A new generation of Lexus SUVs has arrived
Launched in 1998 as a mid-size luxury crossover SUV, the Lexus RX quickly accelerated up the ranks to becoming the best-selling model in Toyota’s luxury division’s history. And now, after its debut at the 2015 New York International Auto Show, the fourth-generation of the Lexus RX family is now in Malaysia.
Taking a decisive step into the future while still retaining the best of the Lexus tradition, the entire range of the SUV is available on our shores, from the RX200t, the RX350 and the hybrid flagship RX 450h. All the much-loved features of the family remain, but Lexus aficionados will appreciate the new, bolder proportions. And it is not just the exterior that has been given a restyling; Chief Engineer Takayuki Katsuda’s remit was to insert more power and greater fuel efficiency, yielding better handling and a smoother ride. In other words, to build a breakthrough RX that still has its wheels firmly gripped on the RX lineage. Of note, the control logic of the range has been equipped with a G-force Artificial Intelligence which selects the appropriate gear according the gravity being experienced.
The RX 200t comes in three variants – Premium, Luxury and F Sport – and is now powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine that first appeared in the Lexus NX series in 2014. The Luxury and the F Sport variants add a bevy of features to the already well-stacked base model, including a moonroof, smart card key and EMV Remote Touch Interface for the Luxury, and sporty trims, whistles and bells for the F Sport.
The RX 350 (and its F Sport variant) brings more power to the equation, with its new 2GR-FKS 3.5 litre V6 engine that gives the styling body more oomph under the hood. It’s smart too; wave at the Lexus logo at the back with the key in your hand, and the Touchless Power Back Door opens the hatch automatically. All those goodies are present and accounted for in the F Sport variant, with the same smooth styling upgrades seen in its RX 200t F Sport counterpart.
And finally, the RX 450h, which combines a 3.5 litre V6 Atkinson cycle 2GR-FXS engine with an electric motor, NiMH battery and E-CVT gearbox. The EV Drive mode in this model is pure electric, with zero emissions, yet skimps nothing on speed and power. The RX450h does not get an F Sport model, because it is the F Sport model – with the pervading blade motifs given the grandest treatment.
The fourth-generation RX models are available in Malaysia for the following price – RX 200t Premium (RM388,800), RX 200t Luxury (RM408,400), RX 200t F Sport (RM422,990), RX 350 Luxury (RM457,800), RX 350 F Sport (RM486,300) and the RX 450h for RM520,200. All vehicles come with a three-year or 100,000km warranty, while the hybrid battery in the RX 450h has an eight-year warranty.
