A hybrid version of Lexus’ best-selling RX300 and RX330 models, this popular car was launched in 2005, months after its Japan sales debut as the Harrier Hybrid. This was only the second hybrid SUV after Ford’s Escape hybrid SUV.
There were as many as 9000 pre-sales orders for the RX400h.
Hybrid vehicles sell at a premium when compared to their gasoline powered counterparts and the RX400h was no exception. It debuted at almost $50,000 a premium of about $6000 more than the gasoline powered RX330.
The electric & gasoline motor combination in the RX400h was called Lexus Hybrid Drive and produced a maximum of 272hp. The gasoline Configuration was similar to the 3.3 liter unit used in the RX330. Electric power was provided by two electric motors, one driving the front wheels and another driving the rear. Under normal driving conditions, only the gasoline and front electric motor would be in operation, while the rear electric motor kicked in under hard acceleration or when the front wheels lost traction. Battery power was from Nickel-Magnesium hydride batteries, which were recharged using energy generated when the brakes were used.
The gasoline Configuration was switched off when the vehicle was decelerating, stationary or during low speed use. The RX400h is capable of gas mileages of 27mpg city and 25mpg highway.
