Lexus RX seven-seater not axed

As the new-generation Lexus RX rolls into showrooms this week, the fourth-generation large luxury SUV goes on sale strictly a five-seat model, unlike many of its European rivals.

But as we reported back in July 2014, Lexus has admitted it is studying a seven-seat version due to strong demand in the US and Australia, and since then Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Jeff Bracken has suggested an official announcement about the model is coming "pretty soon".

More recently, when spy shots of a heavily-clad RX in testing emerged in September – around the time of the Mk4 RX's global launch – it sparked reports that the first seven-seat RX was locked in and would be called the Lexus TX.

But the RX program manager told us the images depicted a standard RX and that three rows of seats could not be packaged within its sleek exterior, and earlier this month Toyota's global chief Akio Toyoda told European media that seven-seat vehicles were for the Toyota brand, not Lexus.

Asked by Automotive News Europe why Lexus does not meet US demand for a seven-seat SUV, Toyoda said: "Dealers are telling me that all the time. My answer is: That's the Toyota brand".

Now, however during this week's Australian launch of the new RX, the Japanese luxury brand's product planning project leader, Makoto Tanaka, noted that the seven-seat SUV project is alive and well.

To clear any confusion, motoring.com.au asked Tanaka if the seven-seat RX project had been killed off.

"Not killed, no," said a grinning Tanaka through an interpreter, before suggesting it would have to wait in line behind the development of other new Lexus models, which are likely to include next year's redesigned LS limousine, the all-new LC flagship coupe and, perhaps, the all-new SA compact SUV.

"It's one of the projects we are currently researching, but we have prioritisation, what car to actually develop and when, and what comes to market," he clarified.

More significantly for Australian buyers, local Lexus chief executive Sean Hanley said if the car gets the go-ahead and was offered in right-hand drive, he would lobby hard for its inclusion in the local product portfolio.

"We are studying that market all the time – there is a market," said Hanley in response to questions about a seven-seat RX model.

"We'll continue to monitor that market very closely, because it is a market of interest to us, and should that market move and the availability of the seven-seat RX become available on the global product development schedule, I can promise you our hand will be very high up for it," the Lexus Australia boss said.