New flagship Lexus RX confirmed for Oz with 273kW

Lexus Australia has started detailing its upcoming new 2023 Lexus RX range, which will consist of four variants when sales start early next year.

However, local pricing and full specification details for the all-new large luxury SUV are yet to be confirmed.

The four initial variants will comprise the RX 350h, RX 350h AWD, RX 350 AWD and the new RX 500h F Sport Performance flagship, meaning the range will comprise three hybrids and one petrol powertrain.

For anyone who might’ve missed our reveal coverage, the hybrid system in the new Lexus RX 350h twins is based around a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and delivers a combined 184kW to either the front or all four wheels.

Despite sharing the bulk of its nameplate save for the final letter, the non-electrified RX 350 AWD is propelled by completely different powertrain in the form of a new turbo-petrol 2.4-litre four-cylinder producing 205kW/430Nm.

All-wheel drive is the default choice here, with drive being sent to all four corners by a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

This same unit can also be found are the core of the new RX 500h F Sport Performance’s hybrid system, which churns out a big 273kW with the help of two electric motors.

Lexus and its parent company Toyota have never been ones to confirm the combined torque figures of their hybrids, but data out of the US stemming from the new RX flagship’s reveal nominates 550Nm of pulling power and a subsequent 0-97km/h (60mph) time of 5.9 seconds.

All of this newfound shove is backed by Lexus’ DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system, which is backed by an F Sport-enhanced chassis featuring adaptive suspension, rear-axle steering and six-piston front brake callipers

The whole package will roll on bespoke 21-inch alloy wheels for a bit of extra visual menace.

Despite being exactly the same length as its predecessor at 4890mm, the new Lexus RX rides on a 60mm longer wheelbase courtesy of its new TNGA underpinnings, which combine with its 10mm lower roofline to lower the large SUV’s centre of gravity by a claimed 15mm and shave 90kg from every variant’s kerb weight.

Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas said the RX nameplate was synonymous with Lexus in the local market and that an all-new model launching here was a big deal.

“It has helped forge the Lexus brand here, pioneering the luxury SUV concept and winning customers with its refined luxury and thoughtful design,” he said.

“The all-new RX builds on the model’s long-standing qualities but now encapsulates it in a thoroughly modern and more sporting package that still delivers high on comfort and elegance.”

Pappas went on to point out that one in four of all Lexus sales in Australia have been RXs since the premium Japanese brand launched here in 1990.

Full specification and pricing details will be released closer to the new model’s arrival.

Related: New Lexus RX revealed and confirmed for Australia
Related: Lexus RX 450h 2021 Review