Lexus RX: more kit, less dollars

Lexus will launch its third generation RX medium prestige softroader Down Under next month with the range spearheaded by a new entry-level model that boasts more kit at a claimed $6000 saving.

Unveiled internationally at last year's Los Angeles Motor Show, the new RX350 will go on sale on March 2. But instead of simply replacing the existing two-model line-up, Lexus Australia has taken the decision to market three trim and equipment grades, adding a new entry-level 'Prestige' model.

The RX model 'walk' will now comprise Prestige, Sports (the black car with grey interior in our pics) and Sports Luxury (pictured here in red with the cream and grey interior), priced at $81,900, $88,900 and $97,900 respectively.

Lexus says the changes are in response to "market conditions and customer demand" but points out that, in fact, the Prestige model actually delivers standard equipment comparable to the previous generation RX350 Sports Luxury model ($87,588).

Indeed, the new RX features equipment such as integrated satnav, reversing camera keyless entry, Bluetooth prep and a new VDIM electronic stability control and chassis management system across the range.

"Mid-way through last year we saw an opportunity to build in a third model variant, one that had the majority of the features of the previous Sports Luxury model, while setting it at a lower price point," said Lexus Australia Chief Executive, John Roca.

"We anticipate that the new model and pricing structure will entice a number of new customers to the brand, while offering a step up vehicle for existing RX owners," Roca commented.

The new RX is larger that the generation it replaces and delivers a sportier driving experience -- something we can vouch for (with some caveats) after driving the car at its local launch in Sydney yesterday.

Powered by a revised version of the same 2GR-FE 3.5-litre V6 that slipped under the bonnet of the outgoing model (but is more powerful and claims better fuel economy and lower emissions), the new RX is essentially an all-new vehicle. It features no carry-over panels, has a stronger but heavier body-in-white and boasts significant increases in wheelbase, track and overall dimensions.

The car has more interior room, gets an all-new independent rear suspension, electric power steering and upgraded four-wheel disc brakes.

The new Prestige model rolls on five-spoke 18-inch wheels (only available on the previous Sport Luxury) and boasts only a handful of options. The vehicle come standard with 10(!) airbags and features Lexus' new integrated controller (the company's answer to iDrive or MMI) dubbed Lexus Remote Touch.

Featuring 'haptic' force feed back technology invented for video games (more here), in addition to controlling the navigation, climate and audio systems, LRT also allows a wider variety of owner car set-up customisation options than previous generation Lexus models.

Next step up the new RX range, the $88,900 Sports, adds a moonroof, seven-spoke 19-inch wheels, Lexus Pre-Collision safety system and Adaptive Cruise Control to the Prestige's specification.

Knocking on six-figures for the first time, the top RX, the new Sports Luxury ups the ante further with heated and cooled front seats, automatic parking functionality, a left-side wide-view camera display, a new 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and a multi-function Head Up Display system.

The sole option on the Sports Luxury model is the ability to choose a full-size spare in lieu of the space-saver the range gets as standard.

Lexus believes it'll be the entry-level and range-topper that will be the biggest sellers in the range. Previously the Sports Luxury model alone garnered most support from local buyers.

Accounting for up to one third of the marque's 'car park' Down Under, the RX is also Lexus' largest selling model globally. Its local launch dovetails into near-simultaneous on-sale dates in Japan, Europe and the United States.

The 350's hybrid 'partner', the new RX450h, is expected to be launched locally in August 2009.

Look out for our full local launch review coverage of the new RX350 range here soon.