Following Honda's lead with the Accord Hybrid, Lexus uses the electric motors to increase total power output from 230 hp in the RX 330, to 268 hp in the 400h. Honda's Accord Hybrid engineers also used the electric motors to increase horsepower from 240 in the gas-only Accord to 255 in the hybrid.
While environmental purists decry the use of the electric motors to increase horsepower rather than deliver even greater fuel economy, the 400h also earns green points with a SULEV certification for its super low emission output.
Lexus touts the RX400h not only delivers high-end SUV amenities, but also fantastic gas mileage of 27 on the highway and 31 city, as estimated by the EPA. The highway mileage is a 67% improvement over the RX 330; the 29 mpg average bests all V8 luxury SUVs by over 100%.
The RX 400h also features an enhanced electronic stability control system called VDIM, for Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management. Lexus claims VDIM will more proatively anticipate vehicle instability and make on the fly adjustments for greater safety.
Full Lexus press release follows:
Lexus Announces Pricing on the RX 400h Luxury Gas/Electric Hybrid SUV, As Well as Certified EPA-Estimated Mileage Figures
TORRANCE, Calif. -- The Lexus RX 400h, the world's first luxury hybrid vehicle goes on sale April 15, with a base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $48,535. Beyond its advanced gas/electric hybrid powertrain and new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability control system, the base price includes a wide array of premium standard features, which are typically offered as popular options on the RX 330, valued at more than $6,000.
"In the past, consumers may have wanted a vehicle that was kinder to our environment, but felt they had to make sacrifices in power, utility and amenities," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements. "There are no compromises here. The new RX 400h is what luxury buyers want -- the complete package."
The RX 400h incorporates a new, advanced Lexus Hybrid System that combines the 3.3-liter V6 engine found in the Lexus RX 330, with a high-torque electric-drive motor-generator, plus a rear electric-drive motor-generator to provide the security of all-wheel drive.
With a combined system output of approximately 268 horsepower, the RX 400h delivers rapid acceleration with unexpected fuel efficiency. At 7.3 seconds, acceleration from zero to 60 mph is better than many V8-powered mid-size luxury SUV competitors.
EPA certification of fuel economy ratings has now been confirmed. The RX 400h's EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 29 mpg is better than the average for compact sedans and is an improvement over the previously reported number. Also better than earlier reports, highway fuel economy is EPA-estimated at 27 mpg, an improvement of 67 percent over the RX 330 -- already one of the best in its class. Finally, at 31 mpg, the city rating for the 400h exceeds most V8-equipped luxury SUVs by more than 100 percent.
With the RX 400h, Lexus also introduces a new generation of vehicle stability control systems known as VDIM. This new system goes well beyond conventional traction and stability controls that simply react to challenging conditions. Instead, VDIM anticipates vehicle instability in virtually any direction and makes stabilizing corrections while allowing higher dynamic capability.
In addition to the hybrid powertrain and VDIM, the base price includes: leather interior trim, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, roof rack with rails, illuminated entry system, a one-touch open/close moonroof, Lexus DVD navigation system with rear backup camera, six-disc CD changer, HID headlamps with the Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), electrically-powered air conditioning, new 18-inch wheels and an eight-year/100,000-mile battery and hybrid system warranty.