Lexus continues to bet on hybrids and launches the new RX 500h for R$ 565 thousand – 04/26/2023

The electric transmission reached almost a variety of premium brands in Brazil and found a new representative with the launch of the Lexus RX 500h, which will cost R$ 564,990. But where will the new Lexus fit in this segment with so many interesting options? That is what we will explain from now on.

Hybrid technologies and 100% electric models are widely offered by high-end manufacturers, which in some cases do not even have combustion-only vehicles in their portfolio. We can mention Volvo, BYD, GWM and Lexus. The latter is the only one that bets on only one type of electrification, that of regenerative hybrids (HEV). Is this a viable option in the Brazilian market?

During the launch of its latest Hybrid in the country, Lexus executives talked about the plans of the Toyota Group’s luxury arm for Brazil. They made it clear that the brand is in “recovery” in 2023 and they expect to sell 1,000 units a year.

A big part of this Lexus comeback in the country involves the arrival of the new RX 500h. But the challenge in the brand’s nine businesses will be to convince their customers not to take more than their R$560,000 and look for 100% electric models or plug-in hybrids from Chinese companies that arrive at expensive prices and a lot of technology. There is still a good deal left.

At that price, by the way, Lexus costs the same price as the most expensive model from Volvo, the XC90 T8 Recharge with the Ultimate package (R$ 563,950). Note that the large Swedish SUV carries seven passengers and has the same level of technology as the Japanese one.

reliability

But, as good members of the Toyota Group, the folks at Lexus have reasons that justify choosing the brand’s models in their hands. The automaker’s philosophy is based on three pillars: Comfort, Control and Confidence. The latter is very important for our market and the Japanese are well aware of this.

But the RX 500h adds an ingredient that the brand’s other SUVs sold in Brazil clearly lack: sportiness.

It has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder combustion engine and two electric motors, which together produce a power of 371 hp and a torque of 46 kgfm. The CVT transmission was replaced by a six-speed Hybrid Transaxle.

With this mechanical set and the new power in the use of electric motors, the RX 500h lost that “uncle” aspect when driving a Lexus and accelerates very well, as we could see on the Circuito Panamericano track, in São. Paul.

But that pepper in the lettuce salad comes at a cost. Performance reduces efficiency and the RX 500h is not as economical as its smaller siblings. Lexus engineers talked about an average of more than 10 kilometers per liter of gasoline in the city in real day-to-day conditions. Domestic figures are 13.5 km/l in the city and 15 km/l on the highway. If you appeal to the sporty driving mode, this average will decrease significantly.

Technology in the cabin

It’s hard to get into the Lexus RX 500h and not like it. At least until you remember the price. The comfortable SUV has a multimedia center with a 14-inch screen and connectivity via Bluetooth, with mirroring of applications such as Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, Apple Music and WhatsApp, via Android and Apple systems, or via USB ports. and volume control feature. which allows modification through the words “Hello Lexus”.

The 20-speaker sound system is an auditory masterpiece. The RX also comes with three-zone digital climate control, integrated digital cooling and heating, a humidity sensor and the S/Flow system with the Concierge function, which integrates the air conditioning and ventilation system, based on the temperature set by the driver or passenger. . , and three levels of cooling with the option of automatic adjustment.

rear wheel drive

Another interesting novelty of the RX 500h is DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering), which steers the rear wheels up to 4 degrees. By monitoring the vehicle’s speed, the direction of travel and the driver’s inputs, the system always calculates the right angle for all four wheels at any given time. . It independently controls front and rear steering angles, improving cornering response, rear grip, vehicle stability and overall agility.

At speeds below 80 km/h, the front and rear wheels turn in different directions; at that speed, it rotates in the same direction – a maximum of 4 degrees, which gives better control and precision, managed by safety and stability.

Advanced and functional security

In terms of passive safety, the RX 500h has seven airbags, one of which is a knee airbag for the driver; two sides (curtain); two in front; and two sides, for the driver and front passenger. In addition, it has active safety technologies to help drivers through the Lexus Safety System 3.0.

It has systems such as lane changes and departures; forward collision avoidance with automatic braking; adaptive high beam; adaptive cruise control (ACC); blind spot alert; parking brake assist, which informs the driver about the presence of traffic behind, and can even brake the car automatically if it is below 20 km / h.

A new safety feature is the safety exit assist (SEA) radar. The system works with the help of blind spot sensors to detect vehicles coming from behind, including bicycles, to avoid collisions with an open door. If the system detects a potential accident, an audible signal will sound, as well as a visual warning that will flash on the exterior mirror. If someone insists on opening the door, the system will automatically lock it.