Source: Motorpress /Lexus South Africa
UPDATED: WORLD PREMIERE OF THE ALL-NEW LEXUS RX
Powertrain line-up that includes the introduction of PHEVs to meet diverse customer needs, while contributing to the realisation of a carbon-neutral society
The rebirth of a global core model symbolises the innovative excellence of Lexus
Lexus has premiered its new luxury crossover, the RX, online today. Since the brand was established in 1989, Lexus has always maintained a spirit of innovation and continues to take on the challenge of providing new technologies and value to its customers. Based on the electrification vision "Lexus Electrified" announced in 2019, Lexus aims to achieve a significant improvement in fundamental performance using electrification technologies and provide practical electrified vehicle solutions such as Hybrids (HEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).
The fifth-generation RX undergoes a complete renewal, pursuing the Lexus Driving Signature performance and next-generation Lexus design
By 2030, the brand will achieve a full line-up of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in all categories, and by 2035, aims to sell 100% BEVs globally, contributing to the realisation of a carbon-neutral society.
The original RX 300 pioneered a new segment – the luxury crossover – when it debuted in 1998. Building upon this, in 2005, Lexus launched its first HEV model, the RX400h, the world’s first hybrid luxury crossover. As a pioneer of electric vehicles, Lexus has always pursued both excellent driving performance and environmental performance and, from 1998 to the end of April 2022, they have sold a cumulative total of approximately 3.5 million vehicles in 95 countries and regions. As a Lexus core model, the RX has evolved with the support of many customers around the world.
The new RX, now in its fifth generation, is a pioneer in the luxury crossover market and has undergone a complete renewal. The first challenge was to create a car that was fun to drive and one that could have dialogue with the driver. The "Lexus Driving Signature" evolves even further by thoroughly improving the vehicle's fundamentals, while maintaining the refined ride and high level of quietness that are the origins of the Lexus brand.
A variety of powertrains are now available. The RX will fulfil its mission as a global core model that contributes to the realisation of a carbon-neutral society, while staying close to the increasingly diversified needs and lifestyles of customers. Following the RZ, DIRECT4 all-wheel drive force system using electrification technology is available on the new RX500h F SPORT Performance grade (not available in SA at launch). This precise four-wheel drive control works in conjunction with a newly-developed hybrid system to maximise the front and rear wheel grip and provide posture control.
The second challenge was to transform the design. Lexus takes on the challenge of creating a unique identity through the use of the "spindle body", which provides ample cooling functionality with a powerful design style that conveys the new driving experience. The interior design is based on the human-centred Tazuna concept, which aims to create a driver's seat that allows a deeper and more intuitive connection between car and driver for exhilarating driving, as well as a spacious and comfortable passenger space.
Main Product Features of the all -new RX
1. Amplification of vehicle fundamentals and improved Lexus Driving Signature
. A package with optimal weight distribution
. GA-K platform equipped with multi-link rear suspension for high dynamic performance
. Overall length is the same, the wheelbase is 60 mm longer and the tread is widened by 15 mm in the front and 45 mm in the rear, resulting in a package that reduces the yaw moment of inertia.
2. Diverse line-up of powertrains to tailor to customers’ needs and lifestyles (varies per region)
. 2.4-litre turbo charged HEV DIRECT4 achieves a new driving experience using electrification technology
. 2.5-litre PHEV E-Four achieves class-leading EV cruising range and powerful acceleration performance
. 2.5-litre HEV E-Four/FF achieves low fuel consumption and an exhilarating driving feel
. 2.4-litre turbocharged AWD achieves torque-filled dynamic performance
3.New expression of the Lexus front identity, originating at the spindle body
. Cockpit that maximises driving pleasure
. Open expansive space that embraces all passengers
. Exterior colours that express captivating uniqueness and luxury with interior colours that create a sophisticated space and experience
4. Latest preventive safety features based on a human-centred approach
. Advanced preventive safety technology Lexus Safety System +
. Lexus Teammate for comfortable mobility
. New Experiential Value using Advanced Technology
“In the new RX, we pursued a balanced sense of quietness, where no particular sound stood out, and where it was unaffected by changes in road surface or surrounding environments. Following the footsteps of the NX, the new model features: an opening weather strip and front /rear door glass weather strip to improve door sealing, a twin-lock structure to suppress engine hood vibration, and high sound insulation front door glass,” states Lexus.
Impressive Exterior Changes
For the rear view, a simple, strong mass flows out horizontally to achieve a stance with a wide, low centre of gravity. A sense of power and strength is therefore projected. The rear combination lamps feature an L-shaped horizontal signature with lenses that wrap around the body’s sides to emphasise a wider silhouette with a lower centre of gravity.
Spindle Body, the new Lexus Identity
The spindle design, a symbol of Lexus, is now expressed as a three-dimensional mass, evolving into a new expression called the spindle body. At the front, the body colour is brought down to the lower edge of the Lexus emblem, emphasising the strength of the design, as well as the mathematical beauty of the grill gradation. Combined with cooling functionality, the seamless expression of the fusion between body and grill expresses strength and a low centre of gravity, pushing the boundaries of expressing a new identity and uniqueness.
A Diverse Powertrain Line-up for Diverse Needs
The new RX offers a diverse line-up of powertrains focused on meeting customers’ needs in various countries and regions around the world. The line-up includes RX 450h+ (2.5-litre inline-four plug-in hybrid system) delivering class-leading EV range and powerful acceleration performance, RX 350h (2.5-litre inline-four hybrid system) delivering low fuel consumption and an exhilarating driving feel, and RX 350 (2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four) delivering a torque-filled dynamic driving performance. Other markets will have the RX 500h (2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four hybrid system).
The 2.5-litre PHEV and 2.4-litre turbo models are available with all-wheel drive (AWD), and the 2.5-litre HEV is available in either AWD or front-wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain configuration.
Cockpit that maximises Driving Enjoyment
The cockpit was designed based on the Tazuna concept; a new cockpit design concept refines the human-centred philosophy present in Lexus’ vehicle crafting. The steering wheel switches are highly integrated with the head-up display to create a space where the driver can concentrate on driving. Navigation, audio, and various functions can be controlled without the need for extra eye movement or complicated switch operations. The centre display can be had in 14-inch or 9.8-inch sizes, with many functions integrated into its soft switches. Designers paid close attention to details such as the size, shape, layout, and information of switches, pursuing the optimum placement and shape for intuitive operation, while also taking the frequency of use of each function into consideration.
Safety Features
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA): This function, adopted from NX, supports driving operation to avoid dangerous situations, by anticipating risks according to the driving situation, such as crossing pedestrians or potential hazards that may jump out, for the driver's peace of mind.
The following optional functions, used in conjunction with the driver monitor, support Lexus’ customer driving:- Pre-Collision Safety, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (with all-speed following function), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Abnormal Driver condition response system: If the driver's posture is significantly compromised during lane tracing assist LTA control, the system judges that it is difficult for the driver to continue driving and warns others by flashing hazard lamps, etc., while the vehicle gradually decelerates. The vehicle will stop within the lane.
More impressive details and specification, pricing and availability will be shared at launch timing. Lexus South Africa plans to introduce the new RX in line with its global release, which will market early 2023.
The fifth-generation RX undergoes a complete renewal, pursuing the Lexus Driving Signature performance and next-generation Lexus design
By 2030, the brand will achieve a full line-up of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in all categories, and by 2035, aims to sell 100% BEVs globally, contributing to the realisation of a carbon-neutral society.
The original RX 300 pioneered a new segment – the luxury crossover – when it debuted in 1998. Building upon this, in 2005, Lexus launched its first HEV model, the RX400h, the world’s first hybrid luxury crossover. As a pioneer of electric vehicles, Lexus has always pursued both excellent driving performance and environmental performance and, from 1998 to the end of April 2022, they have sold a cumulative total of approximately 3.5 million vehicles in 95 countries and regions. As a Lexus core model, the RX has evolved with the support of many customers around the world.
The new RX, now in its fifth generation, is a pioneer in the luxury crossover market and has undergone a complete renewal. The first challenge was to create a car that was fun to drive and one that could have dialogue with the driver. The "Lexus Driving Signature" evolves even further by thoroughly improving the vehicle's fundamentals, while maintaining the refined ride and high level of quietness that are the origins of the Lexus brand.
A variety of powertrains are now available. The RX will fulfil its mission as a global core model that contributes to the realisation of a carbon-neutral society, while staying close to the increasingly diversified needs and lifestyles of customers. Following the RZ, DIRECT4 all-wheel drive force system using electrification technology is available on the new RX500h F SPORT Performance grade (not available in SA at launch). This precise four-wheel drive control works in conjunction with a newly-developed hybrid system to maximise the front and rear wheel grip and provide posture control.
The second challenge was to transform the design. Lexus takes on the challenge of creating a unique identity through the use of the "spindle body", which provides ample cooling functionality with a powerful design style that conveys the new driving experience. The interior design is based on the human-centred Tazuna concept, which aims to create a driver's seat that allows a deeper and more intuitive connection between car and driver for exhilarating driving, as well as a spacious and comfortable passenger space.
Main Product Features of the all -new RX
1. Amplification of vehicle fundamentals and improved Lexus Driving Signature
. A package with optimal weight distribution
. GA-K platform equipped with multi-link rear suspension for high dynamic performance
. Overall length is the same, the wheelbase is 60 mm longer and the tread is widened by 15 mm in the front and 45 mm in the rear, resulting in a package that reduces the yaw moment of inertia.
2. Diverse line-up of powertrains to tailor to customers’ needs and lifestyles (varies per region)
. 2.4-litre turbo charged HEV DIRECT4 achieves a new driving experience using electrification technology
. 2.5-litre PHEV E-Four achieves class-leading EV cruising range and powerful acceleration performance
. 2.5-litre HEV E-Four/FF achieves low fuel consumption and an exhilarating driving feel
. 2.4-litre turbocharged AWD achieves torque-filled dynamic performance
3.New expression of the Lexus front identity, originating at the spindle body
. Cockpit that maximises driving pleasure
. Open expansive space that embraces all passengers
. Exterior colours that express captivating uniqueness and luxury with interior colours that create a sophisticated space and experience
4. Latest preventive safety features based on a human-centred approach
. Advanced preventive safety technology Lexus Safety System +
. Lexus Teammate for comfortable mobility
. New Experiential Value using Advanced Technology
“In the new RX, we pursued a balanced sense of quietness, where no particular sound stood out, and where it was unaffected by changes in road surface or surrounding environments. Following the footsteps of the NX, the new model features: an opening weather strip and front /rear door glass weather strip to improve door sealing, a twin-lock structure to suppress engine hood vibration, and high sound insulation front door glass,” states Lexus.
Impressive Exterior Changes
For the rear view, a simple, strong mass flows out horizontally to achieve a stance with a wide, low centre of gravity. A sense of power and strength is therefore projected. The rear combination lamps feature an L-shaped horizontal signature with lenses that wrap around the body’s sides to emphasise a wider silhouette with a lower centre of gravity.
Spindle Body, the new Lexus Identity
The spindle design, a symbol of Lexus, is now expressed as a three-dimensional mass, evolving into a new expression called the spindle body. At the front, the body colour is brought down to the lower edge of the Lexus emblem, emphasising the strength of the design, as well as the mathematical beauty of the grill gradation. Combined with cooling functionality, the seamless expression of the fusion between body and grill expresses strength and a low centre of gravity, pushing the boundaries of expressing a new identity and uniqueness.
A Diverse Powertrain Line-up for Diverse Needs
The new RX offers a diverse line-up of powertrains focused on meeting customers’ needs in various countries and regions around the world. The line-up includes RX 450h+ (2.5-litre inline-four plug-in hybrid system) delivering class-leading EV range and powerful acceleration performance, RX 350h (2.5-litre inline-four hybrid system) delivering low fuel consumption and an exhilarating driving feel, and RX 350 (2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four) delivering a torque-filled dynamic driving performance. Other markets will have the RX 500h (2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four hybrid system).
The 2.5-litre PHEV and 2.4-litre turbo models are available with all-wheel drive (AWD), and the 2.5-litre HEV is available in either AWD or front-wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain configuration.
Cockpit that maximises Driving Enjoyment
The cockpit was designed based on the Tazuna concept; a new cockpit design concept refines the human-centred philosophy present in Lexus’ vehicle crafting. The steering wheel switches are highly integrated with the head-up display to create a space where the driver can concentrate on driving. Navigation, audio, and various functions can be controlled without the need for extra eye movement or complicated switch operations. The centre display can be had in 14-inch or 9.8-inch sizes, with many functions integrated into its soft switches. Designers paid close attention to details such as the size, shape, layout, and information of switches, pursuing the optimum placement and shape for intuitive operation, while also taking the frequency of use of each function into consideration.
Safety Features
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA): This function, adopted from NX, supports driving operation to avoid dangerous situations, by anticipating risks according to the driving situation, such as crossing pedestrians or potential hazards that may jump out, for the driver's peace of mind.
The following optional functions, used in conjunction with the driver monitor, support Lexus’ customer driving:- Pre-Collision Safety, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (with all-speed following function), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Abnormal Driver condition response system: If the driver's posture is significantly compromised during lane tracing assist LTA control, the system judges that it is difficult for the driver to continue driving and warns others by flashing hazard lamps, etc., while the vehicle gradually decelerates. The vehicle will stop within the lane.
More impressive details and specification, pricing and availability will be shared at launch timing. Lexus South Africa plans to introduce the new RX in line with its global release, which will market early 2023.
Lexus has premiered its new luxury crossover, the RX, online today.
The new RX, now in its fifth generation