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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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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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Replying to: gyrusx (Jan 13, 2009 11:14 am) P.S. Getting stuck in 3 inches of snow takes a good effort, ain't it?  I used to have a pre-owned front-wheel drive Toyota Corolla with measly 14" wheels, and I sometimes had troubles getting up my icy hill (north-western NJ), but I don't ever recall getting stuck in three inches of snow... Maybe it is the driver, not the vehicle? |
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Replying to: cumminsdiesel (Jan 15, 2009 12:56 pm) I was a big fan of Japanese cars when I was younger but what someone wrote sooner about Toyota/Lexus denting easily is true. Did you ever notice almost every Camry on the road has a dented in corner on it's rear bumper? It becomes amusing once become aware of it. After BMW and LandRover I am a Benz loyalist for life. Enjoy it much more than any other car I've owned.
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Replying to: cumminsdiesel (Jan 15, 2009 12:56 pm)
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