When the very first Lexus RX debuted in 1998 nothing like it had ever existed before. It was the very first luxury SUV. In 2005, this model broke boundaries once again with the RX 400h. This was the world’s first hybrid luxury SUV. History has shown that each iteration of the RX is a breakthrough in performance, engineering, and luxury. Now in its 5th generation, this still holds true.
The all-new Lexus RX is the result of Lexus’s engineers anticipating the demands of this rapidly changing, environment-conscious, and forward-thinking world. This is omotenashi, or anticipatory hospitality, at its finest. The new look, upgraded features, and electrified powertrains will forge a new path to craft a more powerful, stylish, and sustainable Lexus RX.
DESIGN
Moving towards electrification, the designers undertook the challenge of incorporating the new ‘spindle body’ design identity into the new RX, achieved through stronger integration of the grille. This expresses a sense of the car’s electrified power and low center of gravity. More compact, sharper headlights, air intakes and a wider track (+15mm) consolidate the stable, confident look.
To achieve a bolder stance, the designers created a sleeker front-to-rear posture, extending the bonnet, lengthening the wheelbase by 60mm and lowering the roofline by 10mm. Lending the car a coupe-like feel, the signature black rear pillar (Lexus’s ‘floating roof’) is now more three-dimensional in appearance, while the sweeping character line and large 21-inch wheels heighten the dynamic feel.
The triple LED headlights are sleeker, sharper and more horizontal in alignment. The design is accentuated by L-shaped daytime running lights. At the rear, the single-line Lexus signature tail lights underline the RX shape, while the wider track (+45mm) emboldens the stance and road presence. The introduction of the “LEXUS” badging on the tailgate creates a clean and contemporary look.
There is both ample luggage space and five luxury seats with excellent legroom. An increased couple distance (1010mm, +10mm compared to the previous model), new seat designs and more intelligent packaging have made the cabin feel more spacious. The luggage compartment has been made easier to access with a 30mm reduction in the loading height and is 50mm longer, thanks to intelligent tailgate design. The longer length and rear seats which split-fold 40:20:40 help accommodate bulkier items. A new e-latch system electronically controls the door release operation, making it smoother and more convenient.
THE LEXUS DRIVING SIGNATURE
Each RX model delivers the Lexus Driving Signature to provide superior comfort and linear, direct responsiveness, giving all drivers control and confidence at all times. The new RX uses Lexus’s GA-K platform. The rear has been completely redesigned to extend the wheelbase and accommodate additional cross members and suspension braces that increase rigidity. This increased rigidity has allowed the suspension to be more accurately tuned, improving both performance and comfort.
DIRECT4 communicates a better feel between the road and steering wheel and delivers improved handling stability and driving dynamics at high speed. This is paired with Dynamic Rear Steering for an even more exhilarating (and more secure) driving experience.
Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)—available on the RX 350h Premier and RX 500h F Sport—provides independent damping control at each wheel, giving a more comfortable ride on uneven surfaces, higher damping force when turning and flat ride stability.
POWERFUL YET EFFICIENT HYBRID DRIVETRAINS
The RX 350h hybrid electric is positioned as an efficient alternative to lower displacement diesel and petrol powertrains. It comes equipped with a new 2.5-liter in-line 4 petrol engine achieving better fuel-economy, while also contributing to reducing the vehicle weight.
It uses a completely new parallel hybrid architecture, featuring a turbocharged 2.4-liter turbo petrol engine and six-speed transmission, integrated front motor and power control unit, hybrid battery and a compact 103ps rear e-axle. Total system output is 371 ps with 550Nm of torque, giving 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.2 seconds.
LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM+
The all-new RX benefits from next-level active safety and driver assistance systems featured in the latest generation of Lexus Safety System+ with upgraded functions and increased scope for accident risk detection and prevention.
The improvements include further expansion of the Pre-Collision System’s ability to detect motorcycles and other objects in the car’s path. Enhancements have been made to the Adaptive Cruise Control so that it now more quickly recognizes traffic cutting in front and, in conjunction with upgrades to Lane Trace Assist, follows a more natural line through bends.
VARIANTS AND PRICING
The Lexus RX is available in three variants, each with a hybrid drivetrain. The RX 350h Executive (P5,058,000); RX 350h Premier(P6,188,000); and RX 500h F-Sport (P6,668,000). Lexus has undertaken a complete reinvention of the RX large luxury SUV, building on the model’s great heritage and breaking new design and technology boundaries to increase the breadth of its capabilities and its appeal to an even wider customer base.
