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TOW READY: Lexus's RX450h now offers a more complete lifestyle offering.
Lexus has announced that its RX450h hybrid SUV was recently approved for towing up to 2000kg.
Lexus acknowledges that towing with the hybrid SUV has been permitted in international markets since its launch but local conditions in South Africa saw the company take a more conservative approach.
While the hybrid RX has been towing in international markets since launch, South Africa’s unique environmental conditions prompted Lexus to act cautiously.
General manager of Lexus South Africa, Brian Hastie, said: “South Africa’s hot and dusty climate was an unknown variable and we decided to conduct extensive testing and research prior to approval to ensure that there would be no adverse or long-term effects for owners of the RX450h.”
Toyota SA’s discretion concerning its hybrids in South Africa is nothing new. When the Prius was launched in South Africa drivers were cautioned against driving on gravel or dirt roads...
RATHER SAFE
In celebrating the RX450h’s new-found tow rating – 750kg unbraked and up to 2000kg when using a braked vehicle – Lexus now offers a detachable tow bar and roof rails for this model.
The tow bar has a removable ball that can be concealed when not in use; the roof rails previously only available on LXE models have now been added to XE derivatives and should provide more options when transporting all manner of equipment.
Technically, the RX450h is unchanged. Its hybrid system is capable of a total output of 220kW and peak torque of 335Nm, which should be especially useful while towing.
The SUV is efficient, too, with Lexus quoting fuel consumption of 6.3 litres/100km on a combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 148g/km.
PRICES:
RX350 SX - R651 800
RX350 XE - R 680 000
RX450h XE - R751 000
RX450h LXE - R789 300
Lexus acknowledges that towing with the hybrid SUV has been permitted in international markets since its launch but local conditions in South Africa saw the company take a more conservative approach.
While the hybrid RX has been towing in international markets since launch, South Africa’s unique environmental conditions prompted Lexus to act cautiously.
General manager of Lexus South Africa, Brian Hastie, said: “South Africa’s hot and dusty climate was an unknown variable and we decided to conduct extensive testing and research prior to approval to ensure that there would be no adverse or long-term effects for owners of the RX450h.”
Toyota SA’s discretion concerning its hybrids in South Africa is nothing new. When the Prius was launched in South Africa drivers were cautioned against driving on gravel or dirt roads...
RATHER SAFE
In celebrating the RX450h’s new-found tow rating – 750kg unbraked and up to 2000kg when using a braked vehicle – Lexus now offers a detachable tow bar and roof rails for this model.
The tow bar has a removable ball that can be concealed when not in use; the roof rails previously only available on LXE models have now been added to XE derivatives and should provide more options when transporting all manner of equipment.
Technically, the RX450h is unchanged. Its hybrid system is capable of a total output of 220kW and peak torque of 335Nm, which should be especially useful while towing.
The SUV is efficient, too, with Lexus quoting fuel consumption of 6.3 litres/100km on a combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 148g/km.
PRICES:
RX350 SX - R651 800
RX350 XE - R 680 000
RX450h XE - R751 000
RX450h LXE - R789 300
