 | 16,68 | 17,07/21,96* |
| 0-200 km/h | 46,93 | 41,88 | - |
| on the way 400 m | 16,41 | 15,70 | 16,13/17,51* |
| on the way 1000 m | 29,82 | 28,65 | 29,05/31,38* |
| 60-100 km/h (D) | 5,01 | 5,00 | 4,70 |
| 80-120 km/h (D) | 6,51 | 5,63 | 5,74 |
| Run-out, m | |||
| from 50 km/h | 606 | 558 | 711 |
| 130-80 km/h | 986 | 974 | 1061 |
| 160-80 km/h | 1523 | 1517 | 1577 |
| Braking distances | |||
| from a speed of 100 km/h, m | 41,2 | 42,4 | 45,4 |
| Deceleration, m/s2 | 9,4 | 9,1 | 8,5 |
| from a speed of 150 km/h, m | 88,0 | 92,6 | 88,9 |
| Deceleration, m/s2 | 9,9 | 9,4 | 9,8 |
| * - fully charged battery/partially discharged battery | |||
| (after intensive acceleration and maximum speed) | |||
| Speedometer Accuracy | |||||||||
| Speedometer readings, km/h | 40 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 120 | 140 | 160 | 180 | 200 |
| True speed, km/h | |||||||||
| BMW X3 | 37 | 57 | 76 | 95 | 115 | 134 | 154 | 174 | 193 |
| Cadillac SRX | 39 | 59 | 78 | 98 | 118 | 137 | 157 | 177 | 197 |
| Lexus RX400h | 37 | 57 | 76 | 95 | 114 | 134 | 153 | 172 | 192 |
| Equipment of the vehicles participating in the test | |||
| brand | bmw | Cadillac | Lexus |
| Model | X3 3.0d | SRX 4.6 V8 | RX400h |
| Price basic version | $62710 | $71000 | $77300 |
| Front airbags | + | + | + |
| Side airbags | + | + | + |
| Inflatable "curtains" | + | + | + |
| ABS | + | + | + |
| Dynamic stabilization system | + | + | + |
| Downhill control system | + | - | - |
| automatic transmission | + | + | + |
| power steering | + | + | + |
| Adjustable steering column with electric drive | - | - | + |
| Adjustable pedal assembly | - | + | - |
| Anti-theft alarm | + | + | + |
| Power and heated exterior mirrors | + | + | + |
| Rear View Camera | - | - | + |
| Power windows front and rear doors | + | + | + |
| Power front seat adjustment | + | + | + |
| Driver's seat memory | + | + | + |
| Light sensor | + | + | + |
| Rain sensor | + | - | + |
| Heated front seats | + | + | + |
| Dual zone climate control | + | + | + |
| Folding rear seat: | |||
| in proportion 60/40 | + | + | - |
| in proportion 40/20/40 | - | - | + |
| Cruise control | + | + | + |
| Electric sunroof | - | O | + |
| CD changer | - | + | + |
| DVD player | - | O | - |
| Telephone preparation | + | - | + |
| Leather upholstery | + | + | + |
| Fog lights | + | + | + |
| Xenon headlights: | |||
| dipped beam | + | + | + |
| high beam | + | - | - |
| turning lights | - | - | + |
| Fifth electric door | - | - | + |
| Parking radar front/rear | +/+ | -/+ | -/- |
| full size spare wheel | - | + | + |
| Tested car price | $62710 | $76150 | $77300 |
| (+) Package contents of the basic version | |||
| (-) Not included in the basic configuration | |||
Hybrid cars are on the rise. If a decade ago only the Prius was such, now all the leading companies mass-produce such cars. But how reliable are cars with a gasoline-electric power unit?
Lexus-RX 400h (factory index MHU 38) became the first hybrid officially delivered to Russia. Since 2005, a solid operating experience has been gained, because the mileage of many cars has exceeded 150 thousand km. Unlike the model sold in America (its index is MHU 33), our RX is all-wheel drive: in addition to the front hybrid transmission an electric motor with a rear axle drive gearbox was introduced. Interestingly, this part of the hybrid drive is only blown with air, while the front of the transmission has a common circuit with the gasoline engine cooling system.
It occasionally happens that antifreeze begins to leak at the junction of the transmission housing - pay attention to this place. It is easier to periodically check the level in the right expansion tank, but do not forget about the left one, which is responsible for cooling the inverter - the power converter of the battery's DC to AC to power the electric motors. Accordingly, in the recuperation mode, electrons run to reverse side while charging the battery.
In this separate circuit, the liquid overtakes the electric pump, which, although extremely rare, fails. It is impossible to predict the imminent death of the pump, because it turns on only as needed - when the inverter really needs to be cooled. You will feel the defect only in motion, when the inverter turns off due to overheating. In this case, the car will become dull, and the display will show the inscription: Check Hybrid System.
When changing the fluid, it must be expelled from the system air locks otherwise the inverter will overheat afterwards. Although the electronics will limit the current supplied, the power transistors may explode. Dealers do not change them separately, offering to fork out for a new inverter assembly (more than half a million rubles!). However, on the Internet you can find more humane prices for repairs. And the further east, the cheaper. For example, in Yekaterinburg they will take 100-120 thousand from you, and in Vladivostok - almost half as much. Fortunately, inverter failures are still rare.
The hybrid does not have a gearbox in the usual sense. Its role is played by only two planetary gears. The first one is connected to a gasoline engine through a carrier with satellites, and through a sun gear - to an electric motor of 650 V, which is both a starter and a generator. The same motor, changing speed, changes the gear ratio between the internal combustion engine and the ring gear connected through the gearbox and differential to the wheels. The second planetary gear set is connected to the traction motor-generator (also 650 V) through the sun gear (the crown gear is common for both rows). Very beautiful design! And surprisingly hassle-free. It is only important to monitor the oil (original - Toyota ATF WS). Although according to the regulations it is “eternal”, dealers recommend changing it after 160 thousand km.
ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE
It happens that such a car is bought only for the image and it is idle for months. it worst case operation, for which the hybrid is not designed - this is clearly stated in the instructions. Even standard electronics quickly discharge a 12-volt battery with a capacity of only 36 Ah, designed to power auxiliary equipment. But many install on the car additional alarm("Lexus" attracts increased interest of car thieves), in which the quiescent current can reach 100 mA.
It is easy to calculate that the battery is completely discharged in just half a month. But it also feeds the power relays for connecting the traction battery, from which the engine is started. Due to natural self-discharge, the main battery can also sit down. Therefore, make it a rule to periodically (once a week) roll the car at least around the house, and then wait until the internal combustion engine itself stalls. This is a sign that the traction battery is charged.
There is an opinion that in the conditions of the Russian winter, hybrids do not live long. Don't believe the rumors! At the Pole of Cold in Oymyakon, right-hand drive "priuses" of the first generation still drive. As for the RX - yes, there were battery failures (on copies of 2005, they were changed under warranty), but they can be counted on the fingers. By the way, the farther to the east, the more craftsmen who are ready to sort out the battery for a moderate fee, replacing defective cells (there are 240 cells in total).
The design of the 3MZ-FE gasoline engine (3.3 l) has been time-tested. The motor is built on the basis of a three-liter 1MZ-FE, which has proven itself well on the RX 300 and Toyota Camry models. 3MZ-FE was also installed on a purely gasoline RX 330. The engine was slightly modified for a hybrid: there are other supports, an intake system and valve timing. And most importantly - there are no attachments driven by a V-ribbed belt, since the power steering and air conditioning compressor are electric.
We change the timing belt every 100 thousand km, always along with the rollers. The pump is driven by the same belt; it is quite reliable and sometimes serves more than 200 thousand km. But spark plugs, although iridium ones, do not last more than 40 thousand km. When replacing, the intake manifold must be removed. This is perhaps the main difficulty in maintaining the machine.
Dealers at each MOT (10 thousand km) flush the throttle assembly, motivating the procedure by the fact that on the RX 330 with a very similar engine, by 30-60 thousand km, due to mud deposits, idle speed begins to float. And although the hybrid engine never works in this mode (it is either silent or running under load, charging the traction battery), it may have problems starting.
SIMPLY "ER-X"
And how is the conventional gasoline RX that the 400h is based on? Its gasoline engine is just as reliable (change the spark plugs, timing drive and flush the throttle), but the automatic transmission is able to surprise even at 120 thousand km. With cars for the American market, the situation is even worse: 50-60 thousand miles - and the unit is no longer a tenant.
Due to the fact that the “American” transmission valve body is configured for fast gear shifting (for Russian version, made taking into account frosts, the machine is slower), it can turn on two gears at once. It is clear that this feature does not extend the service life. Please note: after the overhaul, you need to reconfigure the gearbox control unit - erase all previous settings and sew in new ones corresponding to the changed setting moments when switching gears on and off. Otherwise, expect new problems.
Oil sometimes flows along the junction of the rear cover of the transfer case - it is easier to add it periodically. If oil leaks through the rolling of the power steering pressure hose (it happens to 80 thousand km), we change without hesitation - they don’t joke with the helmsman. a common problem any RX, including hybrids, - rear brake calipers. The rubber bands of the guide fingers are quickly frayed in them, moisture that has got through the cracks fetters the mechanisms. Therefore, we carry out preventive maintenance at every maintenance.
The cost per kilometer of a hybrid run, calculated according to the methodology of our column (ЗР, 2011, No. 1), turned out to be significantly lower than that of the gasoline version: 12.83 versus 15.54 rubles. But if you are not lucky with the inverter or traction battery, the alignment will not be in favor of the hybrid at all: the electrical components and assemblies are too expensive for the time being.
FROM THE HISTORY OF THE MODEL
Lexus RX
DEBUT: The second generation RX was introduced in the US in January 2003. In North America and the Middle East, a 3.3-liter V6 version was offered. European and Asian buyers received a 3-liter engine. In March 2005, the RX 400h hybrid began to be produced, which was officially delivered to Russia since June of the same year.
BODY: 5-door station wagon (SUV).
ENGINES: gasoline - V6, 3.0 l, 204 hp; V6, 3.3 L, 230 hp; V6, 3.5 L, 277 hp For the hybrid version: petrol, V6, 3.3L, 210 hp, plus 165 hp front electric motor, plus 68 hp rear electric motor. (total power of the power plant - 270 hp).
GEARBOX: A5 for the regular version, stepless planetary for the hybrid.
DRIVE UNIT: front or full.
RESTYLING: in 2007, the radiator grille, bumpers, rims, as well as some decorative elements of the body changed. A year earlier, the old V6s were replaced by a 3.5L engine.
CRASH TESTS: in 2004, the level of safety in a frontal collision according to the methods of IIHS and NHTSA (USA) was recognized as the highest. The consequences for a rear-end collision earned it a "poor" (IIHS) rating.
We thank the Business Car JV (Lexus-Levoberezhny car center at the 78th km of the Moscow Ring Road, Moscow)
for assistance in the preparation of the material.
Lexus RX 400H is hybrid version Japanese crossover, which is an upgraded model of the RX 300. As you understand, under the hood is not only a gasoline engine, but also an auxiliary electric motor, which adds both power and endurance to the car. On our site you can find a complete great review RX 300, on the basis of which they were built upgraded versions. The Lexus RX 400H has already been discontinued and finding this car in Russian car dealerships will be a real success. But on the other hand, there are plenty of offers on the market with the sale of used Lexus RX 400H, so the review is still relevant today. With the help of photos, we will demonstrate the design of the body and interior, whose characteristics differ from the RX 300 only by minor updates. So, for starters, let's study the main dimensions of the RX that the Hybrid received:
- The length of the car is 4755 millimeters;
- Width Lexus RX Hybrid - 1845 millimeters;
- As for the height, this parameter is disproportionate to the impressive width, but nevertheless, the car looks harmonious and original;
- Wheelbase - 2715 mm (this parameter already indicates that space and comfort should reign in the cabin);
- Clearance - 190 millimeters;
- Curb weight RH - 2040 kilograms;
- Maximum weight - 2505 kilograms;
- Body style: The RX 400 H is a hybrid in every sense, it is not known what type it should be classified as - station wagons or crossovers.
Technical part
The most important thing in the Lexus RX 400 H is its power plant, which is the main plus of the crossover. A hybrid engine is installed here, which includes a gasoline unit with fuel injection, as well as front and rear electric motors. There is a hybrid in front, the location is transverse. The engine displacement in the Lexus RX 400 H is 3.3 liters, the compression ratio is 10.5. According to automotive experts, the Japanese have successfully combined the work of a gasoline V6 and two low-power electric motors. As for power, everything here is quite difficult to perceive: 155 horses at 5600 rpm; 123 horsepower at 4500 rpm, 50 horses from the electric motor break out at 4610-5120 rpm.
Moving on along technical specifications The Lexus RX H hybrid is equipped with a continuously variable transmission that provides the car with permanent all-wheel drive. As you can see, even in 2006-2008, the RX 400 H was well equipped, and even now this crossover is not inferior to many average SUVs. As for the suspensions, the so-called helical “springs” are installed both in front and behind. As the reviews of Lexus RX 400 H car owners say, they provide decent comfort even in the conditions of our roads. After all, you know that among luxury cars (the Lexus RX of this model line just belongs to elite cars, especially a hybrid), there is a common problem when expensive cars need quality roads. There are such problems with the RX 400 H: the suspensions do an excellent job with broken asphalt, I swallow all the bumps. It is also worth saying a few words about noise isolation Lexus RX - model 400 H was no exception and received excellent noise protection, which is also confirmed by Russian drivers. But this has an expensive feature inherent in cars of this class: it lies in the fact that the Lexus RX prefers exceptionally high-quality fuel. Therefore, if you want to see all the abilities that a hybrid is capable of under the hood, you will have to spend money on the AI-95.
We almost missed such an important issue as dynamic performance and fuel consumption, because these are the main strengths Lexus RX, so, the 400 H version demonstrates the following features:
- The maximum speed that the hybrid is capable of is 200 km / h;
- Acceleration to 100 kilometers per hour takes 7.6 seconds;
- As for fuel consumption, in the city the hybrid consumes 9.1 liters of gasoline per hundred;
- In the city - 7.6 l;
- In mixed mode, the RH consumes 8.1 liters.
As you can see, the car weighing 2 tons demonstrates really powerful dynamic abilities. And the fuel consumption of the RX 400 H is good news. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at the Lexus RX Hybrid if you have the opportunity to purchase this car - used or new. So we have studied technical part, now you can say a few words about the design and changes that the modification of the RX 400 H has brought.
Appearance
Lexus RX 400 has an attractive sports body, which has hardly changed since the 350 and 300. At the time of the release of the Lexus RX, the crossover set the standard for prestige. We will not describe the entire body, because there is a photo for this. But we will tell you about the changes that the Lexus RX 400 version received. The hybrid received modified round foglights, the bumper was improved, it is also worth mentioning the stylish 18-inch alloy wheels. In one word - beauty. At first glance, the model looks simple, but when you get closer, the original style immediately appears. Lexus RX 400 looks comfortable even from the outside, but inside this feeling increases several times.
In the photo we can see a chic interior, as well as a central panel, which today has modern features and electronics. As for security, there are protective modes here, ABS systems And so on. They have airbags for each passenger, as well as protective "curtains".
The car is really relevant today, especially since you can buy a hybrid for 1 million rubles, although in 2005-2011 the car cost all 3 million. Roomy trunk 400 liters, a comfortable driver's seat, many security systems and a powerful power plant will help you travel and work.
