FastMotoring Motor News In Speed
This November, Lexus Australia will introduce the new, 4th generation RX mid-size luxury SUV to the Australian market. The new RX features a bold new exterior styling package with Lexus-first styling cues and a redesigned luxury cabin. This model is also known as Toyota Harrier in Japan.
It combines this dynamic new appearance with focused on-road performance and new safety technologies including the new Lexus Safety System+ package on all variants.
Lexus Australia will offer buyers considerable choice, with the local model line-up featuring RX 200t, RX 350 and RX 450h variants in varying grade levels.
RX 200t will be powered by Lexus’ new turbocharged four cylinder powerplant, which will develop 175kW and 350Nm and drive the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. RX 200t will be available in Luxury grade and can be specified with enhancement packs. RX 350 will feature a 3.5-litre direct injection V6, which will develop 221kW and 370Nm, and drive all four wheels via an eight-speed transmission.
This model is available in either Luxury, F Sport or Sports Luxury grade levels.
The RX 450h hybrid will develop 230kW combined system power (engine and electric motor) and drive all four wheels via a CVT transmission. RX 450h will also be available in Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury grades.
RX’s fascia is highlighted by a new spindle grille with a chrome-plated border, triple L-shaped LED headlamps (F Sport and Sports Luxury grades) and redesigned fog lamps. The side design features a sharp character line that runs from the front fenders to the rear of the vehicle.
This feature, together with a flowing roofline, gives the RX a dynamic profile that reduces front and rear lift while also enhancing high speed stability and reducing wind noise. It also features Lexus-first blacked-out C-pillars, which provide a dramatic ‘floating-roof’ effect.
RX’s rear styling is characterised by new L-shaped taillights that wrap around the sides of the vehicle to create a wide profile and authoritative presence. New RX also features newly designed 20-inch alloy wheels. Wheel designs on Sports Luxury models can be customised with variable colour inserts. The new RX cabin features high levels of luxury and comfort and Lexus-first features such as laser-cut ornamentation, which was developed by Yamaha to provide an additional feeling of sophistication. Selected models feature a large head-up display (HUD) and a crisp, high definition 12.3-inch display.
The gear lever has also been re-positioned from the front of the instrument panel to enhance operability and create more space for the driver. Rear-seat occupants will be treated to more leg and knee space, and the newly-developed seats are available with heating and power reclining features that both enhance convenience and provide a sophisticated, luxurious feel. An available retractable power panorama roof enhances the RX cabin’s spaciousness and provides occupants with an open-air feel.
The new RX powertrains are allied to a strengthened chassis for enhanced stability and control through corners. The vehicle’s body structure has been strengthened with added stiffness, helping to improve its handling response while minimising engine and road noise. The RX’s fully independent suspension system with MacPherson struts at the front and a double wishbone setup at the rear has been tuned and reinforced to deliver both handling performance and ride quality.
Available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) electronically monitors and adapts the suspension damping and steering to ensure optimal handling and ride depending on the driving conditions. AVS automatically makes adjustments to the shock absorber settings, ensuring the smoothest possible ride quality. The system is also designed to produce less body roll through corners, providing a sporty driving experience.
New RX features enhanced safety features, including an upgraded body structure that heightens the overall passive safety of the RX, and Lexus Safety System+, which helps avoid or mitigate collisions across a wide range of vehicle speeds.
Lexus Safety System+ integrates several of Lexus’ existing active safety technologies in one package. This includes:
• Pre-Collision System (PCS), which detects sudden stops initiated by the vehicle in front and warns drivers of potential contact with obstacles ahead
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which issues an audible signal if the vehicle strays from its intended lane
• Automatic High Beam (AHB), which helps ensure optimal forward visibility during night driving, and
• All-speed Active Cruise Control, which maintains a set cruising mode as well as vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode.
The Lexus Safety System+ package utilises a millimetre-wave radar that works together with a camera to keep the RX in its intended driving lane via the Lane Keeping Assist feature (LKA)* and enhances the target detection for the All Speed Active Cruise Control.
Adaptive High-beam System (AHS), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are available to provide even higher levels of safety.
The RX F Sport grade will be available on RX 350 and RX 450h models in Australia. F Sport models are equipped with unique visual and performance features to provide a dynamic look and feel.
The spindle grille and lower centrepiece of the rear bumper feature an “F” mesh design, while new alloy wheels, exclusive to F Sport, provide a dynamic road presence.
The cabin features a custom F Sport instrument cluster as well as a sports steering wheel featuring perforated leather, F Sport emblem and paddle shifters. Exclusive colours and trim are also integral to the F Sport package.
Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which helps keep the vehicle planted to driving surfaces through turns, is standard on RX F Sport. The driver can select the AVS-enhanced Sport S+ mode, in addition to Eco, Normal and Sports S settings, on the Drive Mode Select control located on the centre console.
Further detail on local specification and pricing information will be announced in November 2015.
