PETALING JAYA: The new fourth-generation Lexus RX sport utility vehicle (SUV) has more premium features and better driving performance.
Offered in six variants, it is priced on-the-road without insurance at RM388,800 (RX 200t Premium); RM408,400 (RX 200t Luxury); RM422,990 (RX 200t F Sport); RM457,800 (RX 350 Luxury); RM486,300 (RX 350 F Sport) and RM520,200 (RX450h hybrid).
It come with a warranty of three years/100,000km (whichever comes first).
The RX 450h has an extra Lexus Hybrid Battery eight-year warranty, regardless of mileage.
The RX200t variants are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged and direct-injected inline 4-cylinder petrol engine, and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
This 2.0-litre turbo engine produces 235hp from 4,800 to 5,600rpm with 350Nm of torque from 1,650 to 4,000rpm.
The RX 350 has a 3.5-litre direct-injected V6 petrol engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which delivers 295hp at 6,300rpm with 370Nm of torque available between 4,600 and 4,700rpm.
For the RX 450h hybrid, its 3.5-litre mill produces 258hp at 6,000rpm with 335Nm at 4,600rpm.
Total system output of the hybrid powertrain is 308hp, and power delivery is via an E-CVT (electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission).
Meanwhile, all variants have illumination at the door handles with a key-less hole design, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, 10 airbags, rear view camera, all-wheel drive (AWD), and huge 20-inch wheels with 235/55 tyres.
Except for the RX 200t Premium, all variants also have a moonroof and a Panoramic View Monitor which gives the driver a bird’s-eye view of the area around the car.
The new RX is also bigger than before, with a 50mm increase in wheelbase which provides more cabin room for five occupants.
Lexus says every new RX is painted at its factory in Japan, with a scratch-resistant self-restoring coat which uses a high-performance 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.
Meanwhile, the top two variants, namely the RX 350 F Sport and RX 450h hybrid have a Heads Up Display (HUD) projected on the windscreen directly ahead of the driver.
This is a Lexus first and the large 240 x 90mm colour display, the largest in a Lexus vehicle, allows for a variety of information to be presented to the driver.
Two audio systems are offered – the Lexus Premium Audio Surround System with 12 speakers and a Class D amplifier, and the superlative Mark Levinson Surround System.
The Mark Levinson system is only in the top two variants, and features 15 Green Edge speakers and has automatic sound volume adjustment (a Lexus first).
Another world first is the unique design of the front cup holders, where their depth can be adjusted to suit a variety of containers from tall plastic bottles to short cups or cans.
The analogue clock positioned in the centre of the dashboard has its time setting automatically adjusted via GPS (global positioning system), a feature which will be appreciated by RX owners who drive to Thailand.
A Lexus first is the touchless rear door operation for the top three RX variants, where the door can be opened by just holding a hand near the Lexus emblem.
Also, the F Sport variants come with Adaptive Variable Suspension, which enhances handling and stability.
Keyword: More power and premium stuff in new Lexus RX