Lexus hybrid

A list of the top 10 luxury brand vehicles includes powerhouses such as BMW, Audi, Jaguar and Lexus. This month’s Cars in the City column features a Lexus hybrid.

The 2024 Lexus RX350 Hybrid Premium offers a 2.5 liter, 4-cylinder hybrid engine. The best thing about a hybrid? It cures “range anxiety.” Drivers don’t need to worry about finding a spot to plug in the car because the battery is charged through regenerative braking. If you’re one who rides the brakes, this might be the perfect car for you. 

The Lexus E-CVT (continuous variable transmission) is an intelligent car transmission with infinite gear ratios. The transmission analyzes vehicle speed, driver’s input and road conditions. Normally, automatic transmissions use power to switch gears. Not so with a CVT vehicle, so it saves money on fuel.

A hybrid means better gas mileage, and this model gets an average of 36 mpg. A standard Lexus SUV gets about 25 mpg. This Lexus model costs $63,105 with options. The color is “caviar.” You can get other models in “matador red mica,” “nightfall mica,” “nori green pearl” and “copper crest.” Whatever happened to “white,” “gray” or “red”? You have to hand it to the Lexus marketing gurus for spinning creative color names.

Lexus is known for luxury, and, when sitting in the driver’s seat (or “driver-focused cockpit” as Lexus calls it), you can feel it. Your body melts into the seat, yet it offers support at the same time. You will feel like you could drive for hours just sitting in these comfy seats.

The wood and leather steering wheel makes a difference on your hands. Imagine gripping hard plastic versus wood. Now that winter is just around the corner, the heated steering wheel means you can drive without bulky mittens or stiff leather gloves.

Forgot your key? Just use your phone’s Lexus app to open the vehicle or start the car. To change the inside temperature, view the 14-inch touchscreen. A “climate concierge” is like having your own butler fussing about and taking care of your needs. Hit the S-flow and direct air to only the occupied seats. This is far better than leaning over to the passenger side vent, trying to reposition it to direct all the air to you. 

I noticed a little icon on the inside of the driver’s door. The image showed two cups — a water bottle and a coffee cup. The coffee cup had a big X over it. Apparently, Lexus is suggesting you don’t put hot coffee in the cup holder on the side of your door. But a water bottle with a lid is apparently OK.

The Lexus’ iconic spindle grille with jewel-like LED headlamps offers a timeless look for a luxury vehicle. The Lexus brand has been ranked in the top 10 luxury car brands since its debut in 1989. For those wanting a reliable luxury car, choose a Lexus. ♦