Lexus opts for luxury hybrid

Nov 20 2008 Steve Hughes

Lexus opts for luxury hybrid

LEXUS will take its advanced hybrid power technology to a higher level next year with the introduction of the RX 450h.

The luxury all-wheel drive SUV is being seen for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week ahead of its arrival here next summer.

In the UK, the new-generation RX will be an all-hybrid range, with the RX 450h replacing both the current RX 400h hybrid and RX 350 petrol models.

Lexus remains the only manufacturer to offer hybrid models in the large SUV market in Europe and is now on to its second generation model. The current RX 400h costs from £36,273 and achieves 35mpg combined with CO2 emissions of 192g/km to qualify for a low tax rating.

It uses an electric motor to boost the output of the conventional engine, reducing emissions and improving fuel economy.

Lexus says further details about the new RX 450h will be announced early next year.