The 2016 Lexus RX350/450h: More Elegant And Better Equipped
When Lexus first unveiled the RX, nobody guessed it would be as popular as it is, not even the most optimistic fans. Its success has prompted competitors to build similar models in the category, and the RX has set the benchmark against which they are all compared.
Some 2.1 million units of the RX have been sold. The model is produced in Japan but assembled at the Toyota plant in Cambridge, Ontario, much to the chagrin of Toyota USA, who would have liked to oversee the job.
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But in the automotive world, success depends on improvement. That’s why Lexus unveiled a new generation of the RX at the New York Auto Show, in the massive Javits Convention Centre next to the Hudson River.
New style
The first thing you notice about the new-gen RX is the fully redesigned exterior, now more dynamic and modern. The front treatment is new and features the same hourglass grille seen on all Lexus models. As usual, the F-Sport trims wear it best. It’s worth noting that the hybrid version, called the 450h, will be offered for the first time as an F-Sport trim.
Flared fenders widen the vehicle, while character lines running through the side panels make it look more dynamic and sleeker. A section of the C-pillar is black, creating a floating roof effect. The same optical illusion was used on the Nissan Murano but, personally, I think it works better on the Lexus. Still on the topic of style, the L-shaped front and rear lamps include LED lights.
Inside, there’s a heads-up display, a 12.3-inch screen, heated rear seats and optional 11.6-inch screens for rear passengers mounted on the back of the front seats. It goes without saying that it’s all pulled off with the usual impeccable attention-to-detail.
Revamped mechanics (almost)
As always at Lexus/Toyota, the mechanical parts have been totally revamped. The same 3.5L V6 equips the new RX350, but it now produces 300 horsepower, which is 30 more than before. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX450h hybrid uses a 3.5L Atkinson-cycle V6 that also delivers 300 horsepower, with help from an electric motor. It connects to a continually variable transmission. Up front, there’s a MacPherson strut suspension and in the rear there’s a double wishbone setup. An adaptive suspension is also available as of 2016.
To optimize handling and reduce noise inside the cabin, the platform has been made much stiffer. This also makes the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System work better. Naturally, the vehicle comes with all-wheel drive. This year, the Lexus Safety System Plus has also been added. It includes a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beam and dynamic radar cruise control. Add to this a rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, as well as a panoramic display screen.
The F-Sport versions also come with an active stabilizer system to keep body roll in check on corners. These models come with 20-inch wheels and paddles shifters behind the steering wheel. What’s more, a Sport Plus mode was added to the offer, which already included Eco, Normal and Sport modes.
The new generation Lexus RX350 and RX450h are expected during the fourth quarter of 2015.