Lexus RX It is one of the most iconic models of Lexus, It was the first luxury crossover in 1998, and after almost a quarter of a century of commercialization, it has accumulated more than three and a half million units sold worldwide, of which 300,000 in Europe and 12,000 in our country.
Now, the Japanese firm has introduced the fifth generation which appears to be more revolution than refurbishment, as they from Japan reveal that 95% of the parts used in this new Lexus RX are completely new. A vehicle where sustainability is taken to the highest level, striving to make every part that is used as sustainable as possible. A clear example is the leather used in the seats, which, being completely vegan, does not come from animals. Or a material as uniquely Japanese as bamboo, attractive and pleasant to the touch, which is biodegradable and recyclable, and which the firm uses for the wood inlay inside its vehicles.
updated design
Externally the changes to the new RX are significant. The front is sharper, the headlights are more horizontal and the grille is now integrated into the defence, making for an even more stylized set. The lighting signature includes three projectors with an adaptive high beam system and, below, daytime running lights. The system also combines many of the sensors used by the driving assistance systems.
The side is much smoother. The wheel arches are now rounder, painted in body colour; and keeps the “C” column glowing. It also features changes at the rear with a more rounded shape and a redesign of the rear lights that use LED lighting technology.
The interior looks clearer, cleaner, although rationalizing the placement of elements to make the use of controls more convenient. The 14-inch multimedia screen stands out, with a high-end and quality infotainment system. Turn the gear lever more minimally now, confirming the orientation of the entire system toward the driver.
That it is a luxury vehicle is confirmed by the selection of “mood”, through ambient lighting that offers a palette of 64 colors and 14 themes, all fully customizable.
plug-in hybrid
The RX 450h+ is equipped with an 18.1 kWh battery that gives it a range of 65 km in fully electric mode which can be further extended to 90 km in the city. The access door to the charging point is on the rear right.
The use of the new platform, the GA-K, makes it possible to achieve a boot capacity of 612 liters in its configuration with all the seats in use and up to 1,678 liters with the rear row folded.
direct 4 drive
One of the key aspects of this new Lexus RX is the inclusion of the Direct4 system, which includes a 76 kW rear motor, which assists in acceleration and deceleration so that it doesn’t pitch up.
There are changes in the engine too. The new model offers two electrified engines, 2.5 and 2.4 litres, allowing the range to be expanded. The RX 350h is a self-recharging hybrid that develops 250 hp.
retail
The F Sport version of the 500h, the flagship of the range, a high-performance hybrid model with 371 cv of power and a luxurious and sporty cut trim and distinctive aesthetic and interior equipment levels.
The plug-in hybrid version is the RX 450h+, with 309 hp and 65 km of range in fully electric mode, though that can be extended to 90 km in urban driving conditions. For Lexus, it would be the Star Edition as it would account for 70% of its total sales.
The top-end variant of this new list is the RX 500h, a high-performance hybrid with an F Sport finish and 371 CV of power. All this with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and Direct4. It offers three driving modes, EV Mode, Auto EV/HV Mode and HV Mode.
As far as prices are concerned, the Lexus RX starts the range 81.300 Euro For the 350h Business, the top of the range is the 500h F Sport Edition, which costs 111,300 euros.
