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: 
“Long History” Yeah three years is certainly a long time.Lol.
Awful dash by the way.
This thing does have great fuel economy and very low Co2 but I just couldn’t bring myself to put my name to a hybrid when diesel runs so close and will, in the next year or two, once again beat it. Not to mention that, taking away hybrid technology for a moment, generally the driving experience of a diesel X5 or ML is always going to be much better than in a Lexus SUV. The BMW is actually still good fun and handles wonderfully for the size.
And as Realcars writes, awful dashboard.
I think Benz stole the crown for the first production Atkinson Cycle V6 hybrid engine with the ML450 dual mode Hybrid, that could be run solely on battery power or both petrol and electric power. Personally, that system sounds far superior, I could just run on batteries around the city, and once on the highways and out of the stop/start, get back onto petroleum!
Realcars, too right! Heinous centre stack/dash.
A BEAUTIFUL vehicle, although i think the hybrid is a wank-factor.
Uses around 12L/100km which is pretty good in standard and much cheaper form.
Cheers
F-0
Aticle: The RX 450h achieves this efficiency, while also delivering the power, space and practicality of an SUV, by utilising Lexus’ unique Lexus Hybrid Drive system.
If the Hybrid Drive System in the Toyota Prius is as good as we are lead to believe…Why didn’t Lexus just use the same system that’s in the prius instead of wasting money developing their own? – what’s so unique about it [compared to the Prius]?
Oh come on Wheelnut – if Holden were investing in development of such technology you would be one of the first to sing it’s praises. Because it’s Toyota/Lexus, you knit-pick it to death.
Article: “The all-new vehicle also features a number of new technologies that assist in reducing engine loads or driver behaviour…”
So what; if the driver accelrates too quickly to show how much power and performance his car has the computer steps in to remind the driver that they’re driving a Lexus not a BMW.. and that Lexus owners don’t drive like that?
Um… People buying this will never stop ranting about how green they are – groan…
And that centre console is ABSOLUTELY AWFUL… I could never buy the car with that abortion staring at me…
Wheelnut, I am sure there not being an extensive and expensive options list will remind people driving they are driving a Lexus, not a BMW.
No – its just that for Lexus to develop their unique Hybrid Drive System when a Hybrid Drive System already exists which is proven to be equally as efficient etc – it seems to be a case of re-inventing the wheel.
It’s there it works why not use/utilise that instead?
As for investing Hybrid Technology – TMC actually STOLE the idea and the design for the Hybrid Drive System used in their cars and have been fined for it..
Toyota didn’t really do anything new as the technology and the resources was already there Toyota just happened to be the first to put it into mass production
Whereas GM-H and most other car companies are developing newer more advanced hybrid systems but they are doing it legitimately – that is either on their own or in collabloration with other companies – and they are giving their partners the credit they deserve.
if someone bought this and i had a 8 cylinders or more, i would get in front of them and rev it.
looks alright and i don’t mind the dash though it is a bit weird
Nice!
Very unique stylish design interior.
Love the steering wheels – sleek and simple.
Well done Lexus!
Honda offers Civic and Insight hybrids too.
But Toyota is the first to introduce hybrid into Australia.
SteveH Says:
June 15th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I know, Toyota / Lexus are the only ones who currently offer hybrid cars in Australia.
This thing might be good for the environment and less black balloons and all that stuff, but it damn sure is ugly!
You are right RockNRolla. My bad.
So you like to prolong the continued arguments then Wheelnut? Doesn’t that just make the situation worse? Agree that 99.9% of most posts are dribble, using the recent article about the new Ford V8 as an example, but just stoking the fire is just making it worse.
I agree that there is something about the vent and stereo area that is just not right and that little patch of woodgrain shoudln’t be there. Apart from that, interior looks really good to me.
6.4L/100km is very impressive for a large SUV on PETROL. Yes I know, diesels will get around the 7-8L/100km mark too, but I still think it is impressive.
Dash looks a bit odd, the car itself looks the same. At least it’s cheaper now instead of upping the price by 10% like the Honda Civic hybrid.
Wheelnut,
The Lexus hybrid system is indeed similar, but not the same if I am correct. I believe unlike the Prius system, the lexus system doesn’t run on batteries (electric motor) only. It is always complementing the petrol engine. They say it acts like a supercharger… and in a way they are correct as the electric engine provides the car with more low-end torque.
I always find the comments in CA an interesting read :D
Yes – I’m with Milobob. The comments here very interesting to read. Although I’ve notice that there’s a Toyota Basher team and usual suspects: LOL
DesignEngr
Wheelnut
Andrew M
Bavarian Missile
I’d rather read some objective comments rather then emotional.
Things like what Wheelnut said just now Toyota has not developed any new technology or stole the idea from GM-H. Who caressss? If you don’t like the car then don’t! I’ve also noticed that Wheelnut who was the one started the war in this blog too. People got sick and tired of reading your rubbish.
Wheelnut, fair enough. I guess I just don’t see the point in getting worked up to the point of having slanging matches with people who’s opinions at the end of the day are meaningless. I see some of the arguments go back & forth for entire days at a time, if not more. How can a slight at a particular make of car be taken so personally where you lose a full day out of your life defending it?
Anyway, each to their own.
Quote Wheelnut
‘Which means that there are more of us with factual evidence and references etc to support our comments than there are Toyota fans who base most of their comments on manipulated surveys’
So Wheelnut what you are saying that any derogatory remark made on this site about Toyota is based on fact yet any derogatory remark made against GMH / Ford is just made up? We are all a bit one eyed towards our favourite brands, but thats taking it a bit far isn’t it?
Looks Good
Wheelnut – you claiming Toyota / Lexus stole hybrid technology is a complete and utter load of rubbish.
The part you refer to is infact a single micro-chip (that’s right … a ‘micro’ chip) which co-incidentally was indentical to another patented example.
Toyota or Lexus DID NOT steal no hybrid technology so can you please get your facts correct instead of telling complete and utterly lies.
Back to the topic guys.
I can’t believe they have managed a rating of 6.4 litres to 100kms. An Automatic trans Toyota Yaris 1.3 has a rating of 6.5 litres per 100kms.
Lexus RX 450h 220kw
Toyota Yaris 1.3 63kw
Amazing technology.
Please stay on topic, all off-topic comments will be deleted.
S Says:
June 15th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
“I can’t believe they have managed a rating of 6.4 litres to 100kms. An Automatic trans Toyota Yaris 1.3 has a rating of 6.5 litres per 100kms.
Lexus RX 450h 220kw
Toyota Yaris 1.3 63kw”
LOL, Yaris autos are the most gutless pigs on the planet. Great vehicle Toyota, shame about the “designed whilst on some bad crack” dash.
The new RX appears to have been designed by a set of Yr8 trigonometry students learning the old SOHCAHTOA – remember that puppy?… I’ve never seen so many mismatched angles on bodypanels & glassware. The front bumper, grille & headlight combination is particularly awkward. The new Kia Sorrento looks better than this!
I did reserve my judgement for waiting to see these things in the flesh but unfortunately my fears were confirmed at the Lexus dealership last week. The previous RX was no Adonis but I did think there was some styling cues which Lexus could refine & improve on – particularly given the good job they did on the IS. This styling blunder is surprising given the RX is Lexus bread & butter volume seller.
Interior styling is also a mess. The asymetrical dash & blue back lighting reminds me of our Honda Civic’s dash – not the comparison I think they were hoping for…
Looks like my quest for the new family wagon / SUV continues on. I am currently shortlisted to a 2nd hand RX (old shape) or the new XC60.
Very nice car from Lexus.
At the 1st I thought the new RX is very ugly, but now, the look has grown on me, very clean and futuristic styling.
However I will be doubtful of the 6.5L/100km claim, maybe they can achieve that in test condition, but in normal driving it seems impossible for a car this weight.
I like the idea of the two-tone dash [interior] it makes the cabin appear to be more open and spacious than it is.
ChineseDriver – i agree with you.
At first i was hesitant about the styling but intime it does grow on you and becomes rather futuristic in appearance.
Nodoubt the biuld quality of this SUV will be impeccable as Lexus has become commonly known for.
Lexus has done a remarkable job with this vehicle … WELL DONE to them.
Luke,
LOL I just checked again the review of the RX350 – and it’s still so ugly in the picture! Maybe this time they got a better photographer.
Between, I’ve seen this new RX in the dealership, they looked quite good in metal, and as most SUVs look sux in white, this one looks the best in white, very elegance.
The irony of “futuristic styling” is that it doesn’t usually hold up in the long run & quite often actually dates the car design. There’s plenty examples of this…. remember the Subaru Vortex?
Yes – Agree ChineseDriver.. white looks elegance on this car..
Looks like whole Toyota Basher Team has arrived with usual emotional comments :)
Pops – i disagree.
I believe the design of the new RX350 and RX450h is rather attractive and futuristic in it’s own right and probably will age gracefully.
Eitherway, Lexus has done a remarkable job with this SUV and nodoubt sales will be strong globally.
At the end-of-the-day, the only true judge is the market.
In terms of looks I don’t really mind it.. mind you it looks a lot like the Mitsubishi Outlander [particularly from the front] which I don’t mind the look of either.
As for whether or not it will age gracefully only time will tell.. Most cars which have aged gracefully have a classic iconic design which has evolved over time with more flowing lines and curves etc
Not my type of car, but then I was never a fan of hybrids in the first place nor the Lexus driving experience. But really as a SUV that will mainly be driven in city or likewise conditions – it’s a very good car. You won’t be able to do any fanciful driving in the city and I’m sure it’s a comfortable car to be in and the fuel efficiency helps alot.
I believe they have rated this against the ML hybrid in America and this gets better mileage. Yes it’s the least exciting outta all the Luxury SUV’s but it’s certainly the most practical in alot of ways and probably the cheapest to run. Plus you’re backed up by Lexus’ after sale service.
So in that respect, I can see and appreciate why people would buy this over the competition. After all, not every car buyer is a driving enthusiast especially the ones buying Luxury SUV’s.
So this is appealing but you find the X6 atomically horrible!
Who was the idiot that thought of putting the transmission shift there ?
Driving one of these is like ordering a big mac large fries and a diet coke! Whats the point !
I don’t find this remotely appealing, Bavarian Missile. I think it’s designed to appeal to Camry drivers who have come into money, as I think of all Lexuses.
Just to clear a few things up on this post “toyota did not steal the hybrid technology”! and in 10 years time every car maker (those still around)will have at least 1 hybrid car in there range! the customers of the future will expect hybrid technology! diesel power is only a short term fad!
The X6 might not have been mentioned in this discussion prior to BMs Comment.. However; in other discussions regarding the Lexus RX350 or RX450 people have mentioned the X6
Not only that but on several occassions on several topics people have brought up what other people said in previous discussions – therefore; its all relative.
I personally would go for the X6 not because its a BM etc but I think it looks better.sportier and has more road presence
Even if BM didn’t mention the X Its most likely that someone would have eventually.
Quote “Toyota lawyers arrived at the U.S. Supreme Court today and were denied an appeal to overturn a ruling originally upheld by a federal appeals court in Washington last year. The case involved a technology patent held by a company named Paice LLC, which contended that Toyota used the same microprocessor developed by the McLean, Virginia-based company on its hybrid vehicles that inputs torque information for both the gasoline-powered engine and the electric motor. The $4.3 million dollar award against Toyota will stand, and Toyota is required to pay royalties to the firm to the tune of $25 for every Prius, Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400h sold. Ouch. Sometimes the price of success is steep.
quote ” Source Autoblog!
Na they didnt steal anything!
This is what we’re talking about!
More hybrids go green!
Go on you Toyota/Lexus. Well done!
So I wonder how much extra this costs to service over the normal petrol version ?
I like the idea of the the worlds fast Hybrid, 500hp and rechargeable in 10 min! What engine is it ? Ford!
I don’t understand why this would be compared to the X6 in the first place. BMW themselves don’t even compare the X5 (RX”s competition) to the X6.
Nobody, the X6 was used in appeal ,looks ,nothing else !
People bagged the “looks of the X6 yet they find “this” appealing! I guess some of us people have a pulse though!
I want to know where are all the RX Lexus’s ,I seem to see more X5s on the road in luxury SUV market than RXs.
How anyone could compare this to an X6 is beyond me. The X6 redefines ugly and just proves that people must buy BMW’s for something other than their looks, because they are getting uglier of late.
The 500Hp Hybrid BM was illuding to isn’t actually being built by Ford its being built by Shelby Sports Cars the same company that builds the worlds fastest production car the SSC-Aero..which according to various reports will use a Ford engine with a supplementary electric power supply and is expected to be the worlds fastest Hybrid
Personally I thought the X6 was such an ugly piece of scrap when I first saw it online, but having seen it more and more on road it grew me. To the point where now I find it quite nice. The car itself wasn’t meant to be practical and the design of it suits the purpose of the car very well.
Coincidentally I thought the same of the previous RX350 and it looked no way like a luxury car at all. In fact I still think this way, it looks more like a derivative Toyota. With the new generation, I like it alot better. I actually quite like the design and I don’t get why people say it’s almost the same as the last one. If you put the two next to each other, there’s quite a noticeable improvement. Feel the same about the Golfs.
But I guess it’s just me.
Steve I wasnt comparing the X6 to this ,I want to know how people could think of that as ugly and find this appealing!
Then most of the supporters that like this so far have a split personality !
Each to their own of course but to me this from the rear end section isn’t that much different.
BM, the X6 has more of a hatchback style rear end, while this is a bit more upright at the rear. I have seen both in the flesh and the new RX doesn’t have anywhere near the same angle at the rear as the X6. (In my opinion anyway.)