All-new Lexus RX revealed, debuts PHEV variants

Rejuvenated BMW X5-rival comes with a new platform, turbo-petrol engine option and PHEV variants.

Published On Jun 01, 2022 03:19:00 PM

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Lexus has taken the wraps off the all-new RX SUV. The fifth-generation Lexus RX has been completely redesigned inside and out and also offers the option of a plug-in hybrid engine for the first time. The RX is Lexus’ most popular vehicle globally, with 2,21,000 units sold last year, and it has now followed its smaller Lexus NX sibling in swapping over to parent company Toyota’s GA-K platform.

New Lexus RX gets three powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid
Has greater focus on driving dynamics
Gets vegan synthetic leather for interior upholstery

All-new Lexus RX: exterior design

The new Lexus RX has its wheelbase extended by 6mm, its roofline lowered by 10mm and its track widened by 15mm at the front and 40mm at the rear. Its refreshed exterior is based on Lexus’ Next Chapter design language and emulates the 'spindle body' appearance of the new Lexus RZ electric SUV.

Lexus said the RX’s new dimensions give it a “coupé-like feel”, particularly when paired with 21-inch wheels, and a “confident stance”. The RX also gets LED headlights with a sleeker design, while range-topping models gain some visual distinction with bespoke styling for the front grille, side skirts, and front and rear bumpers.

All-new Lexus RX: interior and features

Inside, meanwhile, the RX adopts a more minimalist and driver-focused format, in line with Lexus’ 'hands on the wheel, eyes on the road' ethos, with improved “Hey Lexus” voice control functions, proactive driver assistance systems, and touch controls that can be viewed and adjusted with minimal eye and head movement.

A 14-inch infotainment touchscreen is included as standard, with satnav and cloud services enabling 'always on' connectivity for live traffic, accident and road condition reports. There is also wireless smartphone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and tethered Android Auto. Heated and ventilated seats are included as standard, while vegan synthetic leather has been chosen for the upholstery, steering wheel and gear shifter.

All-new Lexus RX: engine options

The RX 350h opens the new model range, powered by a 2.5-litre strong hybrid powertrain. Lexus says performance is comparable with that of the current RX 450h, with its 245hp and 324Nm of torque getting it from 0 to 100kph in 8.0 seconds.

Next up, the new RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with a rear-mounted electric motor for full-time four-wheel drive. It produces combined totals of 306hp and 570Nm for a 0-100kph time of 7.0 seconds, while an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery yields an electric-only range of 64km.

The RX 500h, positioned as the most dynamically focused model in the line-up, offers turbocharged hybrid power for the first time in a Lexus. Lexus says the addition of a turbocharged powertrain was necessary because the desires of customers are constantly changing.

The RX 500h tops the range with 371hp and 644Nm supplied by a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol engine and a pair of electric motors giving it full-time four-wheel drive. The RX 500h can do 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds, and comes with a torque vectoring all-wheel drive system that Lexus has dubbed the Direct4 system.

Back here in India, Lexus sells the previous-gen RX SUV in 450hL guise, which comes in as a CBU import. The new Lexus RX could likely thus be on cards for India as well.

What’s your first impression of the all-new Lexus RX SUV? Let us know in the comments below.

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