Lexus Prices 2010 RX 450h and IS Convertibles

TORRANCE, California — Lexus has announced that it will price the 2010 RX 450h "luxury utility vehicle" hybrid starting at $42,535 for the front-wheel-drive version. At the same time, the company said its 2010 IS 250C and 350C hardtop convertibles will be priced starting at $39,365 for the IS 250C and $44,815 for the IS 350C model. All prices include an $875 destination charge.

The all-new 2010 RX 450h is the second generation of the big SUV. The all-wheel-drive version costs $44,125. The new model has an updated Lexus Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine making 295 horsepower. It gets a combined 30 mpg for the front-wheel-drive RX and 29 mpg combined for the AWD version, Lexus said. The RX 450h qualifies for SULEV low-emissions status in California.

Lexus said its IS convertible offers "the expressiveness of a convertible and the sporty styling of a coupe." The "entry luxury" hardtop convertible comes with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission. With the automatic, the IS 250C costs $40,535. The car's three-panel roof, made of lightweight aluminum, opens in only 20 seconds. The convertibles get the same engines as the IS sedans, says Lexus: the IS 250C has a 2.5-liter V6 making 204 hp, and the IS 350C is fitted with a 306-hp 3.5-liter V6.

The IS convertibles go on sale in May, and the RX 450h will hit dealerships at mid-summer, Lexus said.

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