Lexus RX 550h: First driving report


The high-quality interior of the new Lexus RX now features a 14-inch touchscreen.
Six seconds pass up to 100 km/h, the automatic converter does a really good job. In contrast to the small full hybrid with 250 hp (350h) and the 309 hp plug-in (450h+), there are not only simulated driving stages with a CVT transmission, but real six gears.

The assignment of the steering wheel buttons can be changed via the head-up display.
The chassis of the Lexus RX remains the Achilles heel
Those who drive on the sometimes miserable US roads will certainly be impressed by the comfortable basic design of the chassis. Those who drive curves curse them. The all-wheel drive, which sends up to 80 percent of the power to the rear, together with the new rear-wheel steering, ensures an agile rear end.

The light strip at the rear is currently in fashion – the RX can wear it.
But for the fact that Lexus only offers the 550h as an F-Sport, the stabilizers are too soft and the body roll is too significant. Then the ESP intervenes and keeps the RX on course. Better to enjoy the good insulation and the new, smooth-running infotainment with a 14-inch touchscreen.
Confident prices included
Official prices will not be available until October, but the old RX 450h currently only starts at just under 65,000 euros. We estimate that the new model will already break the 60,000 euro mark as a 350h. The RX 550h should cost well over 70,000 euros, but in the F-Sport trim it comes with almost full equipment.