2006 Lexus RX Hybrid

With round, integrated foglamps for improved visibility and incredibly sleek lines, the RX 400h is designed for outstanding aerodynamics. A redesigned grille, functional air intake, black privacy glass and a black rear spoiler all accent the sportier stance and advanced styling.

the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps illuminates up to 12 percent more road surface and reduces glare to oncoming traffic. The AFS also pivots the left headlamp up to 15 degrees, and the right headlamp up to 5 degrees while turning. And to help remove debris and dirt, optional headlamp washers are also available.

With the touch of a button, the power rear door of the RX 400h offers remote keyless entry and closure of the rear storage area. The lift-gate can be activated either from inside the vehicle by a switch or remotely with the key fob, assuring there's no fumbling for keys—just hands-free, easy loading

For those who can't be bothered by the occasional rainfall, the RX 400h comes standard with rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, a sensor located behind the rearview mirror detects the presence of rain on the glass and adjusts the wiper speed appropriately.

On a clear night or a sunny day, the power tilt-and-slide moonroof can be operated with the ease of one touch. It includes the benefit of a sliding sunshade so you can enjoy the sun without glare.

Any true adventurer will agree: You've got to bring plenty of toys along for the ride. That's why the RX 400h is available with a tow-hitch receiver suitable for jet skis and many of life's other necessities.

These standard 18-inch alloy wheels have been exclusively designed for the RX 400h. Besides enhancing the overall form of the vehicle when it's standing still, the low-profile, high-performance tires are beauty in motion, providing added grip and control.

The Lexus obsession with a matchless interior experience is clearly evident inside the RX 400h. Brushed-aluminum accents throughout the cabin create a distinctly modern environment, while the driver's cockpit commands your attention with its electroluminescent meter instrumentation.

The folding, 40/20/40-split rear seats can slide forward or backward to provide more comfort for passengers, or to allow more versatility in the cargo area. When valuables or loose gear need to be tucked away, an auto-retracting tonneau cover may be closed to conceal the rear cargo area—but automatically retracts when the rear hatch is opened for easy loading.

the available Lexus DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES) includes a DVD player with remote control, wireless headphones and a seven-inch LCD that descends right from the ceiling

Backing out of a tight corner is that much easier with the RX 400h's backup camera, displayed within the voice-activated Lexus DVD Navigation System with Bluetooth technology. The camera's tiny lens sits virtually unnoticed just above the rear license plate, aiding the driver to see what is behind the vehicle. When the RX 400h is put into reverse, the video camera conveniently displays the image in full color on the dashboard's seven-inch DVD navigation screen.

For the most serious of audiophiles, there's the available Mark Levinson® audio system. Made exclusively for Lexus, this technology is usually found in six-figure home audio systems. The mobile version

The glare of high-beam headlamps will be nothing more than a distant memory, thanks to the electrochromic mirror. At the first sign of excessive glare, the RX 400h rearview mirror dims automatically. In addition, the outside mirrors are heated to help improve visibility

Subtly located in the driver's-side visor, the HomeLink® universal transceiver allows you to control up to three remote devices—such as a garage door, your entry gate, even the living room lights—all from the comfort of your RX 400h

Even the instrument panel has an interesting new dimension. Now you can monitor the distribution of the gas and electric power in your vehicle on either the multi-information display or on the DVD navigation system's seven-inch liquid-crystal screen.


The RX 400h possesses exceptional power—not just for a hybrid vehicle, but for an SUV as well. That's because the RX 400h is powered by both the V6 engine and electric-drive motors. As a result, it enjoys a robust acceleration from 0 to 60 in 7.3 seconds, outperforming many of its V8-equipped competitors

The Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) allows the engine and motors to operate at peak efficiency regardless of the vehicle's speed. And because it seamlessly distributes gas and electric power according to driving conditions, the ECVT aids in providing smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency

An amazing example of the hybrid's resourcefulness occurs when you apply the brakes. During braking, coasting and deceleration, energy that would normally be lost as heat is captured as electrical energy, which is then used to recharge the battery. It's one reason why the RX 400h never needs to be plugged in

Because you never know what you'll encounter on your journey, the RX 400h comes standard with ventilated front disc brakes—which help the RX 400h inspire just as much confidence while stopping as it does while accelerating. In addition, the RX 400h is equipped with the standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) to help you be ready for most any situation.

Roughing it shouldn't include the ride—that's why the RX 400h is equipped with fully independent MacPherson strut suspension, front and rear anti-vibration subframes, and engine-speed-sensing, progressive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Additionally, Electronic Power Steering (EPS) makes the RX 400h that much easier to maneuver in tight spaces. All of which assures the ride and luxury of a sedan.

Lexus has always been committed to the environment, which is one reason why we were driven to create the world's first luxury hybrid. And because of its remarkably low exhaust emission, the RX 400h is rated as a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in California, which has one of the most stringent ratings in the industry

The RX 400h's sophisticated network of sensors and airbags includes front seat-mounted side airbags with a larger protection area than the conventional side airbag. A driver's advanced airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) deploys in one of three speeds, depending on many factors including crash severity and driver's seat-track position. Similarly, the front passenger advanced airbag uses occupant weight and crash-severity sensors to monitor its deployment. And rounding out this impressive system are front and rear roll-sensing side curtain airbags and a driver's-knee airbag.

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is the next generation of advanced safety features. An advanced network of sensors throughout the RX 400h constantly monitors the driver's actions and vehicle movement. Anticipating vehicle control problems before they occur, VDIM helps correct the situation with a combination of braking, steering and throttle control.

Four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist is triggered when the brake pedal is pushed quickly and the system detects an emergency situation. Together they can help the driver reduce stopping distance in an emergency by supplementing brake power if the driver does not apply enough pressure to the pedal. And should you need to hit the brakes in an emergency, the computer-controlled Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) modulates the amount of fluid pressure distributed to the brakes, helping to provide greater control during braking

Lexus RX Hybrid Specifications

Dimensions
-  Body type: Five-passenger luxury utility vehicle
-  Construction: Welded-steel unibody 
-  Overall length: 187.2 in (4,755 mm)
-  Overall width: 72.6 in (1,845 mm)
-  Overall height: 66.4 in (1,685 mm) (unloaded)
-  Wheelbase: 106.9 in (2,715 mm)
-  Ground clearance: 7.1 in (180 mm)
-  Approach angle: 28.3 degrees 
-  Departure angle: 24.3 degrees
-  Cargo capacity (max): 38.3 cubic feet (rear seats forward)/84.7 cubic feet (rear seats folded)
-  Curb weight: 4,365 lb (1,981 kg)
-  Tow capacity (max): 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)
-  Fuel-tank capacity: 17.2 gallons (65 L)
-  Headroom (front/rear): TBD
-  Legroom (front/rear): 42.5/36.4 in
-  Shoulder room (front/rear): 57.9/57.1 in
 
  Performance 
-  3.3-liter, four cam, four valves per cylinder with continuously Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
-  Front and rear high-output, permanent-magnet electric-drive motors 
-  268 total system horsepower
-  Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
-  Independent MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
-  Independent strut rear suspension with coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
-  Part-time all-wheel drive (AWD)
-  Electronic, engine-speed-sensing, progressive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
-  Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with regenerative function
-  18-in alloy wheels with 235/55VR18 all-season tires
-  Estimated fuel consumption: 31/27 mpg city/highway
 
  Luxury
  -  Brushed-aluminum interior trim
-  Leather-trimmed interior
-  Leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
-  Steering-wheel-mounted cruise control, audio and display controls
-  Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with automatic tilt away
-  Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System with backup camera and Bluetooth® technology
-  Lexus eight-speaker 132-watt Premium Sound System with in-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD auto-changer
-  Available Mark Levinson 11-speaker 210-watt Premium Audio System with in-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD auto-changer
-  Available Lexus DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES)
-  Roof-mounted antenna with in-glass FM-diversity system
-  10-way driver's (including lumbar) and eight-way front passenger's power seats
-  Height-adjustable headrests for all seats
-  Lexus Memory System for power driver's seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
-  Available heated front seats
-  Reclining, sliding rear seat (40/20/40 split)
-  Dual-zone automatic climate control with interior air filter and automatic recirculation mode
-  Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
-  Power windows with one-touch auto open/close feature
-  Remote-linked moonroof and window opening
-  Retained accessory power for windows and moonroof
-  Electrochromic (auto-dimming) inside mirror with compass and outside mirrors 
-  Power door locks with driver's two-turn unlock feature
-  Power rear door
-  Multifunction, in-key remote entry system with rolling-code technology
-  Sliding center console with cupholders and storage bin
-  HomeLink® universal transceiver to operate compatible garage, gate, home lighting and home security systems
-  Accessory power outlet in cargo area
-  Towing Prep Package
-  Illuminated entry system
-  Electroluminescent instrumentation
-  Interior electronic fuel-filler door release
-  Lexus Personalized Settings (LPS) [11] to personalize electronic functions
-  Automatic on/off headlamps with 30-second auto-off delay
-  Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors
-  Outside temperature gauge
-  Sun visor extensions
-  Carpeted floor mats
 
  Safety
  -  Driver's and front passenger's advanced airbag system (SRS)
-  Front seat-mounted side airbags (SRS)
-  Front and rear Roll-Sensing Curtain Airbags (RSCA) (SRS)
-  Driver's-knee airbag
-  Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, pre-tensioners with force limiters for front seats
-  Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) seatbelts for all passenger seating positions. Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for driver's seat
-  Height-adjustable front shoulder belt anchors
-  Child Restraint Seat (CRS) tether anchor brackets for rear outboard seating positions
-  Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes
-  Four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) 
-  Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM)
-  Traction Control (TRAC)
-  Brake Assist
-  Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
-  Highly rigid body structure with front and rear crumple zones
-  Side-impact door beams
-  Impact-dissipating upper interior trim
-  Collapsible steering column
-  Collapsible brake and driver's footrest pedals
-  High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto leveling
-  Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
-  Daytime running lights
-  Integrated foglamps
-  LED taillamps
-  Water-repellent front-door glass
-  Rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers with mist cycle
-  Rear intermittent wiper
-  Rear-window defogger with auto-off timer
-  Power-adjustable outside mirrors with defoggers
-  Vehicle theft-deterrent and engine immobilizer system, with in-key transponder
-  Auto-retracting tonneau cover
-  First aid kit
-  Tool kit
 
  Warranty
-  Lexus Limited Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
-  Powertrain Warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
-  Corrosion Perforation Warranty: 6 years/unlimited mileage
-  Hybrid Vehicle System Warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles

Hybrid gas-electric cars started out as compacts designed to get a gazillion miles to the gallon. That picture is changing and so must our thinking. Witness the new 2006 Lexus RX 400h.

The RX 400h boasts all the advantages of a hybrid gas-electric vehicle: Emissions are extremely low, reducing your impact on the environment. And it burns about as much gas as a compact car, helping to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.

But it's fast. Stomp on the gas and the RX 400h jumps off the line significantly quicker than the regular RX 330. It can go head-to-head with a V8-powered Mercedes ML500.

And it's a luxury SUV, loaded with power-hungry features: dual-zone climate control, GPS navigation, power seats, power windows, a power liftgate, available rear-seat DVD, an optional megawatt audio system by Mark Levinson®. You can run all that stuff at the same time without any fears of draining the battery.

And no, you do not plug this car in to recharge it. There is no electrical cord dangling from the grille, no need to look for recharging stations. Living with it is quite similar to living with a regular car. Like other gas-electric hybrids, the RX 400h recharges its battery packs as you drive. The gas engine helps propel the car and recharges the battery.

The RX 400h combines a regular 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine with one high-torque electric drive motor-generator driving the front wheels and another one driving the rear wheels. It uses a third electric motor to start the engine, help route power to the motors and recharge the batteries. It sounds complicated and we haven't even discussed the all-wheel drive, the elaborate stability control and electronic brake system. The more you study it the more you realize its complexity.

But it's easy to drive. It isn't all that different from driving a regular RX 330 with one major exception: The RX 400h is considered a full hybrid. Most of the time, it uses a combination of the V6 and electric motors. But in certain conditions it will run strictly off the V6 engine. In other situations it will run strictly off the electric motors. Gliding around silently in parking lots and heavy traffic is a different sensation that's quite enjoyable. Also enjoyable is the performance. Step on the gas and RX 400h takes off with enthusiasm.

The RX 400h offers the same 3,500-pound towing capacity as the RX 330, attesting to its capability. The electric motors should work well in the Rocky Mountain states because high elevations don't drag batteries down the way they do gas engines. But RX 400h drivers should stick to the pavement. Batteries are no match for boulders.

This vehicle is an amazing piece of technology and an interesting vehicle. It's also complex. To quell concerns about reliability Lexus warrantees the hybrid drivetrain for 8 years or 100,000 miles. The RX 400h should hold its value well if the Prius is any indication; 2003 Prius models have held their value even better than Camry and Corolla.

Model Lineup

The 2006 Lexus RX 400h comes as one well-equipped model. It is the premium model in the RX series, adding numerous standard features that are offered as options on the RX 330. The RX 400h comes standard with electric all-wheel drive and all the powertrain features mentioned in this article.

The list of standard features is long: Regency leather interior trim, automatic dual-zone climate control, premium audio, cruise control, automatic HID headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), 10-way power driver's seat, eight-way power front passenger's, a leather and aluminum trimmed shift knob, AM/FM/cassette/6CD stereo, a power rear liftgate and a voice-activated DVD Navigation with Bluetooth technology and Back-up camera.

Options include Mark Levinson premium audio with 11 speakers, adjustable front seat heaters and DVD rear-seat entertainment.

Safety features include side curtain airbags designed to help protect the head of front and rear outboard occupants in certain types of severe side impacts. Other supplemental restraint systems include advanced front airbags for the driver and passenger, a knee airbag for the driver, and side-impact airbags mounted in the front seats that are designed to protect the torso, abdomen and pelvis. The hybrid system is designed to shut down whenever sensors detect a roll to reduce concerns from emergency crews about high-voltage power. All-wheel drive and the sophisticated electronic stability control system (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system) are standard, which integrates anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist and traction control. The adaptive front lighting system aims the High-intensity discharge headlamps to illuminate corners as the driver steers into them.

Exterior Features

The RX 400h and the RX 330 look more alike than different, but there are some subtle styling differences. Among them: a new front bumper for increased cooling, a new grille, new fog lamps, new tail lamps with LEDs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs.

The RX 400h also gets specific 18-inch wheels. The wheels are 7 inches wide and the tires are designed to help provide grip in corners rather than offer low levels of sway resistance. This says a lot about the intent of the RX 400h. Lexus could have improved fuel efficiency further with hard, low-grip tires, but chose to enhance handling instead.

The RX 400h uses an advanced Lexus hybrid system, Hybrid Synergy Drive. Three electric motors draw on 30 modules of nickel metal-hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. Clever engineering has resulted in efficient packaging of the batteries, which are split into three groups housed largely under the rear seats.

The hybrid powertrain adds just 300 pounds to the curb weight. That's not an insignificant amount of weight, but it's an impressive engineering achievement, and most of the weight is mounted low in the vehicle. Lexus increased the rigidity of the chassis to manage the additional mass. The Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander models are built on the same platform (with modifications) as the Toyota Camry and Lexus ES 330 sedans.

Interior Features

The RX 400h offers the same high levels of comfort found in the RX 330 plus a few notable additions. Brushed-aluminum accents lend a contemporary look. Also, the instruments have evolved: In place of a traditional tachometer, there's an illuminated meter on the left that displays the level of power generated by the hybrid powertrain. The driver can also monitor the gas-electric power distribution on the multi-information display or on the navigation system's seven-inch touch panel display.

The cabin is luxurious and inviting. The leather is soft and slightly bunched. Getting in is easy, with no need to either climb up or duck down. The front seats are positioned off the floor at a comfortable chair height and are snug and supportive. Foldable armrests on both front seats provide additional comfort on longer trips. The center console slides forward and back, allowing room for a purse between the front seats.

The instrument panel has three large round gauges. The center dash area is framed in metallic-looking plastic topped with a pair of air vents. The center stack is dominated by the seven-inch display. This screen is used for climate control and trip computer functions, as well as displaying the outside temperature and clock (with alarm). It's also used by the navigation system and back-up camera. The camera is automatically activated when the transmission is shifted into reverse. You can't drive backward by watching the screen, but it's very useful for checking for obstacles that are difficult to see from the driver's seat. The system includes Bluetooth and voice activation. The downside to all this integration is that you have to press two buttons to change the fan speed rather than one. Also, the trip odometer is hard to read. Lexus dealers can program the default settings of many of the functions, so be sure you have them tailor automatic door locking and other features to your preferences.

Audio controls are at the bottom of the center stack. The radio has big knobs for volume and tuning, that are easy to use. The Lexus premium audio is a 132-watt, eight-speaker system with AM/FM/cassette with six-disc in-dash CD changer. The optional Mark Levinson audio system features 11 speakers and 210 watts.

The shifter for the Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) is located on the center dash and follows a mechanical zigzag pattern to make sure you only move it one position at a time. We found it made shifting between reverse, drive, and the lower gears ponderous when we were in a hurry.

The rear seat is contoured for two, though it has belts for three. There's a folding center armrest with cup holders and storage. The rear seats fold forward 40-20-40, the center section providing a long, narrow space for skis, shovels, and fly rods, while still allowing four people to ride in comfort. There is no third-row seat for the RX.

Folding the rear seats down reveals 84.7 cubic feet of cargo space, more than a BMW X5, Mercedes ML350, or Infiniti FX. The rear seats don't fold perfectly flat, however.

Driving Impressions

Driving the Lexus RX 400h is quite similar to driving the RX 330. It's smooth and sophisticated, powerful and responsive. Starting out is a bit different, however.

Twist the key and everything on the dash lights up, but there's no sound of an engine starting, only silence. Slide the transmission lever to drive and you can pull silently away on electric power. This is not at all intuitive at first because we're all accustomed to hearing and feeling an engine running before shifting into drive. Shifting into drive when there's no sound, no vibration is a new experience.

At low speeds, the RX 400h is perfectly content to operate in electric-only mode. It's quiet, and you begin to hear things that are normally drowned out by an engine. We found this interesting and enjoyable. It will run in this silent mode in stop-and-go commuter traffic, eliminating the noise and pollution that the cars around you are putting out. The RX 400h maneuvers silently through crowded parking lots as well, where pedestrians often will not hear you coming and therefore, you should drive cautiously. Lexus' hybrid system uses electric motors and a gas engine as equal partners, while Honda's system is a gas engine assisted by an electric motor.

The gas engine starts whenever it's needed to supplement the electric motor. Step hard on the gas pedal and the V6 kicks in quickly and seamlessly. You can barely hear or feel when this happens. It works exceptionally well. All the components work in concert most of the time.

The 3.3-liter V6 is basically the same engine as the one used in the RX 330, but it's modified and tuned to work with the electric motor. It's set up for the on-demand instant restarting used by the hybrid system. There's no starter, no alternator, and no serpentine belt to run all that stuff.

The RX 400h will likely enjoy over a 60 percent edge in fuel efficiency ratings over the RX 330 in the EPA's city rating, with an EPA estimated rating of 31/27 mpg City/Highway. Its estimated 29 mpg EPA Combined rating is comparable to that of the average compact sedan (27.6 mpg); average for SUVs in this class is 15.1 mpg. Lexus says fuel economy is seldom an important consideration for SUV shoppers but that many buyers later become unhappy with the thirstiness of their SUVs after owning them.

More impressive is the near absence of environmentally harmful emissions. The RX 400h is rated as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle in California or Tier 2, Bin 3 in other states, confusing designations that describe some of the most stringent emissions ratings in the industry.

But what surprised and delighted us was the acceleration performance of the RX 400h. Stand on the gas and it takes off quickly, whether from a standstill or when cruising. Lexus says the RX 400h can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds. That's a half-second quicker than an RX 330 and comparable to the Mercedes ML500, which uses a thirsty V8.

The RX 400h cruises happily at speed out on the highway and there's plenty of reserve power on tap. When we caught a slower car on a two-lane road, we checked to see it was clear, pressed the accelerator to the floor, and were able to make a quick and easy pass. Safe, quick passing performance was important on Hawaii's Big Island where passing opportunities were limited. Lexus estimates the RX 400h just 3.4 seconds to accelerate from 30 to 50 mph, at least a solid second quicker than the competition. We were sometimes able to catch the system off guard, however. While coasting down a hill we suddenly nailed the throttle, not a move the car seemed to expect, and there was a momentary lag before the power kicked in. For the most part, though, the RX 400h drives like a powerful and sophisticated SUV.

If we were to nitpick, we'd say it drones a little under light throttle and the sound it makes under acceleration isn't entirely pleasing. Also, there's a small amount of torque steer, or something that feels similar to torque steer: Pull up to a stop sign, stand on the gas and make a right turn, and you'll feel a slight tug on the steering wheel or a resistance to turning. But all this amounts to nitpicking and the description of it sounds much worse than the reality.

The RX 400h glides along like it's on a cloud on smooth pavement. The ride is firm but damped. You know when you're on a rough road but the ride is not harsh. The electric steering works perfectly. The steering system uses electrical signals rather than hydraulic fluid and is speed-sensitive, boosting power assist at low speeds for effortless parking.

The RX 400h was not designed for serious off-road use. The regular RX 330 isn't exactly an off-road vehicle, either, but it handles gravel roads just fine. RX 400h drivers, on the other hand, should stick to the pavement or risk damaging the hybrid drivetrain.

The electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system works very well on slippery surfaces, however. One of the three electric motor generators (known as MGR) drives the rear wheels whenever they're needed to help improve traction.

The RX 400h also boasts a new generation of vehicle stability systems that are as complex as the gas-electric drivetrain. Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, or VDIM, goes well beyond conventional traction and stability controls that simply react to challenging conditions. Instead, VDIM anticipates loss of vehicle control and seamlessly makes corrections to help correct the handling. At the same time, it allows the RX 400h to achieve higher dynamic capabilities.

For the most part the brakes feel normal. That's impressive given that every time you use the brakes it generates power. Unless someone had told us, we never would have been aware that regenerative braking was being used to recharge the batteries every time we stepped on the brake pedal. That's an improvement over the earliest hybrid cars, which have an unusual feel to the brakes.

The Lexus RX 400h offers more power, more features and better fuel economy than the regular RX 330. That may be enough justification for the approximately $5,000 premium over a loaded RX 330. A better justification may be knowing that you are driving one of the most environmentally sensitive vehicles on the planet, cleaner than electric cars when the big picture is considered. Yet you're not suffering for this, instead enjoying the luxury and practicality of a Lexus. Another justification is a little less tangible: The RX 400h is a technological marvel and would be an interesting vehicle to own.