Although this is not the first Lexus SUV model to have three rows of seats, the new RX 350 L is the first- ever variant of the RX in the 20-year history of the model line to have three rows of seats. The addition of this variant, which can accommodate up to seven persons, is to extend the appeal of the RX to those with larger families.
Launched in Los Angeles just last November, the new RX 350 L is now available in Malaysia with a price of RM475,000 (excluding insurance for Peninsular Malaysia private registration). It will be part of the 2018 RX range which consists of four variants of the RX 300, RX 350 F Sport and RX 450h Hybrid. All the other variants continue with two rows of seats for 5 persons.
The design of the RX 350 L retains the same profile and stylishness of the 2-row variant, incorporating the brand’s mix of sharp creases and curves. As with all Lexus models, it has the signature spindle grille up front flanked by slim LED headlights on either side.
The lower section of the rear end now has a single tailpipe instead of the two that were on the RX 350 before. Besides the blacked-out C-pillars that create a ‘floating-roof’ effect, the Lexus spindle theme repeats at the rear, with L shaped LED taillights enveloping the tailgate and wrapping into the rear fenders.
Significantly, even with an extra 110 mm in overall length to enable the installation of the additional row of seats, the sleek profile of the RX 350 has been maintained. At a glance, it looks identical to the 2-row variant but the roofline has been changed over the rear portion of the vehicle. The edge of the roof extends slightly further back and the angle of the rear window is steeper, providing comfortable headroom for the two occupants in the third row.
The seats in the third row are full-sized seats, providing the passengers with the same comfort and luxury as those in the middle row. Access to the third row is easy with the touch of a lever that slides and folds the second row seats forward for walk-in convenience. The second row has 40/20/40 split backrests to provide flexibility in the cabin layout, while the third row has power operation for seat adjustment.
The version of the RX 350 L imported from Japan is the Luxury version which offers top quality features and equipment, some of which are upgraded from that in the RX 350 Luxury offered previously. These include the 3-zone air-conditioning system (2-zone in the RX 350) with separate controls for the rear occupants. Separate controls are available for the rear passengers to adjust the blower and temperature to personal preference for a more comfortable journey.
The RX 350 L Luxury is powered by a powerful 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. Engineered for low noise and vibrations, the engine produces 289 hp at 6,300 rpm and 358 Nm of torque at between 4,600 and 4,700 rpm. Variable Valve Timing – Intelligent Wide (VVT-iW) is used on the intake camshaft, along with VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft, allowing the engine to switch between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles.
Performance and efficiency are optimized by an 8-speed computer-managed automatic transmission. Using Drive Mode Select, the RX 350 L driver can exert more control by choosing from among 3 driving modes. Normal provides an ideal everyday balance of performance and energy conservation, Sport S puts an edge on powertrain responsiveness and Eco mode operates the powertrain at its most efficient level.
The RX 300 variants in the 2018 range are identical to the RX 200t variants sold before. The new designation better reflects the high performance available from the 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. The output from this advanced engine is 235 hp at between 4,800 – 5,600 rpm with 350 Nm of torque available from 1,650 rpm.
Three variants of the RX 300 are available – Premium, Luxury and F Sport – with prices ranging from RM388,800 – RM422,900 (excluding insurance, Peninsular Malaysian private registration). Customers have a choice of 7 exterior colours for each variant. The paint used has a high-performance macromolecular polymer which gives a scratch-resistant self-restoring coat for a long-lasting finish.
For interior colour themes and trim, there are four choices available, except for the RX 300 F Sport and RX 350 F Sport which have exclusive aluminium trim and a choice of black or dark rose colour themes.
All new models sold by Lexus Malaysia come with a comprehensive factory warranty of 5 years with unlimited mileage. The RX 450h also has an 8-year battery assurance programme for the hybrid battery pack. Complete aftersales support is available at 8 locations in Malaysia where there are professional technicians who have been extensively trained by Lexus International.
