The only engine on offer is Lexus’ 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 183bhp and 238Nm. The engine is mated to an e-CVT. You also get two electric motors on both axles, with the front one producing 183bhp/270Nm and the rear producing 53bhp and 121Nm, giving the RX AWD technology.
These are all very impressive numbers and match the image of such a large vehicle, both in terms of size and pricing. But to look at them as separate units and how they function individually would require an entire review in itself. Instead, it is impressive to look at their integration into functioning alongside each other in a seamless manner.
Get off the line, and you are in electric mode, which stays that way if you are moving in bumper-to-bumper traffic, but if you gas the throttle hard, then the four-cylinder engine comes on for additional power and, in fact, stays on as you up the speed. In fact, once you get up to highway speeds, the petrol motor recharges the batteries but also connects directly to the wheels—think of it as putting your car in fifth/sixth gear. The powertrain is mostly quiet, refined, and very effectively does its thing in the background, but does tend to get noisy if you need to build up speed quickly and effectively.
It’s not the most engaging engine to use, but given the weight and purpose of the car, it will not leave you wanting for more. Lexus has not revealed a mileage figure or a pure EV range, but we expect both to be decent in terms of the package. The AWD tech is in demand in the US market, where this car is popular and is not a proper off-roading system. Think of it as something that will be there to help you in a tight situation if the need were to arise.
