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Hybrid power hits the luxury-car market with a vengeance, Toyota scores another hybrid first, and the Lexus RX 400h gives wealthy drivers a means to conserve.

That’s the news as Toyota’s luxury division rolls out its $50,000 electronic laboratory that performs with muscle while sipping gas.

This is the hybrid version of the RX 330 crossover SUV and the first luxury vehicle with hybrid power. With a gasoline/electric propulsion system, the 2006 RX 400h becomes environmentally acceptable as well as luxurious. The SUV also rates with the Environmental Protection Agency as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, which should lessen the guilt of piloting such an expensive craft.

The complex hybrid system includes two electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the rear, that work with the V-6 engine to provide sharp acceleration, all-wheel drive and significantly improved gas mileage. The EPA says it gets 31 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway, with the higher city mileage gained by a system that uses only the electric motors up to about 20 mph, when the V-6 kicks in.

I didn’t do that well, getting about 23 mpg overall, according to the onboard computer. But I had the air-conditioner on the whole time, which limits when the gas engine shuts itself off during traffic stops.

I also was enjoying the strong flow of power, which highlights one of the unshakable laws of physics: A heavy foot reduces fuel mileage, even with a hybrid.

Lavishly equipped and exclusively priced, 400h takes over as the premium model in the RX lineup.

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The lowdown

PERFORMANCE: The hybrid trumps the regular RX in acceleration, with a combined 268 horsepower for the 400h compared with 230. Despite about 300 pounds of extra weight, the hybrid is about a half-second faster to 60 mph, according to Lexus.

Fuel mileage gets an EPA rating of 31 city and 27 highway, compared with 18 and 24 for the RX 330.

The hybrid operation is nearly transparent, with only a slight shudder as the engine and motors trade off duties. That give and take is handled by a complex computer system that continuously adjusts for fuel mileage and performance.

The transmission is continuously variable, which also contributes to improved fuel mileage.

DRIVABILITY: RX 400h benefits from Toyota’s new generation of stability control, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, designed to thwart skids and mitigate crashes before they happen. It makes any driver feel like a pro.

The Electronically Controlled Brake System is a major part of VDIM and includes regenerative braking for recharging the hybrid batteries, anti-lock, brake-force distribution and brake assist. For all that, the brakes felt weird to me, though I imagine one would get used to them.

STYLING: The styling of the hybrid is only slightly different from the gas model, which could put off potential drivers who want the world to know they’re driving a hybrid. The unique styling of the hybrid Toyota Prius is part of its appeal.

INTERIOR: The richly furnished interior includes every luxury feature you could imagine. And then some.

BOTTOM LINE: As gas prices climb, hybrids are gaining, with eight models sold by Toyota/Lexus, Ford/Mercury and Honda. The pricey RX 400h is unique in the luxury realm, but watch as more manufacturers follow suit.

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Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door sport utility, all-wheel drive.

Engine: 3.3-liter V-6 hybrid with two electric motors, totaling 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, 212 pound-feet of engine torque plus 200 kilowatts.

Transmission: Continuously variable.

Wheelbase: 106.9 inches.

Curb weight: 4,365 pounds.

EPA rating: 31 city, 27 highway.

Highs: Strong acceleration, seamless power exchange, luxury features.

Lows: Pricey, weird brake feel, lacks unique styling.

PRICING

Base price: $48,535.

Price as tested: $50,323.

OPTIONS

* Upgraded audio package, $980.

* Cargo mat, $92.

* Wheel locks, $66.

* Shipping, $650.

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For more on the Lexus RX 400h, go to autos.azcentral.com.