5 Lexus hybrids for eco-conscious entrepreneurs
You’ve slaved for years to build your business and, at long last, the gravy train is rolling in.
With all that cash, perhaps it’s time for a new set of wheels – an enormous luxury sedan or a massive crossover with a serene cabin seems fitting for someone like you who’s worked hard, smart, and well to get to where you are.
But you may also be thinking about the havoc that a huge car with an enormous engine will do not only to your wallet, but also to the environment. This ain’t the era of “greed is good” anymore – we are in the world of environmental, social and governance or ESG, while electrification has made its way into the Philippine automotive industry.
Fortunately for you, there happens to be one carmaker that is a global leader in crafting ultra-premium vehicles with “green” hearts. Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, has been at it long before the Europeans discovered that superb fuel economy (and ‘unburstable’ build quality, for that matter,) would sell by the bucketloads to the well-off.
So, wherever you are in your quest to build your empire, there is a Lexus hybrid for you. Here are five electrified models ranked from the most accessible to the most sublime.
Lexus LBX
The Lexus LBX subcompact crossover is aimed squarely at the younger set.
With its swish, modern design, and petite footprint, this Lexus is perfect for taking on the urban jungle, all while having premium accommodation. It also offers excellent ride and handling, courtesy of the very well-proven Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform.
Under the sleek hood is a 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 12-valve inline-3 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor for a combined output of 134 horsepower. This uses Lexus’ special continuously variable transmission called e-CVT.
Your first step into the Lexus lifestyle is all yours at P2,558,000.
Lexus NX
The NX is among the first luxury vehicles in the Philippines to come with a hybrid powerplant.
Riding on a larger version of the TNGA platform, this compact crossover naturally incorporates an even more luxurious ride, as well as generous space for your passengers and cargo. Meanwhile, the Tazuna cockpit offers a driver-centered cabin that helps you feel more connected to your Lexus.
The hybrid NX is powered by a 2.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline with an electric motor. This combo pumps out 240 horsepower, which is enough for a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds, and around 20 kilometers per liter from mixed city and expressway driving.
You have a choice of two variants – the NX 350h Executive at P3,158,000 and the even more plush NX 350h Premier for P4,228,000.
Lexus ES
If, like me, you still love a traditional luxury sedan, then the Lexus ES is a fabulous choice.
Its sleek silhouette still catches eyes, while its near-silent drivetrain provides a level of opulence that mainstream brands simply aren’t able to. And because it’s front-wheel drive, interior space is almost palatial, whether you’re behind the wheel or relaxing in the back.
Motivation is courtesy of a hybrid 2.5-liter inline-4 that makes 215 horsepower, mated to an e-CVT. Prices start at P3,498,000 for the ES 300h Executive and go up to P3,808,000 for the ES 300h Luxury.
Lexus RX
If you want a luxury crossover with even more space and refinement, then the latest iteration of the well-established Lexus RX could be just what the doctor ordered.
With its pronounced power bulge, steeply raked windshield, and eccentric rear-quarter windows, this Lexus truly stands out from the sea of hum-drum crossovers on our roads. It also uses the TNGA-K platform, multilink suspension and standard all-wheel drive for truly capable handling.
The P4,778,000 RX 350h Executive and P5,468,000 RX 350h Premier use Lexus’ proven 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated inline-4 hybrid engine. Here, it makes 246 horsepower and 315 Newton-meters of torque, mated to an e-CVT.
Meanwhile, the hot RX 500h F SPORT Performance, priced at P6,418,000, packs a mighty punch. Its turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4 hybrid powerplant has a combined output of 366 horsepower and 460 Newton-meters of torque, coursed through a special 6-speed automatic gearbox – 0 to 100 km/h is in a brisk 5.9 seconds, all while offering superb fuel economy.
Lexus LS
And finally, if your business is really “up,” you can show it tastefully with the O.G. Lexus.
The LS started the ball rolling in 1989, proving that the Japanese can match and even beat the likes of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar. Over 30 years later, this big Lexus is still at it, made even better with its rear-wheel-drive TNGA-L platform and brawny hybrid drivetrain.
Under its long hood is a 3.5-liter, twin-cam, 24-valve V6 gasoline engine mated to a pair of electric motors. Combined output is a healthy 354 horsepower, which runs through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Show everyone who’s on top with either the P9,038,000 LS 500h Premier 5-Seater or the P11,158,000 LS 500h Premier 4-Seater.
Given that all of these precision-made, Japanese machines can net huge savings in fuel costs, you get to show people that even if you have a liking for luxury, you also know how to manage your cash responsibly.
I call this a win-win, courtesy of Lexus.
