Lexus Philippines launched two hybrid models, the latest salvo in its bid to be a major player in the luxury market. The two models are unlikely to be a runaway hit when it comes to sales, as their raised price tags versus the non-hybrid models will limit their market potential. However, as showcases of the brand’s technology, they are a tour-de-force of powertrain innovation.
First up is the Lexus RX450h, a five-seat SUV that combines an Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6, good for 245 bhp, with a pair of electric motors—one for the front axle and one for the rear. Combined system output is 295 bhp. The clever bit is that the vehicle’s all-wheel drive system derives directly from the hybrid system. The front motor provides propulsion at low speeds and to assist the gasoline engine when more acceleration is needed. The rear motor kicks in when more traction is required. Transmission is via CVT. A full complement of luxury features is on board, from a nine-speaker audio system, 10 airbags, and LED headlamps. Promised fuel economy is 15.9 kilometers / liter. External differentiation from the regular RX is subtle: blue front badge, blue highlights on the taillights, plus “hybrid” metal trim on the flanks. Price is P4.78 million.
The LS600hL promises the power of a 6.0-liter engine (thus the 600 designation) with the fuel efficiency of a 3.0-liter. The flagship of the Lexus brand is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 rated at 394 bhp. Together with the electric motor, total system output is 438 bhp. The vehicle is a full-time all-wheel drive car, with a Torsen limited-slip differential. As the L version of the LS, the wheelbase is a massive 3090mm, with a total length of 5180mm. The LS has the brand’s much-vaunted automatic parking system, which allows hands-free parallel parking, with the driver just providing throttle and brake inputs. Amenities include LED low beams (the world’s first on a production car), moonroof, 19-inch wheels, auto closing doors and trunk, seat vibrator (we kid you not), auto wipers, 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround audio,
There are two models of LS600hL, the five-seater, which goes for P8.9 million, and the more luxurious four-seater, at P9.988 million. The four-seater adds a rear table, 40mm more legroom, ottoman-type rear seats, DVD entertainment, and fridge. Promised fuel economy is 10.8 kilometers / liter, about that of a 1.5-liter Toyota Vios or Honda City.
The chief engineer of the LS600hL Hideki Watanabe was on hand to explain the goals of the hybrid program. “In the past, hybrids were developed exlusively for maximum efficiency. Lexus invented the idea of a luxury-performance hybrid. Hybrid technology …is not an interim solution but a fundamental powertrain technology.” On battery concerns, he says that the hybrid batteries are designed to operate for the full life of the vehicle itself. (A rather disingenuous way of putting it if you ask us.) The standard vehicle warranty applies: 3 years / 100,000 km.
As can be expected from Lexus, the fit and finish was flawless, inside and out. Some interior materials looked novel, in the form of a creamy white wood on the LS600hL. (Some of the photos here are from the U.S. media site and vary from the actual units.)
The Lexus approach to perceived more-environmentally sound luxury motoring is certainly interesting and deserves a closer look.
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