Lexus reveals the fifth generation of the RX, a completely reinvented model that opens a new chapter for the original luxury SUV.
The pioneering RX has become a Lexus best-seller over the last two decades, with more than 3.5 million sold worldwide since its introduction in 1998 – including more than 300,000 in Europe. The new model will be pivotal to the brand’s Lexus Electrified strategy.
Koji Sato, President of Lexus International, said: “For the all-new RX we were determined to keep the Lexus DNA of supreme quality, ride comfort and refinement and elevate the driving experience to the next level, delivering a unique Lexus driving signature”.
Together with the recently launched NX and newly revealed RZ, RX will help build the ‘Next Chapter’ of the Lexus brand. These three models represent the strongest offensive yet by Lexus in the D-E Premium SUV market, the heart of the company’s business.
Lexus has further developed its ‘Next Chapter’ design language for the new RX. This includes a new ‘spindle body’ that integrates the familiar spindle grille concept into the entire front of the vehicle. The RX team were also inspired by the RX’s rich design heritage. The result is a car that is instantly recognisable as an RX, but with a more dynamic, elegant and confident character.
Inside, the ‘Tazuna’ cockpit is focused on giving the driver direct, intuitive control of the vehicle, following the principal of ‘hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.’ It also improves the driving experience with its clean layout and new 14inch touchscreen.
Three electrified variants will be available in Europe. The core model for the UK and Western Europe is the RX 450h+ featuring Lexus’s benchmark plug-in hybrid electric technology. With the new RX 350h, Lexus introduces an efficient alternative to smaller diesel and petrol powertrains. And for those drivers looking for more exhilarating performance, Lexus introduces its first turbocharged hybrid model, the RX 500h, which comes with DIRECT4 drive force control.
To craft the new RX’s ‘Lexus Driving Signature’, Lexus optimised fundamental elements such as the centre of gravity, inertia specifications, weight reduction, rigidity, and powertrain to create a more natural dialogue between car and driver. The improved handling and responsiveness come from an enhanced GA-K platform that delivers high body rigidity and a low centre of gravity.
Leveraging Lexus’s world-class safety technology, the RX is equipped with third generation Lexus Safety System+, with improved Pre-Collision System, new Proactive Driver Assist and Extended Safety Package. It also features the latest multimedia platform with Hey Lexus voice assistant and functions accessible via the Lexus Link app.
Details of the all-new RX range, specifications, equipment grades and availability timing in each global market will be announced in due course, closer to the time of the model’s market launch.
A pioneering story
On its launch in 1998, the RX 300 became the world’s first premium SUV, creating a completely new car segment, with styling, acceleration, handling and quietness worthy of a luxury car. In 2005, the RX 400h became the world’s first luxury hybrid electric car, featuring a revolutionary powertrain that combined a V6 petrol engine with a potent electric motor. This technological breakthrough served as a launchpad for Lexus’s entire hybrid model line-up. Praised by customers for its comfort, refinement and quality, the RX became the first Lexus model to adopt Lexus Safety System+ technology, in 2016. Three years later, it showcased the world’s first BladeScan™ Adaptive High-beam System, a technology which uses a rotating blade-shaped mirror for enhanced illumination from LED headlights.
*Article Source www.lexus.co.uk
