For Lexus, hybrid technology has always been as much about outright performance as it has improving fuel-efficiency.
That much is proved by the naming convention employed since the first Lexus hybrid model, the RX 400h of 2005. Residing under the bonnet of that pioneering SUV was a 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine, assisted by two electric motors – one for the front wheels, and another for the rear wheels.
It was a combination that delivered power and acceleration equivalent to a 4.0-litre V8 – hence the ‘400’ designation – allied to uncanny fuel-efficiency.
Every subsequent vehicle equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive technology has delivered more performance punch than the displacement of its petrol engine might suggest.
Indeed, whenever Lexus produces both conventionally-powered and hybrid versions within the same model line, the hybrid is usually the most powerful and fuel-efficient, and often possesses the fastest acceleration and highest top speed, too.
Lexus Hybrid Drive is the most sophisticated hybrid system available and is explained in more detail here. But in essence, the performance-biased technology harnesses the outputs of its twin powerplants and synchronises them to deliver seamless performance, reduced emissions levels, optimised fuel-efficiency and a calm ambiance – the four pillars of the Lexus Hybrid Drive experience.
Lexus Hybrid Drive makes the smartest use of available energy resources. As a future-proof hybrid system, it can be adapted to intelligently optimise the performance of any power source, whether that be the internal combustion engine or some future powerplant.
The means of delivering this power to the road will be the subject of another Performance Month post…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T6S3q-dj7s
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Great car I would love one
Thanks Geoffrey! We could always arrange a test drive :).
I’m now the proud owner of a NX 300H F sport. One question… how do I defrost the windscrean? I cleared the frost, set off and it refreezes??
Hi Garry,
Thank you for getting in touch, and we hope these instructions will help. Just below the analogue clock are two banks of switches. On the lower bank, immediately to the right of the recirculation button is a windscreen demister button – it looks like a windscreen with heat waves underneath. Activating this puts the climate control system into a special demisting function that should clear your windscreen most effectively. Once you feel the cabin has reached a good comfortable temperature and the windscreen is clear, restore the climate control system to your preferred setting using the other control functions. Many thanks.