Fortunately, the Toyota Group has a new president and chairman, Koji Sato, as of last month. This week he was quick to clarify what His management priority is to close the group’s gap in the field of electric vehicles and make it a global leader in the field. Among other things, Sato hinted that Toyota is currently working on “developing a revolutionary new generation of electric vehicle, which will be launched in 2026 under the premium Lexus brand.” He did not specify what that technology would include, but competitors have reason to be vigilant; Toyota is the largest and richest automobile group in the world and it also invented the hybrid drive and thus laid the infrastructure for the modern electric drive.
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Until the gap closes, Lexus, the flagship division of the group, continues to rely on the traditional “electrified” propulsion systems but gives them an upgrade. This chapter in the technological evolution is illustrated by the new generation of the large off-road vehicle RX, which landed here recently. Externally, the RX breaks the traditional “calm” image in favor of a look with a distinct presence. The nose is dramatic and dominated by an engine compartment cover, which protrudes upwards as if there is an American V8 engine under it and not a green drive system. Below it is a huge blackened trapezoidal grill with high-tech designed headlights and a low front bumper.
Advanced multimedia screen
The dominant feature of the side profile, apart from the massive rims, is a muscular bulge above the rear wheels, which stretches to the edge of the front door. There is also a blacked-out rear side window, which creates the illusion of a “floating” roof, although this is a trite element these days. The tail has been given the required modern treatment with lateral headlights and the considerable width gives the car an aggressive stance on the road. The end result is a vehicle that is no longer intended for customers hiding in the tools, and those who are not satisfied with that can order the F-SPORT version which adds a host of air intakes and sporty extras.
The cabin has also been updated. It still preserves the luxurious atmosphere and serves peace like a suite in a luxury hotel in Tokyo with leather upholstery with spectacular stitching, artistic wood floors and sound insulation like a Shinto temple in Kyoto. But now it also externalizes a full set of current technologies, first of all a 14-inch multimedia screen with an advanced interface. The dashboard has also moved to the digital age, although it is less large and impressive than its counterparts in the German competitors.
Despite the high-tech, the human engineering is also designed for traditional customers (okay, adults) with a respectable amount of physical switches to control the climate and sound system. The main bug in our opinion is the short and stiff gear lever, which requires fiddling with basic shifts.
Improved interior space
The interior space has improved significantly compared to the outgoing generation thanks to the long wheelbase and there is no problem seating three adults in the back. The front seats are among the most comfortable for long trips on the market. The trunk is “punished” due to the need to allocate volume to the rechargeable battery and is content with 461 liters before folding the seats – less than in the Toyota Rav 4 for example.
The new RX can also be had with a standard hybrid drive, but the 450H model we drove is equipped with an advanced plug-in drive, similar to that of the Toyota Rav4 plug-in. It combines a 2.5-liter non-turbo gasoline engine with two powerful electric motors, one in the front and one in the back, with a total power of 309 hp. There is also a lithium battery that is charged from the power grid, which should provide a range of up to 67 km on electricity only. The default in relaxed driving is electric gliding but pressing a little more vigorously puts the gasoline engine into action and shortens the electric range. When the battery is drained, the engine is silent except for aggressive accelerations, which release the hum from the engine compartment.
Despite the serious weight, the performance is respectable and in the sporty mode, the speed is gained at a respectable rate even on steep climbs. The official weighted fuel consumption is about 90 km per liter, but as with many similar plug-in models, this figure mainly reflects a “bug” in the WLTP measurement procedure. In real conditions, with frequent accelerations and driving to ranges that exceed the realistic range of the battery – and that’s assuming you bothered Charge it before setting off – you can expect a consumption of about 20 to 25 km per liter. The charging time is 6.6 hours. Quite long for a battery of this volume.
Impressive ignorance neutralization
The previous generation of the RX placed comfort at the expense of dynamic capabilities and was quite anemic to drive. The new generation maintains a high level of insulation and neutralizes potholes impressively for a vehicle that is not equipped with air suspension. But in contrast, it also gives the driver much more feedback and sharpness, which match the aggressive exterior design. It’s not the sporty feeling of a BMW, and the vehicle still weighs 2.1 tons before passengers and cargo, but the RX’s steering has a balanced weight and it quickly and accurately translates the driver’s commands into quick changes of direction on narrow and winding roads. It’s just a shame that the brake feel still feels artificial.
The base hybrid version of the RX, whose equipment is far from basic, costs about NIS 414,000. The plug-in version puts the price at NIS 480,000 after the purchase tax increase. Although it is strange to talk about such prices in terms of “value for money”, but when you consider the astronomical prices to which the corresponding plug-in models of the European premium brands have gone, and the reputation of maintaining the value of Lexus, it is an aggressive pricing that competes with models from lower categories.
Some of the competitions
Jeep Grand Cherokee plug-in
The plug-in version combines a 2-liter turbo engine with an electric motor and a battery with a capacity of 17 kilowatt-hours that provides a range of up to 40 km in the US standard. The power is 375 hp and there is a dual drive. The passenger compartment is spacious. The price for parallel imports starts at about NIS 550,000.
Jeep Grand-Cherokee Plug-in / Photo: Yeh’ach
Mercedes GLC300e
NIS 550,000 is the base price of the new Mercedes GLC in the 300E plug-in version. 2 liter gasoline engine and electric engine with a combined power of 313 hp and a large rechargeable lithium battery, with an electric range of up to 120 km. The passenger cabin is luxurious and well-equipped.
Mercedes GLC300e / Photo: Yeh”c
BMW X4 30E plug-in
NIS 430,000 for the base version of BMW’s 30e X3 plug-in, which is shorter than the RX but has a similar wheelbase. The passenger cabin is spacious, a trunk of 450 liters, and a 2-liter turbo engine that, when combined with electricity, produces 292 hp. A 12 kW battery with a range of up to 44 km.
BMW X4 30E Plug-in / Photo: Yh’c