Fifth generation of the Lexus RX, featuring the Japanese luxury brand’s first high-performance hybrid
In 1998, the original RX model launched the luxury SUV market segment. It has continued to evolve since then, becoming the first electrified model in the premium market with the launch of the RX 400h in 2005. Lexus has developed a new “double arrowhead” body for the new RX, right up front. vehicle. The design plays on Lexus’ signature grille to create a new dual-arrowhead body effect, integrating the shape across the entire front of the vehicle. The grille itself has been reinterpreted as a continuous unit, integrated into the body at the ends. New, slimmer headlamp units and a 15mm wider track underline the lower center of gravity and look of the car. The front of the hood has also been raised and the bottom of the rear window has been lowered compared to the current RX. The new RX mounts slim LED headlights with three projectors, which also include the adaptive high beam system. Below are the daytime running lights, the surface lighting of which gives a more powerful three-dimensional image.
Inside, the driver-focused cab is designed to give the driver direct and intuitive control of the vehicle, following the “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road” principle. It also enhances the driving experience, with its clear and intuitive layout, powered by the new Lexus Link multimedia system, which includes the ‘Hey Lexus’ on-board assistant, a 14-inch touchscreen and remote control functions accessible via a smartphone app.
To shape the new RX’s signature Lexus drivetrain, SUV fundamentals such as center of gravity, inertia specs, weight reduction, stiffness and engine have been optimized to create a seamless connection. Improved handling and response is due to the development of the RX’s purpose-built platform, which offers increased body rigidity and a low center of gravity.
The new RX comes with a range of three different electrified powertrains. At the heart of the range, the RX 450h Plus is the first RX to utilize Lexus’ plug-in hybrid technology. The new hybrid electric RX 350h is postulated as an efficient alternative to smaller displacement diesel and petrol engines. And for customers looking for a sportier performance, Lexus is introducing its first turbocharged hybrid to date, the RX 500h (starting at €107,300), which comes with Direct4 all-wheel drive and a turbocharged petrol engine. speed automatic transmission. This version delivers a power of 371 horses, with a record from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds; the minimum permitted average consumption is 8 litres.
The RX 450h version (from 84,500 euros) is the first “plug-in” hybrid Lexus RX. It mounts a 2.5-liter hybrid motor and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 18.1 kWh. An additional electric motor at the rear enables constant four-wheel drive. With the petrol engine in combination with the batteries, a power of 309 hp is obtained. In fully electric driving mode, it offers a range of 65 kilometers. The performance records are spectacular (it goes from 0 to 100 in 6.5 seconds), but even more so are the minimum average consumption figures: 1.1 liters at very moderate speeds in city traffic. Finally, the RX 350h model (from 77,300 euros) is a self-charging hybrid with a 2.5-liter petrol engine, producing 250 hp and accelerating from 0 to 100 in 7.9 seconds, with an approved medium of 6.3 liters .
The new RX features the third generation of Lexus Safety System Plus, featuring an enhanced Pre-Crash Safety System, new Proactive Driver Assistance and an optional Extended Safety Package. It is also available with the “safe exit” device, coupled with a new electronic door opening system, which prevents them from opening when vehicles or cyclists approach from behind.
The turbo petrol hybrid RX 500h model will be marketed exclusively in F Sport Performance trim and features large 21-inch 10-spoke matt black alloy wheels, black roof rails and door mirrors, an integrated grille with a special piano black mesh pattern, F Sport front and rear bumpers and additional black stainless steel trim on the doors and bumpers. Inside, it is equipped with a perforated leather steering wheel and gear lever, as well as special gauges, aluminum sports pedals and exclusive finishes. The RX 500h F Sport Performance features a dynamic rear steering system DRS, which automatically calculates the optimum steering angle for the rear wheels based on vehicle speed and direction. At low and medium speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, while at high speeds they turn in phase with the front axle. The maximum turning angle of the rear wheels has been increased to four degrees. The result is better maneuverability at low speeds and more stability at higher speeds.
Fitted as standard on Luxury and F Sport trims, Adaptive Variable Suspension AVS provides independent control of damping force at each wheel, resulting in greater comfort on uneven surfaces, greater damping force when cornering and superior driving stability. A finer adjustment of the damping force provides a smoother response to surface changes, as well as more agility, more control and less body movement.
The trunk is comparable in capacity to the current RX, although the new model has a shorter rear overhang. The volume is 612 liters with the rear seats in place, as well as the floor plate in the luggage compartment. That’s enough room for four 9.5-inch golf bags, or two 77-litre suitcases and two 63-litre suitcases. Under the boot floor there is more space for tools and small items. It also has roof rails, on which accessories such as boxes and bicycle racks can be placed. The use of the roof racks is compatible with the panoramic roof.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
