In terms of driving, the RX 450e is powered by a pair of electric motors, one at the front producing 204PS (150kW) and one at the back delivering 109PS (80kW), in what Lexus calls the ‘Direct 4’ all-wheel-drive system. It works to balance the traction of all four wheels individually with a view to increasing stability and improving the drivers’ feel through the pedals.
Together the motors produce 313PS (230kW) and 435Nm (320lb ft) of torque. The whole shebang is good for 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds and a limited top speed of 99mph. Range is touted by Lexus to be in excess of 250 miles.
We can’t finish without talking about that steering yoke. While it’s by no means compulsory – there is a standard steering wheel available if you want it – it feels a touch gimmicky. Sure, it’s new and interesting and some may consider it to be somewhat cool, but if a reinvention of the wheel was ever required, this isn’t it.
It incorporates a ‘steer-by-wire’ system which removes all mechanical connections between the ‘wheel’ and the wheels. It’s intended to offer a more direct response to driver input, and be less affected by wind or road imperfections. It also reduces the amount of steering required – full lock is covered by 300 degrees of steering angle, so if you’ve decided you’ve had enough of crossing over your hands on the wheel, this is what you’ve been waiting for.
We’ll wait to hear about prices for this new electric SUV, but we do know order books will be open from the 20th April, with first deliveries expected to arrive at the end of 2022.