Fifth-generation Lexus large SUV to bring wholesale changes and a big dose of aggression
The fifth-generation 2023 Lexus RX has been revealed in full for the first time, donning a sleek new look, new powertrains and more technology than ever before.
At the same time, the all-new large luxury SUV has been confirmed for Australia, where it will replace the Japanese premium brand’s second most popular model in its battle against the top-selling Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5, although local launch details and specifications are yet to be locked in.
Underpinned by a premium version Toyota’s TNGA modular platform, the new Lexus RX measures exactly the same length as its predecessor (4890mm) but rides on a 60mm longer wheelbase (2850mm) with widened tracks front and rear.
With a 10mm lower overall height (1695mm), Lexus says the new proportions and underpinnings have lowered the RX’s centre of gravity by 15mm but, more importantly, 90kg has been shed from the kerb weight of all variants.
Lexus says this will improve the dynamics of its most lavish monocoque (car-based) SUV, with the wider and lower stance perfectly matching its angular new styling.
The new exterior is awash with angles and flowing lines, most of which taper back to the elegant rear-end that has been made more streamlined and eye catching with a heap of swooping design cues including a full-width lighting signature and floating roof.
This elegance is offset at the front by a more aggressive fascia crowned by a new raised bonnet, frowning headlight arrangement and redesigned grille, flanked on both sides by chunky secondary intakes.
Lexus describes the new look as the ‘spindle body’, but the theme hasn’t been replicated within the cabin where we find plenty of soft lines, contrasting materials and layered finishes.
The dashboard is ruled by a new 9.8- or 14.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system (variant dependant) angled slightly towards the driver to make them feel encapsulated in a luxurious cockpit.
In classic Lexus style, most of the key controls are clustered around the steering wheel, freeing up space on the centre console and beneath the infotainment screen for little more than air-vents, cup-holders and the gear selector.
The modernised exterior and interior designs will be backed by an equally modern line-up of powertrains, with the new RX range set to go big on electrification. Set to be on offer, at least in the US, are a traditional internal combustion engine, two hybrids and, like the new NX that brought Lexus’ first PHEV powertrain, one plug-in hybrid.
The base engine is the new 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder seen in the new Lexus NX and in this application produces it an unchanged 205kW/430Nm.
Paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, it will power the new Lexus RX 350 variants and will be complemented by the new RX 350h with a revised 183kW/316Nm 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid system.
Above the 350 powertrains will be the 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid-powered RX 450h+, while sitting atop the range will be an electrified version of the 2.4-litre turbo engine dubbed the RX 500h.
According to Lexus North America, this new powertrain is good for 274kW of power and 550Nm of torque, resulting in a claimed 0-97km/h (60mph) acceleration time of 5.9 seconds – more than enough to hustle unsuspecting hot hatches.
As usual there will be a variety of trim levels, again including Luxury, Sports Luxury and F Sport variants, available with the option of front- or all-wheel drive depending on the variant, but the new RX line-up will be crowned by a new F Sport Performance halo variant powered exclusively by the 2.4-litre turbo hybrid 500h powertrain.
In addition to featuring the gutsiest powertrain, the F Sport Performance model also boasts the most aggressive chassis, including monobloc opposed six-piston front brake callipers as standard, as well as four-wheel steering, adaptive dampers, bespoke tyres and 21-inch alloy wheels.
With the electric motor mounted directly to the rear axle, Lexus says the RX 500h F Sport Performance can send up to 80 per cent of its power to the rear wheels during dynamic driving and will constantly shuffle the torque split around in response to driver inputs and vehicle behaviour.
If things do get out of whack, the new RX is fitted with all the latest driver aids and safety systems as standard, including the Lexus Safety System+ and new umbrella suites called Proactive Driving Assist and Lexus Teammate.
“The RX is a foundation of the Lexus brand both globally but also here in Australia ever since its local introduction in 2003,” Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas said.
“The all-new RX is the next step in the evolution of the Lexus brand as we move towards greater electrification of our range while adding to the Lexus Driving Signature of dynamic, enjoyable and faithful performance.”
Pappas added that the new powertrains will deliver “exhilarating performance and broaden the RX’s appeal to an even wider range of customers”.
However, prospective Australian customers will have to wait a while to get their hands on a new RX, as Lexus Australia is yet to confirm when the local line-up will arrive Down Under, let alone which variants will be offered here.
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Keyword: New Lexus RX revealed and confirmed for Australia