Say hello to…
…the Lexus RX450h+ where the ‘+’ signifies the large SUV is a plug-in hybrid. Lexus also offers the RX in less powerful 350h and more powerful 500h forms, however, neither of these can match the 450h+’s low CO2 of just 26g/km and 8% benefit-in-kind tax band.
Rivalling cars such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE, the RX450h+ is offered in only a single trim level but with four option packs, although the first pack is in effect standard equipment:
- Premium Pack
- Premium Plus Pack
- F Sport
- Takumi
The Premium Pack includes adaptive cruise control, lane assist, auto high beam, road sign assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert with auto braking, sat nav, 14-inch infotainment screen, 6x USB sockets, connected services, triple-zone aircon, auto wipers, wireless phone charging, heated steering wheel, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, powered seats, auto fold door mirrors and 19-inch alloys.
Premium Plus Pack adds front cross traffic alert, colour head up display, 360-degree camera, leather upholstery, memory seats and cooled fronts seats.
F Sport adds 21-inch alloys, adaptive suspension, active sound control, uprated aircon, uprated headlights and bodykit.
Takumi adds automatic and remote parking, Mark Levinson stereo, uprated front seats and heated and ventilated rear seats.
Is The Lexus RX450h+ Suitable For My Fleet
Offering a desirable, high quality alternative to the German premium brands, the Lexus RX450h+ is very suitable for upper management. Being a plug-in hybrid with an pure-electric range of more than 40 miles means it sits in the 8% benefit-in-kind tax band. It’s refinement and excellent practicality mean it’s also great for long motorway journeys as well as everyday life.
Leasing A Lexus RX450h+
Intelligent Car Leasing is offering the top specification Takumi version for £1,057 a month on a 3+36 contract and 20,000 miles a year. Running costs, according to Gensen Reports, will be £113 a month and the Class 1A NIC payments will be £63.
Driving A Lexus RX450h+
As you might expect from a Lexus, the level of refinement is first rate. Not only in terms of cabin noise but also in the way the powertrain switches between the electric motor and the petrol engine – even if when the petrol engine is higher in the rev range there is some noise. What’s also impressive is the 42 mile claimed range in EV mode seems very much achievable in the real world, and operates at up to 80mph according to the manufacturer.
In Takumi trim the RX450h+ comes with adaptive suspension with drive modes. For the best comfort, which you’ll want most of the time – it’s just that kind of car, sport mode is best avoided as the ride on the particularly large 21-inch alloys is far from perfect and is only just acceptable in comfort mode. Despite the fact the car is quick – 0-62mph is possible in 6.5 seconds – it’s more of a car you’ll want to waft around in rather than have fun driving.
These traits don’t however, spoil the attraction of the RX. The car is highly appealing and the cabin further enhances this. The feel of the materials used and the build quality is outstanding.
The other weakness for the Lexus, particularly given it’s all about refinement and relaxation, is the number of chimes, bleeps, bings and bongs it produces is almost any situation beyond being parked. Some of these distracting warning chimes can be deactivated, but they’re buried deep in the menu system and need to be deactivated every time you start the car.
But again, the Lexus RX is still an appealing car and one that is sufficiently different without being and outcast to merit company car consideration.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Lexus RX450h+
Not perfect but highly desirable large SUV that’s a great alternative to premium German cars.
Lexus RX450h+ PHEV
- Model: RX450h+ PHEV Takumi
- Power: 309hp
- Torque: na
- Max speed: 124mph
- 0-62mph: 6.5s
- Official battery range: 42 miles
- Official consumption: 235.4mpg
- Test consumption: >100mpg
- CO2 emissions: 26g/km
- BIK tax band 2022/23: 8%
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