The electrification of the Lexus range continues with the introduction of an all-new RX to crown its SUV line-up. A part of the Lexus range since 1998, the RX is now into its fifth generation and is built on the new 'GA-K' platform, which also underpins the slightly smaller Lexus NX. That new architecture provides an overall weight reduction of 90kg, increases passenger space and allows for the provision of a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Evolutionary design
Overall dimensions of the new Lexus RX remain similar to the model it replaces, albeit with a minor reduction in overall height. Nonetheless, there's a 60mm stretch between the wheels and a track width increase of 15mm. More noticeable is the striking new design, which blends the sharp signature lines we typically see from Lexus with a new grille that appears to mesh with the car's body more organically.
Slender LED headlights and subtle contouring along the car's flanks emphasise a tasteful and luxurious design that evolves the RX concept. A floating roofline illusion through a glazed C-pillar section adds some dynamism to the side profile. Unlike its predecessor, there are no plans for an extended version with a third row of seats.
Speaking of seats, the interior of the RX is where the true quality of the Lexus shines through. Taking many of the design touches from the smaller NX, the dashboard now gets a digital instrument cluster, colour head-up display and a generously proportioned 14-inch touchscreen incorporating a new infotainment system that supports wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. There is a considerable degree of adjustability for the supportive front seats, decent storage and numerous ways to charge your devices.
That increase to the car's wheelbase is good news for those sitting in the rear. There is no lack of legroom, and even with a panoramic sunroof fitted, there's enough headroom for the average adult. Even the middle seat provides reasonable amounts of room, while the redesigned boot holds 611 litres and has a more practical shape than before.
New Lexus RX plug-in hybrid
Having built a solid reputation for its hybrids over the decades, Lexus will lead the new RX offensive with a plug-in hybrid powertrain as it does with the NX - called the RX 450h+. This setup features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor coupled with an 18.1kWh battery; it's capable of an electric driving range of over 60 kilometres. Maximum system power output of 306hp gives it sufficient performance to challenge its rivals' more potent petrol and diesel alternatives and it continues to deliver regular hybrid drive when the battery charge depletes. Lexus expects that the 0-100km/h acceleration will be in the region of seven seconds, and it should have combined fuel consumption of 1.2 litres/100km and a CO2 rating of 26g/km.
A hybrid first for Lexus
While Lexus only expects it to account for a handful of sales in Ireland, the new RX 500h tops the range. It's a 371hp hybrid that features a turbocharged petrol engine. To date, all of the previous Lexus hybrids have used naturally aspirated engines, including the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, but with the 500h, the engine displacement drops slightly to 2.4 litres and gains forced induction to boost overall performance. Added to that combination is Lexus' Direct4 all-wheel-drive system, and rear-wheel steering. This setup is claimed to give the car greater stability during direction changes at higher speeds. The RX 500h also has larger brakes to rein in that performance.
The new Lexus RX isn't due to arrive in Ireland until the latter stage of 2022, and pricing will be announced closer to that time.