Lexus RX 450h will become Australia’s first hybrid vehicle to be exempt from the Federal Government’sluxury car tax (LCT).

The qualification comes after RX 450h set official Australian Design Rules (ADR) figures of 6.4L per 100km - 0.6L per 100km under the required 7L per 100km benefit cut-off.

The LCT exemption, which equates to more than $4000, enables the RX hybrid to enter the market at a sub-$90,000 price point, before the addition of dealer delivery and statutory charges - a first for any Lexus hybrid.

The RX hybrid line will also grow to three models, from the existing single Sports luxury model.

The RX range will now enter the market with an RRP of $89,900** for the Prestige grade. The Prestige will also be joined by a Sports model which carries an RRP of $96,900.

The three model line-up will be headlined by the Sports luxury grade carrying an RRP of $107,900.

The Sports model contains more features and specification than the outgoing Sports luxury model.

The new model line-up sees Lexus set a new pricing benchmark in Australia, with the first luxury hybrid at below $90,000 - significantly undercutting similarly powered and specified diesel rivals.Lexus Interior

Lexus Australia, chief executive, John Roca says that the pricing structure reflects the popularity of hybrid technology.

“With the first-generation RX hybrid we tested the waters. Today, more consumers want hybrid vehicles and we’ve positioned RX 450h according to that growing demand.

“We’ve also given consumers more options with the three models, and thanks to the LCT exemption, we’ve been able to deliver greater specification and features to owners,” says Roca.

The RX 450h also debuts a number of world firsts, including the first production Atkinson Cycle V6 hybrid engine, and becomes Australia’s most powerful and efficient luxury hybrid SUV - delivering 220kW of power from the petrol/electric system.

The vehicle also features a number of new technologies that assist in reducing engine loads or driver behaviour, benefiting overall fuel consumption.

Safety is also paramount in the all-new model with the vehicle featuring a class-leading 10 airbags, plus Lexus’ unique vehicle dynamics integrated management (VDIM) stability system and a raft of active and passive safety features.

Roca says RX 450h signals the most significant advance in Lexus’ hybrid technology since the launch of the marque’s first hybrid.

“RX 450h really solidifies the importance and relevance of hybrid technology for global motorists - it is the world’s most efficient luxury SUV,” says Roca.

SOURCE: Autofile