The looks as previously mentioned
are head turning with its angular
sharp creases, enormous grille and
the huge 20inch alloy wheels. The
interior has not been overlooked, it
is incredibly plush and features an
abundance of leather, aluminium
and wood and also a small amount
of carbon fibre.
All the seating within the vehicle is
premium leather, the front 2 seats
are heated and in addition have
a ventilated power fan system
incorporated. The front seats also
have an electronic memory setting
with 3 choices for 3 different drivers,
a very useful feature. The whole
dashboard and console would
grace any aircraft and there is
a plethora of electronic devices
that need to be mastered to get
the full benefit of this vehicle. The
navigation and control system and
also the Blue Tooth and the audio
system are controlled in the 450RX
by a 12 inch display screen.
Considering the size of the vehicle
the handling wasn’t too bad,
there was very little evidence of
wallowing or body roll in corners.
The engine sounded busy at times,
it is a V6 and V6 engines do have
a particular noise characteristic to
them. With the 20 inch wheels and
huge tyres there was a degree of
road noise transmitted back, but
this was not obtrusive and in certain
circumstances when the electronic
motors kicked in and the petrol
motor was not working, the vehicle
whispered along at a very quiet
pace.
Lexus claim that the miles per gallon
for the vehicle could be marginally
over 50mpg, they are suggesting
51.4mpg, during my time and an
extensive sojourn with the vehicle on
a multitude of different roads from
motorways, narrow B roads and in
and around town, the computer
suggested I had achieved 45mpg,
which for a vehicle of this size
and engine derivative is quite
exceptional.
The emissions quoted are 127g/km, this puts it in to the vehicle excise Band
D and the company tax will be a 20% benefit in kind costing.
Lexus has an excellent 3-year or 60,000 miles warranty and my particular
test derivative had an on the road price of £57,995. The very nice people
at Lexus had added in a titanium exterior paint finish and a panoramic
sunroof meaning the vehicle cost £59,935.
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