2009 Lexus RX450h launched
June 15, 2009 by David Twomey
Lexus Australia has today launched what it says is the world’s most efficient luxury hybrid SUV – the new RX 450h, now available in three levels starting at $89,990.
The sub-$90,000 starting price, which is $7645 lower than the $97,545 price-tag of the previous single RX400h model, is partly due to the fact the RX450h escapes the Luxury Car Tax because it’s the first Lexus to fall below the federal government’s LCT ‘green’ threshold of 7.0L/100km.
Lexus says that available from July 13, RX 450h will set fuel economy and efficiency figures closer to that of some small four-cylinder hatchbacks.
The petrol-electric hybrid will consume 6.4 litres of fuel per 100km, using ADR Combined figures, and emit 150grams of CO2 – an emissions figure not achieved by any other luxury SUV in Australia.
RX 450h achieves this efficiency, while also delivering the power, space and practicality of an SUV, by utilising Lexus’ unique Lexus Hybrid Drive system.
RX 450h also debuts a number of world firsts, including the first production Atkinson Cycle V6 hybrid engine, and becomes Australia’s most powerful and efficient luxury hybrid SUV – delivering 220kW of power from the petrol/electric system.
Lexus has high expectations for the expanded range that now includes a Sports model priced at $96,900 and Sports Luxury model at $107,900.
The all-new vehicle also features a number of new technologies that assist in reducing engine loads or driver behaviour, benefiting overall fuel consumption.
Lexus has a long history with hybrid vehicles, pioneered hybrid technology in the luxury SUV market with RX 400h, first launched in Australia in 2006.
Since this time, hybrid acceptance and the trend towards economical vehicles has seen Lexus hybrids grow in demand across the globe.
All-new RX 450h builds on the first hybrid RX to deliver class leading economy and efficiency, while delivering on the needs of luxury SUV owners.
Safety was also paramount in the all-new model’s development with the vehicle featuring a class leading 10 airbags, Lexus’ unique Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability system and a raft of active and passive safety features.
Lexus Chief Executive, John Roca, said RX 450h signalled the most significant advance in Lexus’ hybrid technology since the launch of the brand’s first hybrid.
“RX 450h really solidifies the importance and relevance of hybrid technology for global motorists – it is the world’s most efficient luxury SUV,” said Roca.
“Lexus continues to be at the forefront of hybrid technology, and not only did we deliver the impossible with our first hybrid model, we are now delivering hybrid vehicles that challenge the concept of practicality and efficiency.
“Lexus continues to be the luxury hybrid leader, and while other manufacturers still talk about their forthcoming development models, Lexus continues to introduce real solutions today,” said Roca.
“RX 450h is an astounding vehicle that demonstrated what is possible when you put all your efforts into pursuing absolute efficiency.
“With RX 450h we have diesel competitors firmly in our sights, and with Lexus’ unique blend of power, efficiency, practicality and pricing, we are certain that RX will remain our top selling model,” said Mr Roca.
Print it: 
RockNRolla, now why would you compare this to a Territory ?
What are you saying about Lexus? I thought it was their “Luxury” brand not an over priced Klugger? Dear oh dear…
I agree Tomas79 they should ban: The Fact; The Realist; The Elitist; Chad; BK; Chinese Driver; Another Ford Recall….
Not to mention those who uses offensive language or anyone else who resorts to personal insults such as:
brainless bogan; uneducated; moron; w@nker etc
Which as luck would have it would include you too…
ahhhhhhhhhh Steve its good to have a comment with someone who has personal development .
I think they both look “Coupy” from the rear,which I like………….its just very plain from the front.That Lexus badge on the grill is just TOO big.
You used the word bogan a couple of posts ago BM, time to have a long hard look at yourself :)
I can definately see the point of a lot of posters, but perhaps the delivery of what they say could be better put.
because can’t think of any Ford luxury car.. are there any?
BM, I didn’t see much of the new generation RX on the road but just two but I quite like the slightly edgy, very muted aggressive nip tuck. The previous generation RX I see too much of on the road and I never liked it, it’s terrible. Though I tend to find the same of the older generation X5’s too, they just look like big jacked up Bimmer Sedans. The current X5 is very Darth Vader!
RockNRolla, I believe the Territory would have better driving dynamics than this, more power and offroad ability. It also uses more fuel, looks dated, people are worried about it’s build quality (real or otherwise) and a new model with diesel engine is coming next year. But that’s not the point, people don’t buy luxury cars because something cheaper is more capable. Same with any luxury product in any industry or market.
Yes it should be big in case you can’t see it covered by your brainless big boobs HA HA….
Bavarian Missile (.)(.) Says:
June 15th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
ahhhhhhhhhh Steve its good to have a comment with someone who has personal development .
I think they both look “Coupy” from the rear,which I like………….its just very plain from the front.That Lexus badge on the grill is just TOO big.
BM, I am just a six year old with a good thesaurus :)
Having previously had an RX350, I will always think they are a great car. The first time I saw the new model in the flesh, I was a bit unsure, but it really has grown on me. The white model in the pictures looks really good to me. The X6 though, I just don’t get. It looks too ‘hunched’ for want of a better word, but as said previously, style and looks are a very subjective thing.
please ignore peanut /bm….they are just childish adults.not even worth to reply.
hahaha , Steve but it wasnt directed at them was it!
Sorry should have put that link up on this not the X6 thread.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/20.....st-images/
They look almost identical in the rear section.
As regards to the rear visibility of this car, it’d be noticeable more than the X6 which has the same visibility as a Lambo. Though honestly I don’t think most X6 drivers care as they would’ve noticed this during their test drive and it’d be doubtful they’d be looking behind them much when having fun in it.
Rear visibility isn’t too great in many luxury SUV’s or SUV’s in general.
Nobody – If the X5 is like Darth Vader; then I take it that an X6 is like a Storm Trooper.. So does that mean that a Lexus RX350 like R2-D2?
I can sort of see what you mean BM, but in real life the slope on the RX is nowhere near that on the X6.
Nobody, I think you will find that this is more powerful than a Territory, except the Turbo of course. From reading reviews, I also believe that they have made the current RX’s better handlers than the prvious generation. They are not set up like BMW’s, but they aren’t as soft as they used to be.
Nobody – given that most SUVs including this are so high they virtually look straight over the top of your average sedan Rear View Doesn’t really matter.. that’s why they invented Rear View Cameras which can be just as dangerous as they give you a distorted view of the world..
Although I guess you would be used to that
Wheelnut, you’d be surprised to find that R2D2 has quite a good fanbase and not for it’s clumsy nature either. But no I don’t consider the RX to be in that category as it doesn’t look anything Star Wars.
Steve, I don’t know how much power the Territory produces off the top of my head as opposed to the RX. What I meant was the power delivery as people I know who have the car hasn’t complained of a need for more power for it’s duties. I’ve read car reviews that confirmed this, but ofcoz I’m sure there are people who think otherwise too. In fact Territory has great pulling power compared to anything in it’s category, just SUV’s in general.
Yes Wheelnut, I’m aware of rear cameras but it usually an expensive option not usually specced with SUV’s as standard. You bring up all this because I mentioned the RX made more rear view than the X6? Perhaps you’re getting abit sensitive for no reason.
The R2-D2 comment was a joke.. you know; humour…. god knows this site could do with some.
Looks interesting. Makes me see Lexus in a new light haha but still expensive :)
You really have to remember what ‘LEXUS’ stands for.. literally. Luxury export US as in USA. If you have seen the interiours of most American SUVs you would understand why the dash looks the way it does…
This is a tasteful, nice, subtle product for the (American) masses..
Okay guys, obviously this has gone completely off topic, so I’m closing the comments.
I’ve put 13 people in the temporary ban status for 48 hours following the last few days worth of comments.
First and last warning for those that are in the ban list. Next time it’s permanent and believe me, it will stick.