Lexus RX enters its fourth generation

The country’s most popular luxury SUV has now entered its fourth generation and it is looking sharper than ever! Just like its mini-me, the NX, the RX now has the signature Spindle Grille and the Floating Roof effect. Lexus has increased the wheelbase width by 50mm to provide more interior room while the rear floor section has been lowered to allow a seating position comparable to the flagship Lexus LS.

Seductive Strength is the keyword for the design of the RX, it was all about bold, outstanding proportions without sacrificing the elegant appeal of the SUV. The front fascia integrates the spindle grille with innovative LED headlamps, fog lamps and daytime running lights. Lexus is particularly proud of the triple L-shaped LED headlamps incorporated with no less than 18 individual LEDs and acts as sequential turn signal indicators.

There are six variants on offer all with a different engine and different transmission. But all variants share the same illuminated at the door handles, while all except the base RX 200t Premium variant has the same moonroof for the passengers to enjoy the night sky.

You can get the Lexus RX in a choice of eight exterior colours; Platinum Silver Metallic, Sonic Quatz, Sonic Titanium, Red Mica Crystal Shine, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Amber Crystal Shine, Deep Blue Mica while White Nova Glass Flake comes exclusively for the F Sport variants only. Lexus also made sure the paint is a scratch-resistant self-restoring coat which uses high-performance macromolecular polymer.

On the inside, Lexus has made sure to design everything to reflect an impeccable balance of functionality and luxury. While it was upgrades everywhere, the driver’s seat also has an added convenience of an automatic sliding of the seat and steering column whenever the engine is switched off and returning to its original position when switched on.

The instrument panel has been redesigned as well, offering the driver instantaneous information with a quick glance from the large gauge faces. The 4.2-inch multi-information display positioned between the tachometer and the speedometer is equally accessible. On the centre dash a large 8.23-inch monitor dominates offering outstanding visibility and usability whether scrolling with the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) with a joystick-type control.

Interior colours come in a choice of six colours to coordinate with the exterior colours with Noble Brown as the notable new comer to the list.

Lexus RX 200t Premium and Luxury

The engine in the RX is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that can be found in the Lexus NX. The thermal efficiency within the engine is improved through enhanced combustion in each cylinder for better fuel economy and a Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-iW) optimises the engine speed range to allow the car to start in the Otto cycle and then run in the more fuel-efficient Atkinson cycle.

With a power output of 235bhp from 4800-5600rpm with 350Nm of torque from 1650-4000rpm, the 2.0-litre engine produces a total of 50bhp more power and 98Nm more torque than the outgoing 2.7-litre engine.

Being the base variant, the RX 200t Premium has all the bells and whistles that are standard to all RX with the addition of a Lexus Display Audio controller dedicated to audio operation. The Premium is sold at RM388,800.00 on the road inclusive of GST without insurance. Lexus is asking for RM408,400.00 on the road inclusive of GST without insurance for the Luxury.

Lexus RX 200t FSport

Of all the 200t variants, the 200t F Sport also utilises the same engine and the six-speed transmission to power the car to give the best possible driver’s experience. The F Sport comes with exclusive panel and a G-Ball & Boost meter in the MID, the meter gives the driver a better idea of the g-forces the vehicle is generating as well as the boost pressure of the turbocharger.

This variant also has the F Sport seat and distinctive stitching as well as an aluminium ornament panel. Not only is the steering wheel covered in the same F Sport leather while the foot pedals are made of aluminium. There are also F Sport paddle shifters installed behind the steering wheel to give a sportier drive.

The RX 200t F Sport is priced at RM422,990.00 on the road inclusive of GST without insurance.

Lexus RX 350 F Sport

Consider this the base variant of the RX with bigger engines. Under the bonnet is a 3.5-litre V6 direct-injection petrol engine (2GR-FE). Lexus has fitted the engine with an all-new cylinder head design with reshaped intake ports and combustion chambers for added efficiency. The V6 engine produces a total of 295bhp at 6300rpm and 370Nm of torque between 4600-4700rpm.

The 350 F Sport, like the other variants, comes with a set of MacPherson struts in front and a trailing arm/ double-wishbone setup at the rear but with the addition of an Adaptive Variable Suspension system. The suspension system further enhances handling and stability which is controlled by the Sport+ drive mode.

The asking price of the RX 350 F Sport is RM457,800.00

Lexus RX 450h

Under the bonnet lies a completely re-engineered 3.5-litre direct-injected V6 hybrid powertrain, the latest and most advanced iteration of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. The engine runs on an Atkinson Cycle and features newly-shaped intake ports and combustion chambers that generate a high degree of tumble inside the cylinders and improve combustion.

The engine itself produces 258bhp at 6000rpm and a total torque of 335Nm at 4600rpm, but when combined with the hybrid powertrain, the engine produces a total 308bhp. Power is delivered to all four-wheels through an electronically-controlled operation.

Interestingly, the RX 450h variant is the only variant that employs a Lexus electronically-controlled braking system known as ECB-R to provide cooperative control of stopping power and regenerative braking while saving on vehicle weight.

The Lexus RX 450h sets you back RM520,200.00 on the road inclusive of GST but without insurance.

Jerrica Leong