Gas-electric Lexus SUV is quiet, zippy
Test drive finds handling is just a bit different
The 2006 Lexus RX 400h, seen here, looks much like its gas-only RX 330 sibling, but gets much better mileage.
The 2006 Lexus RX 400h rolling into showrooms next month isn’t just America's first luxury gas-electric hybrid vehicle.
Filled with soft, leather-trimmed seats, standard navigation system and rearview camera, the RX 400h is an experiment of sorts to see how many affluent car buyers, who usually don't make fuel economy a high priority, will want a high-tech hybrid sport utility vehicle.
Some affluent buyers “want to make a statement about their social consciousness ... that they care (about the world and the environment), but they want to do it without compromising,” said Denny Clements, group vice president and general manager for Lexus, a division of Toyota.
With a starting manufacturers suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $49,185, the RX 400h becomes the latest — and priciest — low-emission, fuel-saving hybrid on the market. The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid, which starts at $30,505, has been the most-expensive hybrid until now. Other hybrids, including the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Ford Explorer Hybrid, are priced in the $20,000 to $29,000 range.
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