NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: New Lexus RX
Bigger new Lexus RX emerges ahead of new large luxury SUV's release here next yearLexus has lifted the lid on its fourth-generation RX at the New York motor show tonight, presenting a muscular new design for its top-selling large SUV.
As expected, the new RX grows in all directions to distance itself from the new NX mid-size SUV, which opens in Australia at $52,500 in front-drive 2.0-litre turbo-petrol form.
Hence, expect the replacement for the Japanese premium brand's top-selling model to be priced upstream from the current model – North America's top-selling medium luxury SUV -- which starts at $64,500 in 2WD guise and $73,500 in V6 AWD form.
However, contrary to expectations, the new RX sticks with the five-seat interior layout of the previous three generations, which have amassed 2.1 million global sales (almost a third of Lexus' total sales), eschewing the seven-seat options offered by large German SUV rivals like the BMW X5 and Audi Q7.
The new RX, which replaces the third-generation model on sale since 2008, will be produced in Canada and Japan, from where Australia's version will be imported next year.
It grows about 50mm in wheelbase and rides on wheel sizes of up to 20-inch, powered by 221kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol and petrol-electric hybrid powertrains for the respective RX 350 and RX450h.
The RX 350 scores Lexus' new eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive models will be available in F Sport guise (pictured here in white).
Other new features include a 'floating roof' design, triple L-shaped LED headlights, LED fog lights and daytime running lamps, an enormous chromed 'spindle' grille, touch-free tailgate opening and a 12.3-inch colour infotainment screen from the GS, featuring a 360-degree camera.
Available safety features will include radar cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a new colour head-up display.
Lexus says rear-seat passengers score more leg and knee room, heated outboard seats, twin 11.6-inch rear entertainment screens and a 60/40-split, power-folding bench.
Adaptive variable suspension (AVS) is also available for the first time in the RX, which rides on MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear suspension and, in the US, specifically-developed Michelin Premier EverGrip tyres.
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