The new Lexus RX is presented with a brand new, much more dynamic and more aggressive form in the interior while maintaining a high level of comfort and luxury.

Lexus sales figures are climbing

Perhaps thanks to a new design approach, which was already used in a smaller hybrid RX, or simply due to the fact that the effect of the world’s economic crisis is in decline, the good times are promised for a Lexus brand. Not only better, last year, a month before the end of 2015, the Japanese already achieved a record year. It is interesting that record sales were not achieved only in the total world sales. The success was achieved in all individual markets, including Russia, which is otherwise struggling with as much as 20-percent decline in sales. So Lexus, for example, in 2011 sold a little over 400 thousand cars, last year more than 580 thousand, and the sales figures for this year should have ended with approximately 50 thousand more cars sold.

Lexus RX – one of the main aces

One of the most meritorious models of this success is also a Lexus RX Hybrid. Since 1998 and until today Lexus RX convinced more than 2.2 million customers. During this period three different generations were presented. Now, in its fourth edition, besides all known (luxury, comfort and hybrid drive), Lexus RX also brings a completely fresh design. If we wrote that it is only dynamic, it would not be enough. Lexus RX is namely lurking aggression from every angle, it has smooth and cut off lines and sharp edges. We like it. But we are sure that some more conservative users will have some complaints.

Lexus RX interior more conservative than exterior, but still modern

On the other hand, those customers  will be a lot more comfortable with the Lexus RX interior. This remains an elegant, prestigious and luxurious. Lexus is proud to cooperate with Yamaha, which is also famous for its elegant pianos. Quite like this (and laser-treated) wood awaits the driver and passenger in the center console between the front seats. If anything, this certainly does not work cheap, but it is of course sensitive to fingerprints and dust. The remaining of the interior is pleasant. Steering wheel sits nicely in the hand, gauges are transparent and, depending on the level of equipment, even different in design. Basically, there are two separate gauges in front of the driver’s eyes, speedometer and tachometer.

Of course, the hybrid version has only one. The one that besides the vehicle speed shows the electrical power consumption. Only one gauge is a bit unfortunate, the one which combines a number of motor revolutions and speed, even in the sports version equipment F Sport. Here we would expect two separate and clearly visible gauges, not only one combined. But with this equipment the seats are much better (and really sportier), as well as the overall feeling in the car.

The big screen of the infotainment system at the top of the dashboard is really big. The diagonal is more than 31 cm, which allows a lot of adjustment, including a choice of three divided display sectors. It is also necessary to mention the US audio system by Mark Levinson, which surely ranks among the leaders in the automotive industry .

More interior space, useful electric help

Due to the 12 centimeters longer and one centimeter wider exterior there is consequently more space in the interior. The driver and passenger sit perfectly. The space in the last row is a little dependant on how big the front passengers are. Folding rear seats to increase the luggage capacity can be done with the help of electricity. The rear bench can be divided in the ratio of 40:20:40, and returning folded seats to their original position is also electrically powered. Basically, the luggage compartment offers 553 liters (539 in hybrid), while with folded seats 1,626 (or 1,612) liters.

Lexus RX Hybrid is the one to choose

Lexus RX will be available with three engines. The 3.5-liter six-cylinder petrol engine is available only in the Russian market. This leaves only two options for the rest of the world. A basis is two-liter turbo petrol engine (known from the NX model), which is expected to attract around 10 percent of buyers. However, as expected from the Japanese, the 90 percent majority will decide for the Lexus RX Hybrid.

The two-liter petrol engine offers 235 hp, but it seems that this option has (too) much work with approximately 1,900-kilogram car. It is different with a hybrid system, where the renovated 3.5-liter straight V6 now offers 262 hp, an electric motor, which remained unchanged, adds 235 hp more. Both petrol and electric motors combined gives a total system power of 308 hp.

On account of the two electric motors on each wheel on the front axle, Lexus RX has constant four-wheel drive. The power is transferred to the wheels through CVT automatic gearbox that performs slightly better in position Sport. In the 200T model  the buyers can choose between front or all-wheel drive, the gear shifting is in the domain of a six-speed automatic transmission.

Both models are, as far as driving feelings are concerned, more than average. Because of the new chassis the car is not inclined even during fast cornering. The optional equipment offers the suspension with automatic adjustment to the surface on which the car drives. Lexus RX offers exceptionally quiet and comfortable ride on account of improved sound insulation.

The power of the hybrid version proves in demanding driving conditions, the additional electric power shows even when overtaking or driving uphill. Sadly, the electric juice runs out very fast. Driving Lexus RX 400h purely on electricity (with full battery) lasts only about two kilometers. Such a journey may be selected by pressing on an EV button.

However, the new RX compared to its predecessor progress in security-assistance systems. There are many more available than before. The projection to the windscreen is also new. It is one of the largest and (if the driver desires so), consist of a lot of different information.

Technical data, Lexus RX 450h

Engine (design): petrol, 6-cylinder.
Displacement (cm3): 3,456.
Maximum power: petrol engine 262 hp at 6000 rpm, electric engines 235 hp, total system power 308 hp.
Maximum torque: 335 Nm at 4,600 rpm + 335 front, 139 rear from electric motors.
Gearbox: E-CVT, all-wheel drive.

Dimensions, Lexus RX 450h

Wheelbase: 2,790 mm.
Length: 4,890 mm.
Width: 1,895 mm.
Height (mm): 1,685 mm.
Luggage capacity: 539 l / 1,612 l.
Weight (kg): 2100 – 2210.

Performance, Lexus RX 450h

Top speed: 200 km/h.
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 7.7 sec.
Fuel consumption (ECE, mixed cycle): 5.2 liters/100 km.
CO2 emissions (g/km): 120.
Approx. charging time NiMH battery (h): 2.5.

Image credit: Lexus