Lexus is shaking off its conservative picture with the brand new RX.
The massive SUV is extra visually interesting than earlier than, and dials up the driving expertise too.
Consumers can select between 4 mannequin ranges, with a selection of hybrid or petrol-only energy. For the primary time, Lexus has added a driver-focused efficiency mannequin to the line-up, including a turbo to its hybrid know-how.
Costs undercut European rivals by ranging from $87,500 (earlier than on-road prices), proving the RX continues to be the posh SUV you purchase along with your head. This lands the 350h Luxurious 2WD that makes use of a tried and examined 2.5-litre petrol engine and electrical motor making 184kW. All-wheel drive will increase the value by $4500.
The petrol-only 350 AWD F Sport grade ($99,900) makes use of a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 205kW/430Nm.
Subsequent up is the 350 and 350h AWD Sports activities Luxurious ($105,900). Hybrid energy prices an additional $6000.
The brand new 500h F Efficiency tops the vary at $126,000. Its 2.4-litre turbo and hybrid set-up makes a powerful 273kW.
Lexus Australia boss, John Pappas, says the 350h makes up the majority of preliminary orders and the opposite two fashions account for 25 per cent every.
Sadly a world provide crunch means all fashions have already got a wait checklist of a minimum of a number of months and anybody ordering a 500h now will seemingly be circling a date on subsequent 12 months’s calendar.
This RX is taller and wider than earlier than, with an extended wheelbase for elevated inside area and a wider tyre observe for higher on-road dealing with and stability.
The cabin high quality is superb. Supple and textured supplies cowl all inside surfaces and ample storage, easy local weather controls and dials makes for a decluttered sprint.
The most affordable fashions have 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting entrance and rear, heated and electronically adjustable entrance seats wrapped in fake leather-based and a 12-speaker Panasonic stereo.
There are six USB factors overlaying each rows and three zone local weather management with rear air vents. All fashions rating a powerful 14-inch central touchscreen suitable with Android Auto and wi-fi Apple Carplay. Satnav, digital radio, bluetooth and a digital instrument show enhance connectivity.
Lexus beefed up the styling of the F Sport. It has chunky 21-inch black alloy wheels, black exterior highlights on the bumpers, black roof rails and mirror caps and an F Sport grille.
Inside there are sporty, leather-accented seats that present elevated facet assist in comparison with different grades.
Aluminium pedals and door and centre console trim add some aptitude. As does an F Sport steering wheel, gear shifter and entrance scuff plates.
A head-up show initiatives very important driver info on the windshield and a booming 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo is tough to beat. The entrance seats add a cooling perform and there’s a wi-fi gadget charger and a number of color ambient lighting.
Sports activities Luxurious fashions ditch the F Sport styling cues and dials up the pampering.
It rides on 21-inch alloy wheels, has supple leather-based accented upholstery and kit shifter and a heated steering wheel with fake wooden trim.
Rear window shades and energy folding rear seats are a boon for younger households. The outboard seats within the second row are heated and ventilated.
The 500h brings loads of distinctive exterior and inside highlights.
All fashions are coated by an in depth array of security know-how.
The 350h’s twin electrical motors and naturally-aspirated petrol engine present loads of oomph off the mark and all the time feels prefer it has some left in reserve for overtaking at freeway speeds. The CVT auto sounds coarse when pushed.
The petrol-only model and its eight-speed auto feels extra responsive and punchy when pushed.
Sadly, the hybrid makes do with an older nickel-hydride battery, not a contemporary lithium-ion unit.
It’s whisper quiet at cruising pace and effectively insulated cabin retains the world at bay.
Firmer suspension and large wheels make for a greater dealing with SUV, however the commerce off is a experience that may really feel jiggly over pockmarked and poor high quality highway surfaces. It does an admirable job recovering over greater bumps and divots, although.
Properly balanced and weighted steering finds a snug center floor, offering dependable and predictable efficiency on tight, twisting roads.
The F Efficiency has sharper and lighter steering and oodles of grunt delivered extra forcefully by way of its six-speed auto.
The RX is roofed by a 5 12 months/limitless km guarantee and a capped worth servicing program costing $3475 over 5 years.
VERDICT 4/5
The RX is a great cash purchase, bringing excellent luxurious worth with a composed drive expertise.
LEXUS RX 350h SPORTS LUXURY AWD
PRICE $111,900 earlier than on highway prices
ENGINE 2.5-litre petrol engine and two electrical motors, 184kW
WARRANTY/SERVICING 5 12 months/limitless km, $3475
SAFETY 8 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane maintain help, blind spot monitoring, rear cross site visitors, radar cruise management
THIRST 5.4L/100km
SPARE Restore package
CARGO 612L
Initially printed as 2023 Lexus RX 350h new car review
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