SEMA 2009: Meet the world's most desirable Lexus RX450h by Branew
Posted Nov 5th 2009 6:20PM by Jonny Lieberman
Branew Lexus RX450h - click above image to view hi-res gallery
Let me be blunt: I don't like luxury crossovers. At all. It's a niche with no appeal to me whatsoever. Not a car, not a truck – just a fat sedan jacked up on stilts to woo trophy wives with fancy badges and reassure soccer mammas that their children are "safe." And the Lexus RX gets the sharp point of my spear of anger because it's basically responsible for the high-end CUV craze. Not a fan of hybrids, either. That said, I'm absolutely smitten with Branew's Lexus RX450h.
I think it's the stance, has to be. But there is just something very desirable – from an aesthetic standpoint. The big 24-inch wheels help tremendously, perching Branew's at just the right height. And the lower fascia helps the quite handsome – if not distinctive – OEM grill pop. And I know it's going to be a controversial opinion, but the koi fish on the hood totally work. In fact, I know a certain Subaru WRX that could use a koi or two. Anyhow, while I'd rather gargle nails than rock a luxo-CUV, if forced at gunpoint, Branew's RX450h would be my first (and only) choice.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Dave S 6:24PM (11/05/2009)
Koi? Those are carp, also known as bottom feeders. ;-)
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Xa 6:29PM (11/05/2009)
i didn't think it was possible for the new rx to look any worse, but lo and behold, that hideous thing. there are not enough vents and DUBZZZZ on earth to save that design.
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daleam 6:38AM (11/06/2009)
It's disgusting.
Samurai Jack 6:30PM (11/05/2009)
Jonny, go with your first instinct. Luxury crossovers are the worst car scam out there. I have no use for them either. Even this one.
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chuck 3:13PM (11/06/2009)
Nice, Johnny. You've solidified your status as a giant douchebag with your endorsement of this atrocity.
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Clavius 6:35PM (11/05/2009)
Hey now.. it is Vegas.. I'd like to believe he is drunk when he posted this up.
jcar302 10:00PM (11/05/2009)
Chuck, that might of been the best autoblog comment i've read to date.
And i totally agree with you.
Either Jonny is seriously messing with us, or he has absolutely no taste.
This thing is a perfect combo of ghetto and white trash.
Nate 12:51AM (11/06/2009)
It's called sarcasm, guys.
Clavius 6:34PM (11/05/2009)
I'd buy it but only if at gun point and I was able to get a spinner medalion to wear around my neck :D
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fmwso 6:35PM (11/05/2009)
Most desirable RX450h? No, I don't think so.
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Scott 6:38PM (11/05/2009)
I agree, the car could use a lower stance, but...
The koi idea is interesting, but out of place since the car is otherwise absent of any graphics.
A "DUB" sticker... really?
That lower fascia looks cheap and doesn't flow with any of the other lines on the front of the car, especially in profile. It's too busy.
The oversize sporty looking wheels don't go with the rest of the look of this vehicle and the side profile on those tires don't look good on anything.
The chrome accents on the doors make the side skirts look like they are falling off.
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cyung238 6:42PM (11/05/2009)
Such angst Johnny. I enjoyed reading that.
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cit09 6:43PM (11/05/2009)
most desirable RX? so they "DUB" it...so what? it looks like every other DUB car out there.
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Philmoney 7:57PM (11/05/2009)
"i think it's the stance . . ." i think it's the drugs. lay off em. you're better than that.
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dark0821 8:08PM (11/05/2009)
quad exhaust on a hybrid lol..
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Harrison 8:35PM (11/05/2009)
Oh, Johnny!
You are being sarcastic, right?
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Hamhock 8:54PM (11/05/2009)
I'd love to drive around in a Dinaned 335i coupe but guess what? I live in an inner ring suburb with awful roads so I need ground clearance and sidewalls. And I need all wheel drive because of the weather. And I own a 5 bedroom house that always needs something so I need cargo space. And I have a 4 year old and will hopefully have another one soon. And I like to be able to drive 7 people around when it's required. So I have an MDX. And it rocks.
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wvuquentin 8:57PM (11/05/2009)
I agree Johnny. The front lip, while a little out there, fixes the weak chin that is on the standard model. The koi look quite cool as well.
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hoov23 1:38AM (11/06/2009)
Jonny, if you like this, I hear Honda is coming out with a new car called a Crosstour that you'll probably think is carptastic as well... Apparently they've got one all jazzed up at SEMA, too B)
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Rick 10:36AM (11/06/2009)
You guys missed the 'forced by gunpoint' at the end I take it? I believe he was being sarcastic.
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