premium electrification

The new Lexus RX will be available from January 2023, starting at 77,300 euros

With more than 3.5 million units sold worldwide since its launch in 1998 and more than 300,000 in Europe, this fifth-generation RX is essential for the future strategy of electrification of the preeminent Japanese premium brand. The new Lexus RX can now be booked online, although the first copies will not reach potential buyers until January next year. Just go to the Lexus website, fill out a form and make a reservation of 1,000 euros. The Lexus RX will have four trim levels: Business, Executive, Luxury and F SPORT. In addition, it includes the Lexus Relax service with all finishes, extending the warranty to 10 years.

Lexus has further developed its new design language for the new RX. It features the new “double-pointed body” obtained by integrating the double-arrowhead concept through the front of the vehicle. It is instantly recognizable as an RX, but now with a more dynamic and elegant styling. Inside, the driver-focused cabin offers direct and intuitive control of the vehicle, enhancing the driving experience, enhanced by a new 35.56 cm (14-inch) touchscreen.

Lexus has optimized classic crossover fundamentals with a redesigned platform, which offers high body rigidity and a low center of gravity. The new RX is available in a range of three electrified variants: the RX 450h plus with plug-in hybrid technology, the RX 350h hybrid, which offers an efficient alternative to turbo diesel and petrol engines with smaller displacement, and the first turbo petrol hybrid of the brand to date, the RX 500h, which comes with the DIRECT 4 all-wheel drive. As the most outstanding elements in the field of active safety, the new Lexus RX has the Safety System+3, an improved pre-collision system and a new assistance proactive for the driver. The RX also features the latest multimedia platform, with the ‘Hey Lexus’ voice assistant and the Lexus Link app.

Lexus has used its more than 15 years of experience in electrification to offer the RX 450 h plus electric plug-in hybrid model (starting at €84,500), which features a 2.5 liter hybrid petrol engine with four cylinders and a rechargeable battery of 18.1 kWh. An additional electric motor at the rear enables constant four-wheel drive. The plug-in system generates 306 hp and is expected to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7 seconds. The maximum speed has not yet been given, pending the results of the homologation. The size and capacity of the lithium battery together provide a range in electric mode of at least 65 km (prediction, also pending homologation), and allows driving in electric mode up to a speed of 135 km/h. A key element of Lexus’ new plug-in hybrid is that fuel economy and low CO2 emissions are maintained, even with a flat battery, when the RX 450h plus’s self-charging hybrid system kicks in.

The RX 500 h F Sport’s new turbo-hybrid powertrain (for €107,300) is Lexus’ first turbocharged hybrid, designed for maximum performance. With the power generated by the electric drive in combination with a 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, it develops 371 hp, with a lightning acceleration (accelerates from 0 to 100 in just 6 seconds) and, presumably, with a very good sports behaviour, assured on almost any terrain thanks to the permanent four-wheel drive.

The DIRECT 4 “intelligent” traction system constantly distributes power and torque between the front and rear axles in every driving situation, automatically and continuously alternating tractive effort between the two, faster than any mechanical system. At the rear, it is equipped with an 80 kW electric motor and an electronic control unit between the rear wheels. Being a high-performance hybrid, calipers are mounted on the front brakes for more powerful braking, as well as dynamic rear steering, which determines the optimal steering angle for the rear wheels to provide more stability at the rear. maneuverability at low speed.

Finally, the smoothness and efficiency of the classic hybrid powertrain have been further enhanced with the introduction of fourth-generation Lexus technology in the new RX 350h, starting at €77,300. This unit with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine develops 245 hp and enables acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8 seconds. It is comparable in performance to the current RX 450 h, generates less CO2 emissions and will be a good alternative to vehicles with turbo diesel engines for drivers who prioritize driving comfort, fuel consumption and cost per kilometre.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

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.