Sixteen years ago, RX was introduced as Lexus’ very first “luxury SUV”. At that time, sport-utilities were already common enough for Lexus to have one of its own, LX. But thanks to models such as Land Rover Range Rover, Jeep Grand Cherokee and, later, BMW X5, people were starting to enjoy the idea of giving some of their ruggedness in exchange of higher doses of comfort and luxury. Since this market seemed to be very promising, Lexus preferred not to invest much in innovation. RX turned out to be rather competent regarding elegance, habitability and price, but its design wasn’t exactly breathtaking. In fact, detractors could argue it didn’t deserve being called “uninspired” with nothing but showing a picture of the two-year-older Mercedes-Benz ML.
But those were Lexus’ old times. In 2004, the second iteration arrived with the intention of adding design to the list of RX’s sales arguments. The automaker managed to combine its Eastern origins with the Western preferences, and obtained a result much prettier, but still neutral enough to attract many types of buyers. Parallel to that, there were multiple powertrain options for the first time, including a hybrid. Since things were going so well, RX’s phase took the liberty to place another bet in design: sides and rear were just evolutions of the outgoing car’s, while the front fascia was one of the first ones to proudly show what became the center of Lexus’ very first strong design language: the spindle grille. RX only became firmer as the best-selling model of its maker.
Having all that in mind, it’s easy to think that it’s time to give it a complete redesign. On the other hand, messing up with a winning team is too big a risk to take, specially when you’re on a streak of positive receptions that includes even first-timers, such as NX and RC. Besides, if German makers have taught one thing well, is that sticking with a successful design can pay off quite well. This is why the all-new RX doesn’t go further than a gorgeous evolution. The spindle grille possessed more of the front fascia, while the headlights are sleeker and the auxiliary lights sit on black pillars. The windows look much more artistic, and became connected to the rear glass in order to create a floating-roof effect. The rear elements, in turn, became as angular as stylish.
Sure, finding it beautiful or not is a matter of taste, but Lexus also worked to make it look fancier. For instance, the overall length increased by almost 5” (two of them transmitted to the wheelbase) while height and width remained almost unchanged. In order to avoid resembling “station-wagon crossovers”, such as Mercedes-Benz GL, Lexus put additional effort around the D-pillars: their massive thickness is used by triangular windows which are purposedly much smaller than what’s normally expected. Besides, the company preferred to dedicate the extra length to the legs of those who use the rear seat, instead of adding a third row for the sixth and the seventh of them. It’s a very similar approach to Nissan’s with Murano: this is the sporty crossover, not a people-hauler.
After using a very futuristic cabin at the previous iteration, which included a triangular central stack that looked as weird as awesome, Lexus preferred to make the new interior respond to the more sophisticateed intention. The new dashboard looks more conventional, invests in chrome inserts in a very tasteful amount, and makes the best of a two-tone leather coating with contrastant stitching. When it comes to equipments, most of the additions regard safety: the list of electronic systems was increased with lane-departure and rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keeping assist, a new panoramic-view monitor to make maneuvering easier, and adaptive high beams. On the emotional front, there are a huge moonroof and the typical F-Sport package of styling accessories.
As far as powertrain is concerned, the new RX features improved versions of carried-over engines. There are two 3.5-liter V6s which burn gasoline without forced induction: the conventional one is expected to reach 300 hp, at the RX350 trim, while the option with Atkinson cycle works with an electric motor in RX450h to deliver another 300 hp. Some markets also receive RX200t, with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Lexus performed some handling improvements, and took F-Sport’s eight-speed automatic transmission to regular 350s as well. The sporty version, in turn, includes AWD as standard (the others have it as an option), active anti-roll bars, and adaptive suspension. The new Lexus RX will go on sale in the next few months.