Lexus RX 350: If looks could kill

LEXUS’ trademark spindle grille, extremely enlarged, dominates the facade of the 2016 RX 350.

Photos by Aida Sevilla-Mendoza

THE FIRST thing that stuns you about the 2016 Lexus RX 350 is its gigantic maw—or rather, the trademark spindle grille of Lexus, extremely enlarged. The polarizing front grille heralds what the rest of the ultra-edgy fourth generation Lexus RX looks like with its starkly chiseled body.

The 2016 Lexus RX 350 made its global debut at the New York International Auto Show on April 1, 2015. The five-passenger midsize crossover SUV is the best seller in Lexus’ 26-year history with global sales of more than 2.1 million units.

Lexus claims that the RX represents three out of 10 vehicles that the luxury car division of Toyota Motor has sold worldwide.

The RX 350 has also posted top sales figures among all models offered by Lexus Manila, which offers the RX 350 in two variants: the front-wheel-drive Premier (P4.08 million) and the all-wheel-drive F Sport (P4.938 million.)

As in other markets around the world, the RX 350 has gained a reputation among discerning car owners here for its comfortable, luxurious and supremely quiet ride quality.

But comfort in itself can be boring, so Lexus must have decided to overhaul the RX’s image by adding sharper style, more space and cutting-edge technology, while retaining the car-like plushness that keeps current owners happy.

Edgy exterior

The exterior of the new Lexus with its creases, sharp edges and character lines is shockingly different from its predecessor.

The familiar spindle-shaped grille, greatly enlarged, looks aggressive and somewhat overdone.

L-SHAPED LED taillights wrapped around the sides and a prominent rear spoiler

The emboldened spindle grille is supplemented by a more aggressive front bumper, triple L-shaped LED headlamps, new fog lamps, LED daytime running lights, muscular front fender flares, chrome-plated borders, and blacked-out C pillars that create the illusion of a floating roofline.

The chiseled rear is highlighted by L-shaped LED taillights that wrap around the sides of the vehicle plus a prominent rear spoiler.

THE LEATHER-CLAD, gadget-rich cockpit features a 12.3-inch infotainment screen on top of the dash.

To improve interior space for passengers, Lexus increased the wheelbase by 1.9 inches, the overall length by 4.7 inches, and width by 0.4 inch.

The aluminum hood and hatch helped to reduce weight, and the engine mounts were repositioned to minimize noise, vibration and harshness.

To provide a more dynamic driving experience, the front strut and rear control-arm suspension were retuned and reworked, the speed-sensing electric power steering was optimized, and 20-inch alloy wheels became standard equipment.

Plush interior

The RX 350 looks daring, but step into the cabin and the controversial, edgy exterior fades into a curvaceous, plush and impeccably crafted excellence of interior design.

THE 3.5-LITER V6, 292-horsepower engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The quality level of interior materials used has been upgraded with leather as standard upholstering for the seats and covering the multifunction steering wheel and shift lever boot. In the deep blue mica test unit, the leather was Noble Brown with black trim.

The raised ride height and slimmed roofline make the new RX’s profile sleeker and less SUV-like, but generous headroom and legroom remain in both seating rows.

With a lower, driver-focused dashboard and a lower seating position, the 2016 RX 350 is more car-like than its predecessors but retains the elevated view of the surroundings that makes crossovers so popular.

The front seats with power lumbar support are ultracomfy while the 40/20/40 split second row slides and reclines, but the backrest does not quite fold completely flat to increase cargo space.

With the second row seats up, there are 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind. With the backseat folded, it increases to 56.3 cubic inches.

THE COMFY Noble Brown leather backseat is more spacious due to the stretched wheelbase.

The 2016 RX offers more interior space such as 1.2 inches more legroom due to the longer wheelbase.

An impressive 12.3-inch infotainment monitor offering a full-width map display sits on top of the dashboard.

The audio system with nine speakers is user-friendly unlike in other luxury crossovers that have complicated infotainment systems.

Keyless entry with stop/start button, automatic dual zone air-conditioning, backup camera, clearance and reverse sensors, and electric parking brake make driving the RX 350 so much easier.

On the other hand, Lexus skimped on two standard features: The back door is not power-operated with auto and easy closer, while the front doors have no locking/unlocking buttons for smart keyless entry.

Overall, however, comfort and interior quality are still key strengths of the redesigned 2016 RX 350.

Performance

The 3.5-liter V6 direct injection, 24-valve, DOHC gasoline engine with dual VVT-I produces 292 brake horsepower and 360 Newton-meters max torque.

A new eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the six-speed AT of old, which means a slight improvement in fuel economy.

Lexus has redesigned the cylinder head and added variable valve timing on the intake side, enhancing the engine’s horsepower and torque for strong acceleration and quick overtaking maneuvers.

However, its acceleration and power are merely sufficient and fall short of sporty. The standard RX steering setup and suspension tuning do not instill the same confidence and control provided by most rivals.

The RX 350 is quiet and silky smooth in operation, but sporty performance may be too much to expect.

While the RX 350 comes with dampers and electric power steering that automatically adjusts to the driving situation, there is not much feedback.

Ride quality

But when it comes to ride quality, the RX 350 is unbeatable.

The ride of the 2016 RX feels more luxurious and quiet, building on Lexus’ reputation of smooth serenity.

BEHIND the backseat, 18.4 cubic feet of expandable cargo space

The retuned chassis, with MacPherson strut suspension in front, double wishbone at the rear, and ventilated disc brakes on all four 20-inch alloy wheels, seems more composed and more buttoned down than before.

The RX 350 can traverse Metro Manila’s bad roads with aplomb, as it absorbs bumps, speed humps and potholes so quietly and smoothly that its occupants usually don’t even notice a thing.

Passengers ride the RX 350 with the assurance that its 10 airbags, along with the usual ABS with EBD and brake assist, vehicle stability control and traction control will keep them safe on the road.

Bottom line

The 2016 Lexus RX 350 looks ultra edgy and starkly different from its competitors on the outside, but inside, it is a posh, plush-riding crossover SUV, technologically updated, and dynamically modernized.

It remains one of the most comfortable and quietest luxury SUVs available, which is why it is Lexus’ best-selling model.

However, that’s about it.

If you want something with more passion, go to the German and Italian brands—but be prepared for higher maintenance costs.