2009 Lexus RX450h launched

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.