Lexus RX350: Same-same, but different

By Botchi Santos May 03,2016
LEXUS features the now famous Spindle Grill, plus the 3L headlights and the floating roof design.

LEXUS features the now famous Spindle Grill, plus the 3L headlights and the floating roof design.

The fourth generation Lexus RX, unveiled just a few months back on local shores, is a good mix of old and new, and I don’t mean old and new parts. It’s still the usual well-weighted, premium-feeling, comfortable riding, and highly efficient Lexus SUV that we know of, and it still looks like it’s of the same size and proportions as its predecessor, but in truth, underneath it all is a very different animal.

 

The RX350 now has four variants: the regular, F-Sport, Hybrid, and Hybrid F-Sport versions.

 

The regular and Sport come with the same 3.5-liter V6 engines code named 2GR-FKE, delivering 292 hp and 360 Newton-meters of torque, and driving the wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

 

The Sport also comes with an all-wheel drive utilizing clutch-packs to distribute power to the rear wheels, but drives the front wheels under normal conditions to save on fuel consumption.

 

The Hybrid comes with an Atkinson-cycle V6 version of the 2GR-FKE, which is essentially a high-compression version designed to deliver less emissions and better fuel efficiency, but also less power on its own at only 259 hp.

 

But when coupled to Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive System, the RX450h delivers a slightly more powerful 308 hp.

 

Lexus has been getting more aggressive of late, and the RX features the now famous Spindle Grill, plus the 3L headlights and the floating roof design which, in my opinion, at least masks the mid-size SUV’s size very well in a futuristic profile with hints of Star Wars.

 

The overall length is longer by five inches compared to its predecessor, while the wheelbase has actually grown  by two inches, improving interior space, refinement and comfort as well as increasing stability at high speeds.

 

It’s also a very safe SUV, with a standard 10 airbags as standard, traction/stability/vehicle dynamics control, ABS-EBD brakes with brake-assist—the usual stuff you will find in any high-end vehicle.

 

It likewise has parking sensors front and rear and a very wide screen rear-facing camera to boot, along with automatic rain-sensing wipers. As you can see, it’s loaded to the hilt.

 

The suspension is a Macpherson setup in the front with a multi-link rear. It’s actually firm compared to the previous RX model I’ve driven a few years back, providing just that little bit more useful feel, feedback, composure and stability at high speeds and dynamic driving situations.

 

Nonetheless, it’s still a very comfortable drive, one that women in particular will love. Indeed, the missus loved most the RX350 among all the test-drive units I brought home, saying how comfortable, refined, serene and quiet it was.

 

She even tried to move it around and out of our townhouse complex as we were shuffling cars about.

 

THE INTERIOR is properly luxurious, with a hint of Japanese/Zen minimalism.

THE INTERIOR is properly luxurious, with a hint of Japanese/Zen minimalism.

The ride comfort is impressive considering the RX350 rides on 20-inch wheels and 235/55R20 tires with the latest patented tire technology called EverGrip, i.e., the tires do not lose grip except in standing water as they wear away until completely slick bald.

 

Inside is what counts for the majority of longtime Lexus owners, so despite the new-age feel of the outside, the interior is properly luxurious, with a hint of Japanese/Zen minimalism.

 

You get a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with GPS/SATNAV, and a 9-speaker surround sound system with the Lexus equivalent of a multimedia control system featuring a multidirectional joystick in between the armrest and gearshift lever.

 

There’s also a drive mode select knob with three options: eco, normal, and sport+, which tweak the engine, transmission, suspension and the electric power steering’s weight and effort.

 

While many might decry the use of electric power steering, and the consequent reduction in feel (always a very subjective, difficult-to-quantify matter) in many modern cars, the Lexus RX350 seems to have improved feel as the steering is more responsive and alive compared to the slow, hydraulic setup which felt like the steering system was swimming in steel wool, with no feel or feedback whatsoever. The new electric system is better for it.

 

The front seats also adjust eight ways with power memory function, and the rear seats split-fold 60:40 to give impressive versatility.

 

Remember, the RX350 leads its segment in the US, the biggest SUV market in the world, and it did so not just by looking pretty, and being affordable and reliable.

 

The Lexus RX has to be useful, practical and versatile to claim that hotly contested spot against rivals from Audi, BMW, Land-Rover, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Substance underneath that style indeed.

 

So, how does the RX350 drive? Effortless best describes it. While there’s more feel and feedback through the steering wheel, brakes and suspension, the RX is still a cruiser at best.

Few cars can match the RX350’s absolute comfort and refinement. Need to drive from Manila to Baguio and back in a single day? Or nonstop from Manila to CamSur and beyond? How about a Ro-Ro trip to the Visayas or Mindanao?

 

The RX350 is your best bet if comfort and refinement, with a decent amount of fun behind the wheel is important to you.

 

Unfortunately, traffic-driving was the only thing in front of me over the weekend I had the RX350. Still, it returned a very decent 6.9-7.2 km/liter, and on a short trip down south, I got an encouraging 8.9-9.3 km/liter at a steady 100-110 km/h.

 

Front-wheel drive does have its benefits, as the RX350 in basic trim lacks the added weight of a rear axle, propeller shaft, transfer case and other associated hardware.

 

By my estimate, that’s at least a savings of 60 to 80 kg, if not more, which the equivalent of hauling one less person around all the time.

 

The missus loved the RX350, saying it was the most comfortable car I had taken home in recent times.

 

And that’s why the RX350 is a best-seller: It appeals to women and chauffeur-driven owners who need the time spent inside the car to rest, recuperate and catch up on some work.

 

The boot is huge, swallows golf bags, suitcases and large boxes with ease, and you can plop down the second row seats and fill the inside to the brim with a bike, small boards, or in my case, car parts.

 

The RX350 isn’t flashy. It might not have the snob appeal of its European competitors, or offer the best driving experience of more focused rivals.

 

But to 99 percent of the driving public, the RX350 is a perfect daily driver. If I won the lotto, you can bet I’ll be getting one for the missus and me.

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