Lexus RX400h

Lexus RX400h is absolutely noiseless when operating or starting and only the signal word "Ready" on the instrumentation panel speaks of the car's readiness and willingness to start.

The automobile starts off as noiselessly as it starts up: there is only a sound of wheels heard and a hardly distinctive buzzing of an electric motor heard from the outside.

Lexus 400h is provided with a hybrid power plant HSD that consists of two electric motors and of one gasoline engine. Together they put out 272 hp. This very model's gasoline engine and front electric engine are unitized and therefore the car boasts of a front-wheel drive.

When driving at low speeds the automobile doesn't need a lot of horsepower therefore only a front electric motor is linked up then. A 6-cylinder 3.3-liter V-engine is linked up through a planetary power divider in case a battery is discharged or if a car needs its entire horsepower. The gasoline engine distributes the torque both to the front wheels and to the generator that charges the battery and the electric engine.

The power distribution scheme is displayed on a 7-inch LCD located on the central cantilever. The scheme of Lexus RX400h is concentrated around a high voltage battery placed under the backseat. It operates well in cold weather and the engine starts up at once even when its 40 degrees Celsius below the freezing point.

What is more, Toyota specialists claim that the battery life is unlimited and therefore it will be enough for the entire automobile life. Just like all Lexus automobiles Lexus RX400h is a combination of luxury and high quality and this includes both expensive materials and extensive list of options allowing you plunge into comfort.

Although the automobile boasts of nice ridability the steering wheel is a bit too heavy, which is an advantage when riding fast, but this heaviness remains even when trying rotating the wheel at stop.

Rear-view camera assures perfect visibility when backing but it is of no use in rainy weather. It is a great pleasure driving a Lexus: soft and sharp suspension, sensitive steering, and nice dynamics (0-100 km/h in 7.6 s).

However fuel consumption is rather high: on-board computer shows 16-17 liters per 100 km on the highway although only 13 liters in the city taking into consideration all the traffic jams.land rover sport