2010 Lexus RX 450h pricing starts at $41,660

Lexus today announced the pricing details on the new 2010 RX 450h. For the front-wheel-drive model, the 2010 RX 450h will carry a base MSRP of $41,660 while the all-wheel-drive model will start at $43,250.

The 2010 Lexus RX 450h is powered by an updated version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive mated to a 3.5L V6 Atkinson-engine that helps produce a total of 295-hp. EPA-estimated fuel-economy comes in at 30/28 mpg (city/highway) or 29 mpg combined for the all-weeh-drive model.

Sales of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h will begin mid-summer. Not a hybrid fan? Well, then you can head to the Lexus dealership right now and pick up the 2010 Lexus RX 350 for $36,800.

2010 Lexus RX 450h:

Press Release:

RX450h

The 2010 RX 450h introduces an updated version of Lexus Hybrid Drive, featuring a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine, lighter electric motors, a smaller and lighter power-control unit and other fuel-saving innovations. It offers up performance similar to V8s with better combined fuel economy than the average four-cylinder mid-size sedan. With an EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (30 mpg combined) -30 mpg city, 28 mpg highway (29 mpg combined) for the AWD – it earns 16-20 percent better fuel economy than its acclaimed predecessor. While achieving improved fuel economy, the new RX450h produces 295 total system horsepower, 27 more than the current generation RX400h. It will achieve Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification in California (Tier 2-Bin 3 in other states), producing nearly 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than conventionally powered vehicles.

Active safety features include the available Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which governs all of the vehicle’s standard dynamic handling systems – the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) – employing them collectively and seamlessly to make corrections while allowing higher dynamic capability. The new RX adopts Hill-start Assist Control, which uses brake pressure to help prevent the vehicle from moving backward when starting out on an incline. The RX450h also has the available new Intelligent Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), and the Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

The 2010 RX450h is equipped with a segment-leading 10 standard airbags, including side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, rear side airbags (for the outboard seating positions) and knee airbags for the driver and the front passenger.

It features new wider standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, which were designed to appear as if carved from a single block, and 235/60R18 tires. Optional unique 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/55R19 tires are available.

Lexus’ available next-generation Hard Disc Drive (HDD) navigation system eliminates the need for DVD map discs and offers a unique voice recognition system, which can work using casual-language inputs on certain functions. A distinctive Remote Touch controller allows the user to operate the navigation system, climate, audio, phone controls and more. The screen menus are selected with the controller, eliminating the need to reach out or avert eyes from the road. The attribute that most distinguishes Lexus’ navigation controller from other devices in other luxury models is its “haptic”-feedback technology, which provides a tactile response to the hand.

The new RX450h accommodates a variety of music sources, providing auxiliary and available USB inputs, Bluetooth® Audio wireless connectivity and standard XM® satellite radio capability (requires subscription), which is also joined by XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather®.

An optional rear-seat entertainment system includes two high-definition seven-inch screens, one on each of the front seatbacks. The available wide-view side monitor and backup monitor each help provide the driver with a wider range of visibility.

The all-new RX450h is now available with a Heads-Up Display (HUD) that offers displays for speed, navigation, and audio. High-intensity LEDs project high-contrast white figures onto the windshield, which are easier to read – and easier on the eyes – than the typical green-colored readouts.

– By: Kap Shah