Lexus has unveiled its fifth generation RX crossover and the newcomer boasts new hybrid technology as well as a striking design execution. Take a look at what the new Lexus RX has to offer!

The Lexus RX crossover is a core model for the Japanese luxury car brand and since its inception in 2008, the RX has racked up approximately 3.5 million sales worldwide across 4 generations.

The new RX is built on the firm’s GA-K platform and stands 4 890 mm in length (the same as the outgoing RX) but is 25 mm wider at 1 920 mm and stands some 10 mm lower. Lexus has stretched the RX’s wheelbase by some 60 mm to 2 850 mm. Importantly, the new RX is 90 kg lighter than its predecessor.

For the new RX, Lexus wanted to develop a car that’s not only fun to drive while retaining high levels of refinement but also to transform the design by adopting a “spindle body” that exudes a new look while also providing the necessary cooling of the powertrain.

As for the interior, it follows the human-centered Tazuna concept which aims to create a more meaningful connection between the driver and the vehicle while also providing a comfortable and spacious cabin for passengers.

The new Lexus RX adopts familiar interior styling seen on the new NX.

The interior look and feel has been significantly improved and the RX features both a digital instrument cluster as well as a large touchscreen infotainment system. Note that most of the vehicle’s functionality has migrated to the infotainment system which means that the cabin is far less cluttered with buttons, as was the case with the previous RX. We love the look of the new RX’s interior!

Lexus will offer 6 levels of trim for the RX including the Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, F Sport Handling and the range-topping F-Sport Performance.

What powertrains are offered on the new Lexus RX?

The RX range starts with the RX350 which now employs a turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol engine with 205 kW and 429 Nm of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. For reference, the outgoing RX350 has a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 221 kW and 370 Nm… The RX350 will be offered in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration and note that this is the only non-hybrid RX on offer.

The hybrid RX350h replaces the outgoing RX450h and combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with Lexus’ latest fourth-generation hybrid system to develop 183 kW and 316 Nm of torque and will only be offered in all-wheel-drive guise.

A RX450h+ PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid) is also offered with a 2.5-litre petrol engine and 3 electric motors which combine to produce 222 kW and in conjunction with a 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the RX450h+ can travel up to 60km in pure electric drive. The RX450+ is only offered in all-wheel-drive guise.

The RX F Sport Performance sits at the top of the range with a 274kW, all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain.

At the top of the range is the new RX 500h F Sport Performance and as its name implies, it offers significantly more grunt than the rest of its siblings. It combines a turbocharged 2.4-litre turbopetrol engine and a high output electric motor over the rear axle to produce 274 kW and 550 Nm of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission directs power to all-four wheels and lexus claims 5.9 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100kph.

The RX 500h F Sport Performance is also distinguished by a sportier exterior design execution which includes a unique mesh spindle grille and more aggressively styled front and rear bumpers.

In terms of driver assistance, all RX derivatives will feature the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 which includes features such as radar-guided cruise control with Curve Speed Management, pre-collision system with pedestrian and motorcycle detection, intersection support, and lane departure warning with steering assist.

Lexus South Africa has confirmed that the new RX can be expected on local soil in the first quarter of 2023. Local specification and pricing details will be communicated closer to launch.

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