Lexus launches pricier new RX

The fourth-generation Lexus RX is now available in Australia, priced from $73,000 plus on-road costs.

That makes the front-wheel drive RX 200t, powered by the Japanese luxury brand's 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, $8890 more expensive than the entry-level RX 270 it replaces and $20,500 pricier than the smaller NX 200t, but $11,200 cheaper than BMW's cheapest X5, the rear-drive sDrive 25d ($84,200).

The rest of the RX range is all-wheel drive, including three versions (Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury) of the 3.5-litre V6-powered RX 350 and the RX 450h V6 hybrid.

Next up is the RX 350 Luxury at $80,000 ($6890 more than before), while the RX 350 F Sport costs $92,000 (up $10,890) and the RX 350 Sports Luxury is $98,000, which brings the smallest price hike of just $1000.

The petrol-electric line-up comprises the RX 450h Luxury at $88,000 (up $8000), the RX 450h F Sport at $100,000 (up a big $13,000) and the RX 450h Sports Luxury flagship at $106,000 – up $9000.

Three enhancement packs area available for the base RX 200t (priced at $3500, $4500 and $7000 respectively), with two offered for the RX 350 Luxury and RX 450h Luxury -- at $3500 and $4500 for each.

We covered the technical details of the Mk4 RX – the third to be sold in Australia – as its global launch in September, but Lexus claims a number of new advances beyond turbo-petrol power for the first time, including a "world-first" height-adjustable cup-holder.

Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley said the adventurous design of the new RX -- which is slightly longer than both the X5 and Mercedes-Benz's facelifted, renamed GLE-Class – will ensure its success, citing strong sales of the edgy looking NX.

"People want something different," he said. "The design works."

However, Hanley concedes the smaller NX mid-size SUV will be the top-selling Lexus in Australia in 2015.

With just 1376 sales to October this year (down 13 per cent year on year), the outgoing RX is just over half as popular as the newer NX, which has replaced the IS sedan – and the RX before it – as the brand's best selling model.

Standard equipment for the RX 200t, which delivers 175kW/350Nm (up from the RX 270's 138kW/252Nm) and offers a 1000kg towing capacity, includes 10-way power front seats, leather-accented seat trim, 12-speaker audio system with DAB+ digital radio tuner, power rear door with emblem touch control, three-mode Drive Mode Select, 8.0-inch display with satellite navigation and 20-inch medium grey alloy wheels (up from 18s on the old RX 270).

Other spec upgrades from the RX 270 include Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, clearance and back parking sonar, electronic park brake, heated and ventilated front seats, and LED headlights.

Also standard across the range is a power adjustable steering column, electrochromatic interior mirror, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, automatic heated exterior mirrors, tyre pressure monitoring, rear privacy glass, reversing camera with back guide monitor, smart entry and start, and Lexus Safety System+ (includes Pre-Collision Safety System, Lane Keeping Assist, All-speed Active Cruise control and Automatic High Beam).

The first RX 200t enhancement pack includes a panoramic sliding roof, while the second adds a smart key card and colour head-up display. In addition, the third adds a 12.3-inch display and 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.

The RX 350 Luxury delivers 221kW/370Nm (up 15kW and 24Nm) runs an eight-speed automatic (rather than six-speed, as in RX 200t) and comes with a 1500kg towing capacity, but the same equipment as the 200t and the same options packs as the 200t.

For the RX 350 F Sport, upgrades over the model it replaces include a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive variable suspension, head-up display, panoramic view back monitor, panoramic moonroof with sliding roof, sequential LED front and rear indicators, smart key card and rear door sunshades.

Over the RX 350 Luxury, the F Sport also adds a 12.3-inch high definition multimedia display, five-mode Drive Mode Select, dynamic headlight levelling, sport tuned electronic power steering, VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management), adaptive high beam system, headlight cleaner, intake sound generator and rear door sunshades.

The F Sport interior and exterior styling package includes unique front and rear bumpers, seats, grille, pedals, steering wheel and gear shift knob, plus high-grade LED headlights and tail-lights with sequential LED indicators.

RX 350 Sports Luxury extras include 20-inch alloy wheels with selectable colour inserts, 14-way power adjustable seats, heated rear seats, power folding rear seats, luxury front seats and laser cut ornamentation.

Apart from an upgraded 230kW (up 10kW) petrol-electric powertrain with continuously variable transmission (CVT), new additions for the RX 450h hybrid include a 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio, 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive variable suspension, head-up display, panoramic view back monitor, panoramic moonroof with sliding roof, sequential LED front and rear indicators, smart key card and rear door sunshades.

Other features include Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, electronic park brake, heated and ventilated front seats, and LED headlights.

RX 450h F Sport specs are as per the RX 350 F Sport, plus an active stabiliser system to enhance cornering stability.

The range-topping RX 450h Sports Luxury comes with the same spec list – and the same new features -- as its V6-only stablemate, and all RXs come with a temporary spare wheel/tyre.

Lexus Australia has sold almost 30,000 RX vehicles since 2003, accounting for up to 40 per cent of the Japanese car-maker's total sales here.

“The RX has been a significant vehicle for Lexus globally but also here in Australia since we introduced it to the local market in 2003,” said Hanley.

“This new, fourth-generation RX takes the mid-size luxury SUV to new levels with the new RX 200t model and dynamic styling, high standard specification and a new luxury interior.

“The longer wheelbase also means there is more space for rear occupants, increasing its overall comfort levels.”

Lexus has ruled out a larger, seven-seat version of the new RX in the short-term, despite such a model being under study and development.

2016 Lexus RX pricing (plus ORCs):
RX 200t -- $73,000
RX 350 Luxury -- $80,000
RX 350 F Sport -- $92,000
RX 350 Sports Luxury -- $98,000
RX 450h Luxury -- $88,000
RX 450h F Sport -- $100,000
RX 450h Sports Luxury -- $106,000