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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What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 400h, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Car Comparisons, Diesel, Hybrid Cars, SUV

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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#46 of 48 Re: Reality check re: mpg [gagrice] by finl0573 Jul 21, 2009 (10:39 am)
Replying to: gagrice (Mar 04, 2009 9:25 pm) There was no 2009 model. They just kept selling teh 2008, until the 2010 was ready. They pulled a fast one and told us no new changes to the 2009 because there woudl be no 2009. if we had known the 2010 would comeoout two months after we bought our 2008/2009, we woudl have waited. bad dealers..... Replies to this message: gagrice (Jul 21, 2009 12:19 pm) wwest (Jul 23, 2009 8:23 am)
#47 of 48 Re: Reality check re: mpg [finl0573] by gagrice Jul 21, 2009 (12:19 pm)
Replying to: finl0573 (Jul 21, 2009 10:39 am) I have been into our local Lexus dealership several times. Even considered another Lexus a time or two. The last time we got a salesman that was so lacking in knowledge of cars it was embarrassing. He was used cars salesman to the max, sleazy. Lexus dealers from my experience are highly over rated and some down right dishonest. I would much rather deal with the Acura, BMW or MB dealer closest to us. All owned by Penske. I am more likely to buy an ML320 CDI than the RX hybrid. The offroad limitations would kill the RX for me.
#48 of 48 Re: Reality check re: mpg [finl0573] by wwest Jul 23, 2009 (8:23 am)
Replying to: finl0573 (Jul 21, 2009 10:39 am) My guess the introduction of the RX450h was delayed to 2010 because the issue of adapting a 6 cylinder engine to use the Atkinson cycle was not so simple. The solution seems to be to not to run in the Atkibson cycle at low throttle settings. The RX450h V6 runs in standard "Otto" mode for low, cruising, throttle settings when the intake manifold reverse flow/pulse noise would be intrusive. Interesting, and BRILLANT solution. Ivory soap, so pure, it floats. You only get the intrusive intake manifold "noise" in power mode wherein it is to be somewhat expected. And the PLUS is that running in Otto mode, 12:1 CR, increases the engine fuel efficiency 89% of the time.