Eastern-style lengthened compatibility, test drive Lexus RX 450hL

Already a mid-size luxury SUV, the Lexus?RX?450hL, this time how to interpret the elegance into the subtle.

The Lexus brand, which has just gone through 30 years, can be said to be very successful, with its products covering almost all models. Luxury and elegance are the biggest impressions of this brand, and the RX series was born in the late 1990s, with the RX?400h becoming the world's first hybrid luxury SUV at the time. 20 years later it still maintains the reputation of the RX series in this segment, and the new RX?450hL was launched at last year's Chengdu Auto Show, with both six-seat and seven-seat versions available.

This move sees Lexus position the RX more clearly as a product with both business and family characteristics. It's a very smart and pleasing way to meet the dual needs of business and family travel. The new RX?450hL hasn't actually changed much in appearance, with the previous chrome grille, replaced with a dot-matrix design.

The length of the body has been lengthened by 110mm, and there are no other major changes, but in terms of technology the new RX?450hL is really full of sincerity. The latest version of the Intelligent Safety System LSS+ includes the world's first BladeSca Extreme Rotating Mirror High Beam Adaptive Control System AHS. which utilizes a high-speed rotating lens to achieve a precise 0.1 degree illumination accuracy. It not only actively avoids following and meeting vehicle glare, but also effectively expands the range of high beam illumination for easy identification of pedestrians and traffic signs.

This system also optimizes Intelligent Assisted Driving, which improves safety on urban roads. Adaptive Cruise Control ACC can be applied in the full-speed domain, and the newly added Intelligent Lane Tracking System LTA helps keep the vehicle in the center of the lane. All of these technologies are really helpful to drivers in normal use, so Lexus is to be commended for its current technology and advances in user-friendly technology.

Rigid-flexible I think is a way to show the Lexus brand hedging its bets, if the technology and exterior design is rigid, then the interior design is flexible. In fact, there are similar things in Japanese culture, belligerence and peacefulness, arrogance but still manners, etc.. That's why Lexus' interior gives a feeling of softness and refinement, a contrast to the sharp exterior.

The materials used in the interior are of the highest quality, and both the leather and the physical buttons exude a high-end flavor. Lexus never even mentions in its press releases that the seats are from the same supplier as Rolls-Royce, so you don't have to wonder about the materials and comfort. The HMI interface looks relatively simple, but a bit too conservative for today's interface optimizations.

Even the instrument cluster is a bit conventional, if you compare it to the all-LCD dials that are so popular these days. But other than that, you can't seem to pick much else. The new RX?450hL has been lengthened only at the rear, meaning its wheelbase hasn't changed, and all of that extra 110mm is given to the third row.

In fact, the third row is really not very spacious for an adult, and if you're tall, getting in and out and riding around can be a bit uncomfortable. But for small children this space is simply too suitable, usually can be the third row down, when the family travels and then use it is very convenient, in addition to the power adjustment, there is also a separate air conditioning system.

Since the RX series is the world's first hybrid luxury SUV, the new RX450hL is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine plus a dual-motor with planetary gear powertrain. While not an entirely new powertrain combination, it's an old partner with solid reliability and fuel efficiency, utilizing the motors on the rear axle for four-wheel drive.

Smoothness is the most important feature of this powertrain, with a maximum power of 262 hp and 335 Nm of torque, and an E-CVT electronic continuously variable transmission. Since it is an old partner internal combustion engine and electric motor can be said to be seamless, the whole power connection is very smooth. Sometimes even you wonder if it's really a six-cylinder engine.

Even in Sport mode, it's soft and not aggressive at all, with some so-called pushback in the first part of the acceleration, after which it returns to calm. Lexus has done a thorough job with NVH, both wind and tire noise are well isolated, and you can listen to relaxing music inside the cabin.

Suspension has undergone some minor upgrades, the new RX?450hL front and rear suspensions are equipped with COX damping bars, which can absorb and release the energy generated by the deformation that the frame is subjected to very well. This is very helpful for driving quality, and quiet, soft and comfortable is the most prominent driving experience of the new RX?450hL.

The exterior carries its own tension, the interior speaks of softness, the power is comfortable and smooth, a luxury SUV, or a Lexus should be such a car. God knows how Lexus' ultra-quiet engine is achieved, but you'd be wrong to think it's just by acoustic film and other soundproofing materials. Surprisingly quiet is Lexus' winning formula, and even now, 30 years later, they're still leading the way in engine silence, which is what an Eastern luxury brand do can do.

This article comes from the authors of the automobile home car family, does not represent the views of the automobile home position.