The latest generation of one of the more popular Lexus models is now in Malaysia. It’s the fourth generation of the RX line up which, in 1998, created the premium SUV segment. The new RX continues the heritage that has made the RX so successful, with over 2.2 million units sold globally.
For Malaysia, Lexus Malaysia will be importing six variants of the latest RX with a choice of three different powertrains, which are:
RX450h with Lexus Hybrid Drive (RM520,000)
RX350 F Sport with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (RM486,300)
RX350 Luxury with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (RM457,800)
RX200t F Sport with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4 cylinder engine (RM422,990)
RX200t Luxury with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4 cylinder engine (RM408,400)
RX200t Premium with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4 cylinder engine (RM388,800)
The new premium SUV is designed around bold, outstanding proportions without sacrificing the elegant appeal of the RX, creating a vehicle that looks high class at a glance. While proportions have gone unchanged since the previous RX, its length has increased by 120mm, allowing for a 50mm longer wheelbase. Lengthening the wheelbase has contributed to increased cabin space such as legroom in the rear seats, as well as increasing luggage compartment space.
The front fascia integrates the spindle grille with innovative LED headlamps, fog lamps and daytime running lights. The triple L-shaped LED headlamps incorporate no less than 18 individual LEDs that surround the headlights and act as turn signal indicator. Operating in a sequential display, they also provide a distinctive signature for the model, identifying it from a distance.
The spindle design theme of the front of the RX also defines its rear design, providing a high level of aesthetic balance and consistency to the vehicle’s overall appearance. The LED rear combination L-shaped taillights envelope the tailgate while wrapping forward around the rear fender sections, resulting in a powerful and wide stance. Of particular note are blacked out C-pillars which provide a floating roof effect when viewed from the side.
For the F Sport variants, the spindle grille has a mesh design which symbolises the sporty variant. The L-motif mesh opening spreads from the upper to lower levels, which enhances a high performance image. The lower bumper moulding is also finished in metallic paint to express sportiness together with the low centre of gravity.
Differentiating the F Sport variants are exclusive black outer mirror casings and an exclusive design in dark metallic paint for the 20-inch alloy wheels to give a more dynamic road presence. Roof rails are also installed and have a low profile to make them less obtrusive although they have a practical design.
The RX450h also has its own exclusive wheels which are a Lexus first. The wheels design comes in with colour trims and the design has metal fins to express a clean impression befitting a hybrid model.
On all variants except the base RX200t Premium, a moonroof is included, while all moderns come standard with illuminated door handles and keyless hole design.
At the Lexus factory in Japan, every new RX is painted with a scratch-resistant self-restoring coat which uses a macromolecular polymer. The high elasticity of the material helps resist scratches, such as from fingernail marks around the door handles. The paint also possesses a high level of gloss retention to help enhance the initial gloss and colour of the paint over a long period of time.
Like the exterior, the interior of the new RX reflects an impeccable balance of functionality and luxury. The seats are based on an ergonomic design that puts equal emphasis on comfort and accessibility, elegance and richly appointed surfaces.
The driver is treated to a completely redesigned instrument panel section that has been shaped with a strong horizontal axis – a fundamental element of the Lexus interior – and the lowered dashboard position adds to the cabin’s wide open and spacious feel. Additionally, with the dashboard/instrument panel’s stepped cross-sections, the highly stylized centre console looks like a sleek and elegant piece of contemporary furniture.
The redesigned instrument panel offers the driver instantaneous information with a quick glance from its large and easy-to-read gauge faces. The same can be said of the 4.2 inch multi-information display (MID) positioned between the tachometer and the speedometer.
The RX350 F Sport and RX450h come with a Heads Up Display (HUD) projected on the windscreen directly ahead of the driver. F Sport variants come with additional equipment to reflect the sportier image. This includes an exclusive F Sport seat and distinctive stitching as well as an aluminium ornament panel. F Sport leather is used for the steering wheel and shifter knob while the foot pedals are of aluminium. There’s also a scuff plate with F Sport ornamentation and the steering wheel has the variant emblem along with F Sport paddle shifters.
The new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine produces 235hp and 350Nm of torque while 3.5-litre V6 makes its return from the last generation with 295hp and 370Nm of torque. The range topping RX450h comes with a 3.5 litre V6 reengineered to work with as a hybrid powertrain which produces 308hp and 335Nm of torque.
All RX models come with 10 SRS airbags throughout the cabin which consist of dual-stage and dual-chamber driver’s and front passenger airbags, driver’s knee airbag, front passenger cushion airbag, front side airbags, rear side airbags, as well as full-length side curtain airbags.
Needless to say, the braking and traction control systems include 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, a 4-sensor, 4-channel ABS with EBD, BA, and Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control.
