Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is supplied in combination with the Pre-Crash Safety System (PCS) option, as it uses the same advanced millimetre-wave radar technology.
ACC works just like a conventional cruise control system - until the radar detects a slower moving vehicle ahead. The system then reduces speed accordingly by easing off the throttle or applying the brakes.
The driver can then select a vehicle-to-vehicle following distance, which ACC automatically maintains by applying the brakes or throttle to match the speed of the vehicle ahead.
Once the road is clear again, ACC smoothly returns to the original cruising speed.
Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) automatically adjusts the performance of the suspension at all four wheels independently. Based on data received from numerous sensors located throughout the car, AVS activates the adjustable damping force of each shock absorber to ensure the best possible dynamic control in a wide range of driving conditions. This ensures optimal handling and ride comfort at all times. Depending on the Lexus model, AVS can be switched to different modes. For example, “Sport” provides a more active and engaging driving experience.
This is where the electric power generated by Lexus Hybrid Drive is stored until it’s required. Installed underneath, or behind, the rear seat, the nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH), advanced compact battery provides high power output in relation to its light weight.
Built for longevitiy, it does not require recharging from an outside power source, nor does it require periodical replacement. This 288 V battery is constantly recharged with electric energy produced by the generator or through regenerative braking.
Advanced obstacle detection system can detect a wide range of obstacles in front of the car, including, for the first time, pedestrians. The system comprises:
1. Millimetre-wave radar. This is ideal for recognising objects with sharply defined edges, but less effective at identifying the human form.
2. Stereo camera. Installed above the windscreen, this can detect objects with minimal radar reflection – such as humans.
3. Near infra-red projectors. These supplement the cameras at night. Located within the car’s headlamps, they have the same range as high-beam.
Advanced obstacle detection is an integral element of the Advanced Pre-Crash Safety package
With air suspension each of the four suspension units is continuously adjusted by computer-controlled electronics to suit the car's speed and the road surface. This enhances ride comfort and handling. Above a certain speed, the air suspension lowers the vehicle to improve stability and aerodynamic performance. Automatic self-levelling ensures the car retains its optimum balance under all load conditions. The optional air suspension in the RX 350 enables the driver to manually select ride height.
As well as impact-absorbing crumple zones and a rigid passenger safety cell structure, airbags add an extra level of protection. Depending on Lexus model, airbags are placed around the front, side, rear and top of the cabin to minimise the risk of injury during an accident. In some cases, the rate at which an airbag deploys is governed by the severity of the collision, which is determined by sensors and an on-board microprocessor.
Airbags are designed to work in combination with seatbelts. Most Lexus seatbelts also feature pre-tensioners, which tighten the seatbelts in the moment before impact.
Bluetooth® connectivity allows you to wirelessly integrate a compatible mobile phone to enable hands-free communication. Wherever your phone is in the car, the hands-free system is activated. The phone can be controlled via the Electro Multi-Vision (EMV) touch-screen display, steering wheel-mounted controls or by voice command. The EMV display can store up to 500 mobile phone numbers, while sound is channelled through the car's audio speaker system.
Research shows that in some emergency braking situations many drivers fail to apply sufficient force to the brake pedal or release brake pressure too soon. If either of these situations occurs, the Brake Assist System (BAS) provides extra braking force automatically. This helps you achieve smooth, safe, maximum braking. It all happens in a split second and is so unobtrusive that you'll probably never know that the BAS has been at work.
Select a speed, activate cruise control and driving immediately becomes even more comfortable. Whether you are going into a headwind, driving uphill or down, cruise control continuously adjusts the throttle opening to maintain your chosen speed for as long as you want and traffic conditions permit. To go faster or slower, just adjust the cruise control lever accordingly. For safety reasons, cruise control automatically switches itself off as soon as you touch the brakes.
