Duel of the big ships: will Swedish steel beat the luxury Lexus?

If it is teeming with top dogs - then outsiders also have a chance. The Volvo XC90 has secretly gained a foothold in the class of upscale SUVs. And with the Lexus RX 450h there is an alternative from the Far East. But which of the two is better?

• Sweden against Japan - that's the big SUV comparison duel.
• Both models are hybrid - but do you notice that in terms of consumption?
• Pure luxury: one of the two has a height-adjustable cup holder.

It's not easy for both of them. One after the other romps about in the SUVs *. Mainly from Germany. Renowned vehicles such as the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE *, Audi Q7 or the VW Touareg compete in the upper middle class. Is there still room for other manufacturers? The Swedes have proven that with their XC90 . Slowly but steadily, the thick ship has pushed itself into the top league and mixed with the top dogs.

Only one is (still) next to it. The Lexus RX 450h , a neat SUV from Toyota. Which of the two is the better choice? We had a Volvo XC90 B5 petrol with all-wheel drive with the Momentum Pro equipment (test car price: 91,910 euros). His opponent: Lexus RX 450h in the Luxury version, also all-wheel drive (test car price: 82,350 euros). 

Volvo XC90 or or Lexus RX450h? Which of the two looks better?

Classically elegant, reduced in design: the Volvo XC90 makes a strong appearance, without any pretension.

© Volvo

It is difficult to answer this question. It all depends on your personal taste, or which appearance you like yourself. If it should be discreet , elegant and with a dash of understatement, then we would recommend the XC90 . Despite its size, the Volvo looks subtle, the design is, as always, Scandinavian cool. Only the light graphics in the headlights show something like a clear edge with Thor's hammer.

The rear of the Volvo also sticks to its clear and light lines.

© Volvo

The RX 450, on the other hand, is tough on the front. The overwhelming Lexus - grille rips open his mouth like a whale that crosses in search of food through the oceans. The Lexus also presents itself confidently from behind. Big buttocks, roof spoiler - this is a Japanese who squinted at the US market and wanted to attract attention.

The RX models from Lexus are characterized by thick cheeks and a powerful rear end.

© Lexus

Two hybrid cars, but the difference couldn't be bigger

Hybrid - drives , so the combination of an internal combustion engine and electric motor, have currently booming. Unfortunately, there is no government money for either the Volvo or the Lexus. The electric premium * only applies to so-called Plug - In - hybrid vehicles (PHEV), that is for cars that can be charged externally. However XC and RX are among the Mild - hybrids . That means: Here the battery is charged again and again while driving and thus relieves the combustion engine during consumption.

Mighty snout, piercing headlight eyes The Lexus RX 450h is not a car of low tones.

© Jayson Fong / Lexus

Toyota was and is a pioneer of this technology. With the hit Prius , the Japanese opened up a whole new market niche. The RX 450h also belongs to this category, but has a special feature : the luxury SUV comes with two electric motors . One machine sits on the front axle and has an output of 167 hp. The smaller one is on the rear axle and brings another 50 hp into play, mainly to implement all-wheel drive. Together with the 262 hp six-cylinder petrol engine, this results in a system output of 313 hp and 335 Newton meters (Nm) of torque. After all, the Japanese can drive at least short distances purely electrically .

Thor's hammer. This is what Volvo calls the daylight graphics in the headlights. If you look closely, you will see a hammer lying down.

© Volvo

Also interesting : electric cars: all information about range, costs, subsidies, model differences.

It's not that complicated with the Volvo . The 2.0-liter gasoline engine (four-cylinder) has 250 horsepower and is supported by a 14 hp electric motor. That is enough for starting, for support when things have to go fast or for sailing. The battery is too small for pure electric driving. 

Who has the better start, who is faster from 0 to 100?

The Volvo and the Lexus reach their destination in 7.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h. And still accelerating is more fun on the Volvo. Here the electric motor works like a turbo . You have to like Toyota's drive system. Here the petrol engine always runs at high speeds when accelerating, the high whimpering has been dampened. But the feeling that the car has to struggle remains. You can make friends with it on long journeys, because the Lexus is best just cruising. The Volvo XC90 is voluntarily limited to 180 km / h, the Lexus is allowed to go at least 200 kilometers per hour.

Are hybrid vehicles automatically fuel savers?

You can answer this question with a clear no for both cars . There were two of us in the Lexus with light holiday luggage - with a lot of freeway. Nevertheless, the SUV swallowed 9 , 8 liters instead of the indicated 7 , 8 liters . The Japanese also has in weight sumo wrestler level: he brings a whopping 2 , 2 tons on the scale.

2 , 1 ton of Volvo is almost as difficult . Therefore, consumption did not necessarily result in better values. 9.7 liters was on the display, with admittedly more city traffic, but mostly it was single trips. With that, the XC90 approved only half a liter more than officially stated.  

The chassis makes the difference

Anyone who buys a new car should think carefully about what equipment is really important. With the Volvo you can only say that you ca n't save on the chassis here . The almost 2,200 euros surcharge for the air suspension bring noticeably more comfort on the road. And the rear can also be lowered if you have to stow heavy loads in the trunk. Otherwise, the XC90 moves surprisingly light-footed through the curves.

The Lexus RX 450h is equipped with an electronically controlled chassis . The so-called "Roll Skyhook Control" calculates the required damping in advance and controls the corresponding counterforce in the stabilizers. Rolling and pitching movements, typical of these tall vehicles, are also ironed out in this way. So you can travel comfortably and comfortably - the Lexus was born for long cross-country trips.

In terms of personal taste, we would prefer the Volvo. The slightly crisper chassis is also easy on the back, but has more road connection.

Also read : Driver's license and driver's license: what's the difference?

Who offers more convenience?

Up to seven people fit in the Volvo XC90. However, you shouldn't be too big for the third row of seats.

© Volvo

Here, too, a head-to-head race is looming. Neither Volvo nor Lexus rags here. In both SUVs you sit like a king, there is also enough space in the back and if the family situation requires it, a third row of seats can be built into both vehicles . For then up to seven passengers .

Big hatch, a lot behind it The Lexus can accommodate a lot of luggage - nevertheless it loses here against the Volvo.

© Volvo

When it comes to the trunk volume , Volvo is a little behind the Lexus. Normally the Swedes offer 680 liters - with the rear seats folded down it is even 1,856 liters. The Lexus has to give in here with 539 and 1,612 liters.

In the Lexus RX 450h you feel like you are in a London gentleman's club. Lots of leather and wood create a dignified atmosphere.

© Jayson Fong / Lexus

Of course, the interior also belongs to the comfort zone. Wood and leather in the Lexus give the impression of sitting in a British club chair, waiting for a glass of whiskey. The Swede loves things to be tidy and sober - here you feel more like a naked art gallery.

The Volvo is something for sober contemporaries. No frills in the interior, the central screen is the eye-catcher.

© Volvo

Both of them have some catching up to do with the digital inner workings

The large infotainment - screen in Volvo at the time was a great success. The emphasis is on its time, because the system is a bit old. Today, the operation seems a little awkward, as if you had pulled out your old iPhone again. But you can find your way around, it works. And with AppleCarPlay and AndroidAuto you can bring a bit of modernity into the car.

Modern map material can be expected from a luxury SUV like the Lexus RX 450h.

© Agnieszka Doroszewicz / Lexus

Both cars offer easy way, Bluetooth - connections that works everything in seconds. Otherwise, the Lexus has a bit of a lack of operation. The screen mouse is moved using a touchpad in the center console. It's tedious and annoying. If you can afford a luxury car like the Lexus, you should also get nice map graphics. 

More on the subject : Car infotainment systems put to the test * .

And that's what makes the two cars so special

Whoever came up with it - he deserves a prize: Lexus affords the luxury of equipping his car with a height-adjustable cup holder. Different containers can be easily accommodated at the push of a button. Tall plastic bottles, beverage cans or a coffee mug. What the world has been waiting for. It might sound strange at first, but if we're honest: it is practical.

Toyota speaks of a world first The height-adjustable cup holder surprised us, but also convinced us.

© Jayson Fong / Lexus

What makes the Volvo so special is the glass gear knob . A real eye-catcher and at the same time a tribute to a legendary Volvo. The P1800 ES had a glass dome at the rear and was therefore also called the Snow White coffin, because it was also made of glass.

The automatic gearshift knob of the Volvo XC90 is made of glass. A visual gag, but one with history.

© Volvo

Our conclusion on the large SUV comparison

How much prestige does the car need? Does the star have to be on the cooler? Do you need blue and white driving pleasure? Or maybe something else besides Volkswagen, BMW & Co.? Anyone who answers “yes” now can look forward to real alternatives.

The Volvo XC90 not only impresses with its Scandinavian, slightly subcooled design, it also scores points in terms of driving comfort. You don't have to talk about quality and workmanship at Volvo, even if a lot now comes from China or is assembled there.

If you like a more progressive look and want to drive a car that not everyone has, the Lexus RX 450h is the right choice . The best Toyota technology combined with a strong appearance - these are the arguments for the Japanese. And of course the height-adjustable cup holder. (Rudolf Bögel) * tz.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.

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Datasheet Volvo XC90 B5 petrol AWD 7-seater & Lexus RX 450h 7-seater

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