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Hybrid Vehicles Lexus RX 400h Article Comments - 2009 Lexus RX400h vs. Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetech
48 messages, Last post on Jul 23, 2009 at 8:23 AM
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Diesel Vs. Hybrid: We Debate Two Technologies - For most of our test, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320 Bluetec led the Lexus in our comparison. (more)
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Replying to: dhamilton (Nov 03, 2008 9:26 am) Um, that sounds oxymoronic to me. If it's so well engineered, why must you eat repairs? Thorough design includes reliability . . . building mechanical bits that are stronger and longer-lasting than they “need to be”. The new car reliability prediction from CR is “Average” for the M-B M- and C-models. To top it off, their powertrain warranty stops at 4 years/50,000 miles. Whereas the Lexus RX 400h is rated “Much Better than Average” and its warranty goes to 6 years/70,000 miles. When it comes to eating repairs, that is food for thought.
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Replying to: Llewellyn (Dec 21, 2008 5:07 pm) |
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I have a 2006 RX400h with just about 36K miles. We had it new, and it has been a great car. We live on a hill, and it can sometimes be a challenge to get up the driveway, but partly my fault because I back up, and reverse on the RX h is ALL electric with no engine power. We average about 25 to 26 mpg in overall combined driving, and when stuck in city traffic--LIE to Manhattan then in the city, we can get over 30. My record is 32.2 average for a round trip to NYC last year. To the new RX owner, remember when the weather is cold mileage drops precipitously. We are down to about 23-24 in below freezing weather-much of that attributed to the longer warm up times for the engine-due to its part time operation. This issue is being addressed in the 2010 RX450h which will be out in the April time frame. It will supposedly have more power and be even more fuel efficient if you can figure that...I will wait and see but I think I might replace MY car with that when it comes (2006 Infiniti M35x which is a pig). Overall I really like the RX--and would buy another in a heartbeat. |
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With all due respect, how can anyone who is willing to spend $50,000 on a vehicle be concerned about fuel mileage. For pete's sake, enjoy your luxury ride -- $3-400 more a year in fuel is a small price to pay once you pull the trigger on these vehicles.To fret about mpg in a ml 350 makes as much sense as seeing a prius in a casino parking lot. The only justification that makes sense is that it might keep your mind off any real problems you might have. Kind of like me spending a moment or two on this post.
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Replying to: jayrider (Dec 22, 2008 7:03 pm) That being said the RX400h and upcoming RX450h can only have purchase appeal if you have a bit of "boy-racer" mentality. A "real" hybrid, FE and EMISSIONS "conscious" hybrid does not use anything much above a 2L 4 cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, say the FEH/MMH or Tribute. Or mayb ethe upcoming CX-7 hybrid. And the ML series is no more suited to off-road use than ANY Lexus RX. The only advantage the ML might have is its R/AWD biasing vs the RXes F/AWD. While I really cannot believe it to be the truth Lexus claims the latest RX has adopted the VC again. Perhaps the VC is in there somewhere but never comes into use since TC, Traction Control, prevent it from ever being "activated".
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Replying to: wwest (Dec 24, 2008 10:53 am) |
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Replying to: wwest (Dec 24, 2008 10:53 am) I had the previous generation ML and that had a truck frame - the new generation ML is a unibody (I have the diesel version) but is still more stout then the Lexus. Not smacking the Lexus, but, they are still very different vehicles. I don't take my ML off road but where I live I face bad winters with ice on the roads and large chunks of hard packed snow that can form small boulders or major bumps right on the road - for those that know what I'm talking about this can give any SUV a good test especially if you don't creep along. Lexus is a great vehicle but for me I do feel more secure in the ML in severe conditions.
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Replying to: cneff (Dec 28, 2008 7:05 am) And maybe even the GS's new DFI V6 engine for improved FE. The upcoming RXh is to have an Atkinson cycle V6 engine. I have always thought that couldn't be done except on a 4 cylinder engine, or with a positive displacement SuperCharger (Maxda Millenia S) to prevent reverse intake flow. Anyone have any design details available on either...?? New AWD system for the RX or Atkinson cycle V6 for the RXh...?? |
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Replying to: cneff (Dec 28, 2008 7:05 am) I'm pretty sure that the last time I visited an MB dealer I was told that unlike Toyota and Lexus their ABS pumpmotor did not have a timeout for protection with continuous TC or VSC activation. Didn't believe a word of that but.... I've always believed that the only advantage the ML's AWD system offers is its rear torque biasing, R/AWD, if you will.
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Replying to: wwest (Dec 28, 2008 8:33 pm) The vehicle maybe well engineered but the build quality is quite bad. I took too much for granted, and it is my fault. But I believe that absence of seatbelt sensors, open door sensors, open hatch sensors are essential safety issues I am not willing to compromise on. I bought it for my wife as she loved the styling. But two weeks of owner ship required new ball joints, new power steering fluid seal, rebalancing of tires (after being driven about 100 miles). The car got stuck in my driveway in about 3 inches of snow . The car feels very solid but its 4wd system and off road capabilities are subpar. I traded it in for an 06 RX 330 non certified from a non Lexus dealership. Lexus dealership is willing to offer a loaner for 30K service. The local MB dealer refused to provide loaner for the service that was covered under warranty and their shuttle driver had left, so we were left hanging 45 minutes from our home. Just my experiences, but I would rather lose the money than compromise on safety, bring the car in to be looked at once a week, take a cab back home and deal with the rudest people at the MB dealership. The 400h is a little noisy and its 4WD system is a little eclectic for my taste, but a 330 or 350 is a perfectly balanced car for my needs.
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