The 5th generation Lexus RX has been shown for the first time. Here’s what’s new.
Ever since the first Lexus RX debuted, the company has sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide. This is a very popular luxury vehicle in a segment that’s increasingly becoming even more important. You can bet Lexus poured their heart and soul into their all-new 5th generation model, which was just shown earlier today.
Koji Sato, who heads Lexus, said that the new RX would continue to focus on supreme quality, ride comfort and refinement. He also said for this generation, the driving experience would be elevated with the target of introducing the ‘Lexus driving signature’ to the RX model.
This will also be the generation of RX to introduce a turbocharged hybrid engine for the Lexus brand, thus being a very important moment in the ‘Lexus Electrified’ strategy.
The design of the RX has evolved to a huge degree. Gone is the garish spindle grille. In its place is the ‘spindle body’, which integrates the grille’s design into the entire front of the vehicle, blending grille and body colours into one. It creates a more futuristic and elegant character while retaining some DNA that makes it recognisable as an RX model.
Headlights are smaller and sharper with triple LEDs and an L-shaped DRL. The taillights feature the single-line Lexus signature look with the ‘LEXUS’ name emblazoned across the centre of the vehicle’s rear end. The new RX has a wider track (+15mm front, +50mm rear), a 15mm lower centre of gravity, a 60mm longer wheelbase, a 10mm lower roofline and more dynamism overall.
3 dimensional blackened rear pillars create the floating roof effect and the character lines on the doors are a lot more dramatic and artistic this time around. Up to 21″ wheels will be offered on the new RX and an F Sport model with aero-optimised parts and a different grille and wheels will be offered as a trim package for the highest trim levels in each market.
Inside, Lexus has introduced a 14 touchscreen with Hey Lexus Smart Voice Assistant and the Lexus Link app. They’ve also incorporated ‘Tazuna’ (reins of a horse) elements to make the vehicle more driver focused and intuitive. All information sources are grouped so their content can be read with minimal eye and head movement.
Vegan leather has been added as an option for all interior upholstery in either Black or a shade called ‘Ammonite Sand’. A Lexus Mood Selector allows customisation of the RX’s 64-colour ambient lighting system with 14 unique themes.
The front seats are 10mm further apart from each other. The loading height is 30mm lower. The luggage compartment is 50mm longer. All these dimensional improvements make for an even more practical luxury SUV.
Just like the all-new Lexus NX, the new Lexus RX will feature the e-latch system for its doors. This uses an electronic actuator that reduces the amount of effort required to open and operate the RX’s doors. Safe Exit Assist stops the e-latch from opening the doors when the blind spot monitor detects a vehicle coming from the rear.
Engine options will include the RX 500h – a 2.4L turbo hybrid with DIRECT4 drive force control, a Lexus 450h+ plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and a RX 350h hybrid that serves as a replacement to pure petrol and diesel entry options. Some markets will still retain petrol models like the RX 350.
The RX 500h features a 6-speed automatic transmission as well as both front and rear electric motors.
The Lexus Driving Signature has been achieved by paying attention to the centre of gravity, inertia specifications, weight reduction, rigidity, and powertrain tuning. The 5th generation Lexus RX will be built on the GA-K platform, but with modifications for a longer wheelbase, as well as additional cross members and suspension braces. The new platform means that the new RX is actually 90kg lighter than the outgoing model. 2GPa high-tensile steel has been used for the centre pillars, while aluminium and other high tensile steel grades have been used elsewhere in the structure. New multi-link rear suspension enables better stability at high speed and less NVH.
3rd generation Lexus Safety System+ will be featured on the RX, which includes improved Pre-Collision System, new Proactive Driver Assist and an Extended Safety Package.
