Car review: Lexus RX 450h L Takumi

They don’t come much swisher, much more sophisticated than the Lexus RX 450 L Takumi, says David Williams
Lexus

Cars that transform into seven-seaters at the press of a button or pull of a lever are – especially for families - one of the best things since sliced bread.

Offering large ‘boot’ spaces and - when the need arises - seating accommodation for two extra people, perhaps on the way back from a kids’ birthday party or on the school run, they are the ultimate in practicality.

They don’t come much swisher, much more sophisticated than the Lexus RX 450 L Takumi, which is not only loaded with equipment, but which has a powerful, environment-friendly hybrid setup with 3,456cc V6 petrol engine and an electric motor to boot.

The secret to its success is that easily overlooked ‘L’ in the title; referring to the fact that this imposing-looking SUV has been extended by 110mms to accommodate those extra, individual, seats. Nicely matching the upmarket interior of the RX, they glide majestically up out of the boot floor at the press of a button, propelled by silent electric motor.

Lexus

If the RX shrieks ‘premium SUV’ from the outside it’s a similar story inside where the accent is on relaxed luxury and refinement, especially on the range-topping Takumi model.

The equipment list reads like a book; included on the Takumi are smart entry and start, a wireless smartphone charger to cut down on wires cluttering the cabin, a 360-degree ‘panoramic view monitor’, triple-zone climate control to keep all members of the family happy, adaptive, variable suspension, USB charging points, 10-way driver and passenger seat adjustment, even heated second-row seats.

Other goodies include auto-dimming door mirrors, memory function for front seats, steering wheel and door mirrors, five different Drive Mode settings, rear door sunshades and natty, illuminated door scuff plates. Family – and driver – fun all the way.

Safety is a big consideration too; the Takumi comes with Lexus’s Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Sway Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Adaptive High Beam. It means a lot of ‘load’ taken off the driver.

The overall effect inside the cabin is certainly upmarket - and comfortable. And so it proves on the move too, with a silkily-quiet engine at town speeds, especially when the batteries (re-charged by the engine and braking but not plug-in) are sufficiently topped up, allowing the vehicle to be propelled in battery-only mode for short distances, keeping emissions low, consciences clear, London that little bit cleaner.

There’s even an EV mode button that can be selected to ensure electric-motoring only, in town. In practice this is restricted to a couple of miles. The rest of the time the car will make up its own mind, switching between electric and petrol, electric-propulsion mostly restricted to low-speed manoeuvring and noodling through town at low speeds. When any additional demands are placed on performance, the powerful V6 is called into action too, with both systems working in harmony, creating a beefy, combined, 308 bhp.

Around town the ride is tranquil too, the suspension ironing out lumps, bumps and ruts beautifully. Unusually, the auto gearbox is an electric CVT affair, which allows the engine to rev fairly highly when acceleration is called for. Press the accelerator to join a motorway, for instance, and it suddenly sounds as though the RX has lost some of its quiet reserve.

Lexus

There’s plenty of performance. The top speed is 124mph, and 0-62mph comes up in eight seconds, even if the laid-back RX is at its best when cruising, rather than being hurled around country lanes, where some body lean is evident, the steering on the light side.

On the motorway the RX is very hushed and - to help pass the time - the sound system is strong, rich and nuanced. The 12.3-inch screen (8-inch on lesser models) is clear and well-positioned but fiddly to operate on the move as the ‘joystick’ feels too light and vague, making it tricky to pinpoint letters of the alphabet on the sat-nav, for instance. Practice and familiarity might help. Once up and running, the Head Up Display makes following instructions - and keeping to the speed limit - easy.

Space in the airy, attractively-designed cabin is generous. And the middle row can be slid forwards, aiding access to that useful, but occasional, third row. With the third row stowed flat, the boot is impressively large and accessed through a powered tailgate.

As a family vehicle for Londoners this RX fulfils many requirements, with its high levels of refinement and relaxed driving style. Many will also love its sophisticated hybrid set-up and - of course - its seven-seat family-friendly practicality. It just happens to look the part, too.

Details: Lexus RX 450h L Takumi

Price: £62,000

Top speed: 124 mph

0-62mph: 8 seconds

Fuel consumption: 34.59 - 35.92 mpg (combined WLTP)

CO2 emissions: 138 g/km

More at: lexus.co.uk/

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