Lexus RX sharpens image

Lexus' most important model has had a massive makeover.

The fourth generation of the RX large crossover (and the third iteration to come Down Under) has been completely restyled and significantly re-engineered and, claims the Toyota-owned brand, will arrive more refined and better equipped than ever in November.

The biggest news, however, is not the NX-echoing aggressive styling, nor oversized spindle grille, but rather the addition of an impressive new turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol variant, the 200t.

Less exciting are the upgrades that have been wrought on the existing 350 and 450h variants’ 3.5-litre V6 petrol engines. In both models, the move to direct-injection sees the V6s powered-up, yet more economical.

In the case of the 350, there’s been a gearbox upgrade also. The best-selling version of the model Down Under now sports an eight-speed auto box.  

The 200t’s 175kW and 350Nm are a significant improvement on the 138kW/252Nm from the 2.7-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder in the outgoing RX 270, yet Lexus claims the new turbo four/six-speed auto combo is also more fuel-efficient. The ADR Combined figure of 8.1L/100km is an improvement of around 16 per cent.

Lexus also claims an almost three-second improvement in 0-100km/h standing-start acceleration time (200t 9.2 sec versus 270 11 sec).

The new RX350’s direct-injected V6 is rated at 218kW and 360Nm — up 14kW and 14Nm compared to the outgoing model. No doubt in part thanks to the eight-speed auto, fuel figures have dropped from 10.8 to 9.6L/100km.

The hybrid 450h retains its CVT-style transmission but is also more fuel-efficient. An increase in total power output from 220 to 230kW (max torque is unchanged at 335Nm) has come along with a reduction in fuel usage from 6.3 to 5.7L/100km, says Lexus.

Lexus will offer front-drive 200t and all-wheel drive 350 and 450h RX models Down Under, with the new vehicle expected in local dealerships in November (2015). See our RX launch review published concurrently for first details on how each of the variants perform.

The entry-level 200t will, for the time being, be offered in Luxury grade only. Based on reaction at the international launch, however, Lexus Australia is already reviewing that decision. Expect an F Sport variant of the 200t to be an early addition to the Aussie line-up.

Meantime, the AWD-only 350 and 450h will both carry over their current trim choice of Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury grades.

Full specifications, pricing and the details of various option packs Lexus Australia will offer will be confirmed closer to the RX’s local launch. That said, Lexus Australia boss Sean Hanley has already hinted that pricing will not differ greatly from the existing line-up.

The outgoing RX 270 four-cylinder was priced at $64,110, with the most expensive RX — the Sport Luxury version of the 450h — last listed at $97,000.

The new RX’s styling is best described as polarising. Unveiled at the New York motor show earlier this year, the design was the subject of an 11th hour review by Toyota Motor Corporation chief Akiyo Toyoda, RX development boss Takayuki Katsuda told motoring.com.au.

Toyoda’s changes took the car back closer to its original concept sketches, says Katsuda. As a result the sharp body-side crease lines are at the very edge of production pressing technology, he claims.

Lexus’ new Safety System+ has been rolled out in the RX. Featuring a combination of radar and camera-based active driver aides, LSS+ is standard on all RX models and will progressively be added to the entire Lexus line-up.

The RX also introduces new LED lighting technologies. All models use LED lamps exclusively.

The new RX rides on a 50mm longer wheelbase and has grown 120mm in overall length. It is slightly wider (+10mm) but is a considerable 40mm lower. Ground clearance has at the same time been increased slightly.

At its core, the new vehicle’s body structure is stiffer and uses a higher proportion of ultra-high strength steels for crash reinforcement in areas like the B-pillar.

There have also been design changes to front and rear suspension. Many of the changes are aimed at further improving the RX’s refinement.

Inside there’s been an equally comprehensive makeover. Possessed of what was once a fairly bland cabin, the new RX gets a more driver-focussed cockpit with a more luxurious feel. Compounding the effect, there have been significant upgrades in both the execution and the materials used.

A new ‘laser-etched’ timber trim variety is a Lexus exclusive developed by the Yamaha musical instrument company.

The RX will offer six interior colour palettes. At this point it’s unclear whether all will come Down Under. The F Sport variants have a unique interior fit-out.

Most prominent in mid and upper grade RX’s is the new dash-top mounted 12.3-inch 24:9 ratio main infotainment screen -- one of the biggest in the business. This is operated via Lexus captive-mouse style HMI. A colour, multi-function head-up display is also available on all models.

That above mentioned wheelbase stretch translates to an extra 25mm of legroom for both front and rear rows. Headroom has also been increased, in part because the new RX’s front and rear row hip-points are lower.

There’s power adjustment to front and rear row seats and even an automated climate system that can take control of the heated and cooled seats to keep you comfy.

Also likely to win friends is a new power tailgate. This can be activated with a hand or even elbow gesture, making loading armfuls of groceries or other goodies easier. The ability to close the hatch and lock the car via a double tap on a tailgate-mounted button is another nice touch.

Other new-to-RX features for this generation include adaptive suspension and on F-Sport models an active anti-roll bar system that limits body roll. Unlike other systems which use active dampers to prevent body movement, the new Lexus system uses an electric motor to effectively change the stiffness of the rear sway bar.

It’s not clear at this stage what models this feature will be offered on Down Under.

Almost since its introduction, the RX crossover has been Lexus’ top-seller Down Under. With Australia’s love affair with SUVs hotter than ever, that would likely have remained the case, save for the arrival of another Lexus crossover, the strong selling, smaller NX.

That said, the new RX range is still likely to account for around 25 per cent of the company’s local volume.

Hanley says Lexus Australia is on target to post a record total of more than 8200 vehicles in 2015. Although this is less than a quarter of the volume of the luxury market leader, Lexus has a fraction of the models of its competitors.

That said, the marque is entering an unprecedented period of new model activity. The arrival of a 200t version of the IS mid-size sedan later this month and the long-awaited debut of the large GS F sports sedan and updated GS line-up around the same time as RX will also help the marque achieve its 8000-plus unit total, Hanley told motoring.com.au.