Lexus launches all-new RX crossover and refreshed LX SUV

A TIMELY refresh for the LX570

LEXUS Manila launched not one but two new model families last week. First unveiled was the all-new RX crossover. It’s the latest generation of the RX, which has been among Lexus’ most consistently popular models.

Since 2009, the midsize RX has proven to be the right-sized vehicle for many Lexus customers, as it combines the flexible interior and tall ride height of an SUV with the comfort of a sedan. Also helping the RX to success was its subtle and pleasantly nondescript appearance.

Now all that has changed, as the all-new RX is all sharp creases and pronounced curves. Up front is an extra-large helping of Lexus’ trademark spindle grille.

This gives the new RX a huge predator-like grin. The grille has a chrome-plated border and is flanked by triple L-shaped LED headlamps. Eighteen additional LEDs act as animated turn signals: They flash in the direction of the turn.

The RX goes for a floating roof effect, with blacked-out C-pillars, accentuating the car’s newfound dramatic style.

Lexus Manila president Daniel Isla said: “Lexus will redefine luxury by getting out of the conservative box. Lexus will combine elegance with modern expressions of boldness and fierceness without losing the sophistication and refinement of luxury.”

The RX is powered by a choice of gasoline and gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains. The first is a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine that promises smooth and refined operation.

With gasoline direct injection, the Lexus V6 generates 291 horsepower and 360 Newton-meters of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

LX IS powered by a 5.7-liter 32-valve gasoline V8.

The hybrid, based on Lexus and Toyota’s most prominent technology, pairs the 3.5-liter V6 with a hybrid drivetrain. The combined system power is 308 hp, with torque at 335 Nm.

Safety features of the Lexus RX include dual front and side airbags, rear side airbags, driver’s knee bag and side curtain airbags.

Then there are the F-Sport variants. F-Sport adds visual and performance trim to the Lexus RX. Handling and ride are enhanced by adaptive variable shock dampers and active stabilizer system.

TOYOTA Philippines president Michinobu Sugata, Lexus Manila chair Alfred Ty, Paul Williamsen of Lexus International and Lexus Manila president Danny Islaphotos by ardie lopez

There’s also a sound generator that uses air intake pulsations to enhance engine sounds from mid to high revolutions per minute.

F-Sport variants get quilted leather seats, available in the exclusive dark rose hue. Shift lever, steering wheel and pedals get the F-Sport treatment, too. On the instrument panel is an 8-inch LCD display with a large circular gauge combining tachometer and digital speedometer.

The RX is available in graphite black glass flake, amber crystal shine, deep blue mica, sonic quartz, sonic titanium, red mica crystal shine and white nova glass flake. The paint finish is coated with a highly scratch-resistant self-restoring layer, based on a high-performance “macromolecular” polymer.

The material is highly elastic, helping it to resist wear and tear from everyday events such as car washes and fingernail marks. This helps the RX to retain its gloss and color for longer.

VIDEO screens for rear seat passengers

The RX comes with aluminum wheels, including 20-inch 10-spoke sets for the premier and hybrid variants. The F-sport version gets its own 20-inch multispoke wheels.

The RX interior is designed to be roomy for five passengers. The crossover has a lowered rear floor section, giving a seating position comparable to that of the large Lexus LS sedan. There’s also a large 521-liter cargo space good enough for four large suitcases or “multiple” golf bags.

The rear door can open the rear hatch without even touching it—simply place your hand near the Lexus badge on the rear.

The Lexus RX starts with the RX350 Premier at P4.068 million, while the RX350 F-Sport goes for P4.938 million. The RX450h hybrid retails for P5.978 million.

The second model to roll out at the Lexus Manila showroom was the flagship SUV, the LX 570. The LX gets a timely refresh to update its myriad features.

The only parts retained from the previous models are the door panels. The LX gets a large spindle grille, too, this time trimmed in satin chrome. LED headlamps, turn signals, fog lights and cornering lights are all standard equipment.

THE RX350 F-Sport

The LX 570 is a body-on-frame SUV, with the ability to tackle offroad courses with aplomb. The full-time all-wheel-drive system uses a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential. The differential can distribute torque to the axle with more grip, and the driver can lock the center diff for better traction offroad.

As before, the LX features independent suspension all around, with double wishbones up front and four-link type at the rear.

The drivetrain and suspension can be dialed in from Eco mode, which adjusts the powertrain and air-conditioning for better fuel economy; Comfort mode; Sport S with increased response and stiffer steering; and Sport S+ that firms up the dampers further for better handling.

LX is powered by a 5.7-liter 32-valve gasoline V8 with 362 horsepower and 530 Newton-meters. It’s paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the LX features ventilated middle-row seats, a Climate Concierge that monitors fan and seat temperature of the four separate climate zones.

There’s an available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with 11.6-inch video screens. Up front, there’s a 12.3-inch display with a remote touch interface and full-screen navigation display. The display can go split-screen, allowing the driver to control different functions such as navigation and audio simultaneously.

Standard features include power tilt and telescopic steering wheel with memory, power-folding third row, power-adjustable front and middle row seats. The hatchback also has power open and close, with soft close function.

The LX570 luxury SUV lists at P7.648 million.

Isla also took the opportunity to announce that the Lexus Manila facility has expanded its service reception area to accommodate the growing number of its customers.