Lexus Hybrid Drive Review
You may not have heard of it, but if you’ve ever been behind the wheel of a Lexus hybrid vehicle, you’ve surely experienced the benefits of Lexus Hybrid Drive.
Now in its fifth year, the advanced split-series parallel system is more refined than ever, with a powerful, compact design that makes it suitable for most models.
So, how does it work? Read on:
Lexus Hybrid Drive in Action
The system has an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, which allocates an efficient combination of electric motor torque and gasoline engine horsepower, no matter what driving conditions you’re under.
The gas engine charges the system’s hybrid battery pack by spinning a generator, thereby supplying energy to the electric motor when needed. With two electric motors, the engine conserves fuel and energy by shutting down when the vehicle is moving slowly, decelerating or stopping. This all happens automatically, so no special driving instructions are needed.
The two electric motors serve unique functions. The first is actually driven by the gas-powered engine and acts as a generator by which the hybrid battery pack is recharged. Additionally, it sends electricity to the second electric motor, which is a starter to the engine and power for the wheels.
What Does That Mean for Your Drive?
This unique hybrid technology allows for one of the quieter rides you can expect when starting and driving at slow speeds. Additionally, when in these low-speed modes, the vehicle doesn’t produce exhaust emissions or burn the fuel – a potential lifesaver if you’re ever caught without gas.
After accelerating, the gas engine takes over smoothly, with the electric motor providing extra power when extra speed or power is needed. As you brake, the full hybrid system primarily uses the motor to decelerate, converting that kinetic energy into power that charges the hybrid battery.
All of this means that hybrid technology no longer comes at the cost of performance. Test drive a luxury vehicle featuring Lexus Hybrid Drive and feel the difference for yourself.
Available Lexus Hybrid Models
CT Hybrid
Starting at $31,250 MSRP**
NX Hybrid
Starting at $39,720 MSRP**
ES Hybrid
Starting at $41,020 MSRP**
RX Hybrid
Starting at $52,235 MSRP**
GS Hybrid
Starting at $63,080 MSRP**
LS Hybrid
Starting at $120,440 MSRP**
The Lexus RX vs. BMW X5 Comparison
Lexus RX Safety Features
In 2016 the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2016 Lexus RX the best possible scores in all crash tests, including small and moderate overlap, side, roof strength, and head restraint and seats. Its crash mitigation system also received superior scores. The 2016 RX earned the title of Top Safety Pick, as one of the best-rated Luxury SUVs, from the organization.
The Lexus crossover comes standard with electronic stability control, traction control, an anti-theft system, and a 10-standard airbag system covering the driver, passenger, side, and rear. Additionally, the RX comes with child safety locks and roadside assistance.
Premium safety options include a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian detection, a panoramic view monitor, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect.
BMW X5 Safety Features
The 2016 X5 has not been fully evaluated by the IIHS, but it received good scores in tests for moderate front overlap and side crash.
The X5 comes standard with an airbag system, seatbelts, child safety locks, and HID headlamps. Also, drivers can benefit from traction control, a security system, electronic stability control, and rear-view parking assistance.
Premium options on the all-new X5 include night vision and a backup camera.
Lexus RX Features
Standard on the 2016 Lexus RX is cruise control, auto-off headlamps, keyless start, universal garage door opener, climate control, and privacy glass. The all-new RX also comes with an impressive standard entertainment system for the serious listener, whether it’s Bach or Beyonce.
For the latest and greatest in technology, drivers may also opt for the Lexus Enform App Suite, voice command, Mark Levinson® Premium Surround System, deluxe navigation, and dual-screen rear entertainment system.
Drivers can also get a luggage rack, sun and moon roof, and trailer hitch receiver on premium models of the RX.
BMW X5 Features
The crossover from BMW offers standard intermittent wipers with variable speed, rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors with memory, rear parking aid, a universal garage door opener, navigation, and a power liftgate. For entertainment, drivers can enjoy AM/FM radio, a CD player, and a Bang and Olufsen sound system for an upcharge.
Premium models of the X5 may also come with a rear-seat entertainment system, heated driver seat, leather seats, and a sunroof.
Lexus RX’s Fuel Economy
RX 350: (city 20 / highway 28)*
RX 450h: (city 31 / highway 30)*
BMW X5’s Fuel Economy
X5 xDrive35i: (city 18 / highway 24)
X5 xDrive50i: (city 15 / highway 21)
Lexus RX Pricing
RX 350: starting at $41,900 MSRP**
RX 450h: starting at $52,235 MSRP**
BMW X5 Pricing
X5 xDrive35i: starting at $57,000
X5 xDrive50i: starting at $71,500
*2016 EPA-estimated ratings. Actual mileage will vary.
**MSRP does not include delivery, processing, and handling fee of $950. Excludes taxes, title, license, and optional equipment. Dealer price will vary. Does not include accessory options installed by the dealer.
2016 Lexus IS vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class Comparison
Lexus IS Safety Features
The all-new luxury sedan by Lexus has been thoroughly tested by both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
In 2016 the IIHS gave the 2016 Lexus IS its best possible scores in crash tests for moderate front overlap and side impacts and named its front crash prevention system advanced. Meanwhile, NHTSA gave the Lexus sedan it’s best 5-Star overall rating, with perfect scores in the test for rollover and side crash. Additionally, the organization recommended Lexus IS technologies for rearview video systems, forward collision warnings, and lane departure warnings.
The 300 model of the IS comes standard with stability control, electronic traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, and anti-theft protection. Drivers may also opt for an electronic parking aid with a camera.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Safety Features
While the IIHS gave the C-Class good scores for moderate front overlap and side crash tests, it also reported that the vehicle’s headlight system is not up to par, with a poor rating. NHTSA gave the Mercedes sedan a 5-Star overall rating, with a best-possible score for side crashes.
The C-Class comes standard with driver and passenger side airbags, as well as seat-mounted front side airbags, front & rear head curtain airbags, and a passenger airbag cutoff sensor. It also features a panic alarm and anti-theft system. Drivers can opt for a number of other deluxe upgrades for the C-Class.
Lexus IS Features
For the price tag, the all-new IS is truly impressive in its standard features, including SiriusXM® for 90 days, HomeLink®, Lexus Enform Remote, Lexus Enform Service Connect, SIRI® eyes free, voice command, and HD Radio™ with iTunes® tagging. The IS also has a leather-trimmed steering wheel with mounted controls, a premium sound system, and an illuminated entry system.
Drivers looking for a little more can experience truly advanced audio with the Mark Levinson® Audio and convenient entertainment with a DVD system and the Lexus Enform App Suite®.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Features
The C-Class comes standard with remote trunk access, heated exterior mirrors, perimeter lighting, rain sensor wipers, a leather steering wheel, separate driver/front passenger climate controls, and a multifunction steering wheel. For entertainment, Drivers can also enjoy the FrontBass® system and HD Radio™ receiver. Buyers looking to upgrade their vehicle can choose from premium options, such as a 14-way power front passenger seat with memory, hands-free trunk access, leather seats, heated front seats, and the Burmester premium sound system.
Lexus IS Fuel Economy
200t (city – 22 mpg/highway – 33 mpg)*
300 AWD (city – 19 mpg/highway – 26 mpg)*
350 AWD (city – 19 mpg/highway – 28 mpg)*
350 F Sport (city – 19 mpg/highway – 28 mpg)*
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
C300 Sedan (city – 25 mpg/highway – 34 mpg)
C300 4MATIC Sedan (city – 24 mpg/highway – 31 mpg)
C450 AMG (city – 21 mpg/highway – 29 mpg)
C63 AMG Sedan (city – 18 mpg/highway – 25 mpg)
Pricing Lexus IS
200t : starting at $37,325 MSRP**
300 AWD: starting at $39,700 MSRP**
350: starting at $40,870 MSRP**
350 F SPORT: starting at $44,025 MSRP**
Pricing Mercedes-Benz C-Class
C300 Sedan: starting at $38,950 MSRP
C300 4MATIC Sedan: starting at $40,950 MSRP
C450 AMG: starting at $50,800 MSRP
C63 AMG Sedan: starting at $65,250 MSRP
*2016 EPA-estimated ratings. Actual mileage will vary.
**MSRP does not include delivery, processing, and handling fee of $950. Excludes taxes, title, license, and optional equipment. Dealer price will vary. Does not include accessory options installed by the dealer.
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