8 February 2011
Launched back in 2003, the previous Lexus RX almost slipped in under the radar for many. Typical of Lexus, it was stylish and streamlined but understated. As good as it was, externally it didn't scream out "Luxury SUV." But some recognised its qualities and opted for an RX over a European offering, and customer satisfaction surveys confirmed they had made a sound decision.
Six years on and we find Lexus revisiting the past by slipping another new RX onto the market with little fanfare. The RX350 launched in New Zealand last month has evolved into an even better vehicle than its predecessor. Handling has been improved, state of the art technology is in abundance and equipment levels are up there with the best.
Visually, the new RX350 it is not radically different from its predecessor.
Despite the evolutionary rather than revolutionary styling changes, the subtle visual enhancements somehow manage to update and bring a fresh, modern look to the new RX350.
There are two levels of spec on offer, the entry level RX350 and the all singing, dancing RX350 Limited. Both versions are well equipped, but once smitten by the Limited's extra goodies, they start to seem like "must haves" despite the extra nine grand for the higher spec model.
Both models get High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), rain sensing wipers and a new smart key which allows entry, locking and unlocking at the gentlest touch of the door handle, as well as starting the engine with the push of a button.
The full leather interior includes eight way power front seats with memory settings for the driver, adjustable seat heating, plenty of well thought out storage bins, with a "secret" storage area hidden under the centre console.
Don't try plugging your phone charger or MP3 player in on the move though, as the plug sockets are located in the secret storage area, so getting to them involves removing the centre console bin to gain access.
The entry level model gets a 6 disc MP3/WMA CD changer with 9 speakers and audio input jack, while the Limited upgrades include a premium quality 12 speaker set-up. A Mark Levison 15 speaker audio system is available as optional equipment.
The RX350 Limited we drove adds various niceties, including a classical wood trimmed steering wheel, wood trim on the centre console and gear lever, as well as 19" alloys in place of the 18's on the base model. The standard Cruise Control on the RX350 is upgraded to Active Radar Cruise Control on the RX350 Limited.
The Limited also gets an 8" EMV screen incorporating DVD Satellite Navigation, Bluetooth phone capability, reversing camera, climate air conditioning and audio functions.
Operation of the screen functions is the most logical and intuitive in the market place.
Lexus tells us that the "Lexus Remote Touch" controller, which is a computer mouse-like feature, utilizes similar technology to that found in micro-surgery, known as "haptic" technology.
Once the cursor hovers over the desired function on the screen, the mouse locks into place, and confirmation of the function is easily acknowledged by clicking an adjacent button with the thumb.
Our test vehicle was equipped with numerous options including front nudge bar, towbar, stainless steel side steps and a Panorama glass roof. While the massive glass roof adds a little brightness to a dull day, the inclusion of the Panorama roof eliminates the useful roof rails. And the side steps, while shiny and attractive, served only to rub road dirt onto a clean pair of trousers.
As expected of a luxury SUV, there is just about every safety feature under the sun.
12 SRS airbags are standard and extend to knee airbags for both driver and front passenger, front and rear side and curtain shield airbags. Plus of course, Stability Control, Traction Control as well as a Pre-Crash Safety System.
With 204kW on tap and 346Nm of torque, the 3.5 litre 24 valve V6 petrol engine propels the 2 tonne RX350 via a 6 speed Automatic transmission driving any combination of front or rear wheels as conditions dictate, thanks to an intelligent Active Torque Control AWD set-up.
Towing capacity is limited to 1500kg braked and 750kg unbraked and pricing starts at $101,690 for the RX350 to $110,990 for the RX350 Limited.
While there is plenty of go, we found Lexus's combined cycle fuel consumption claim of 10.8 litres per 100km rather optimistic. On the open road, we achieved consumption in the 10's, but in town that figure quickly soared to around 17.
In a nutshell, the RX350 is a gem to drive and feels extremely nimble on the road for such a sturdy machine. Noise levels are low, equipment levels high and it's comfortable and roomy. It is an excellent vehicle. Put a modern, torquey and frugal diesel engine under the bonnet, and it would be close to perfect.