What's all this about?
The all-new, fourth-generation Lexus RX has been revealed at the New York International Auto Show.
It looks a lot like an NX to me.
Well, naturally. The company is keen to adopt the 'spindle' grille design at the front as the corporate face of Lexus, so the RX's looks needed updating from the relatively bland preceding model. We actually think it's a pretty striking thing and less in-yer-face than the NX, with some neat details - especially the 'floating' roof.
The what?
It's a visual trick when looking at the car in profile - all it means is that the C-pillars have been blacked out.
What about the equipment levels?
Among the spec will be a colour heads-up display, a 12.3-inch dashboard monitor to display satnav and other information, a wealth of electronic driver aids as part of the Lexus Safety System+ and some intriguing, driver-focused options, like Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). F Sport trim will be offered on the RX and it brings the usual, sporty exterior styling plus some cabin updates, including a TFT display for the driver, a sports steering wheel and paddleshifts.
Anything else to note here?
Rear-seat passengers have more leg- and knee room and the option of heated seats. Which is nice.
OK, what do we have in terms of motive power?
Some confusion. There are two models, the RX 350 and the RX 450h. Both have 3.5-litre petrol V6s (the 450's runs on the more efficient Atkinson cycle) and that 'h' should tell you the 450 is a hybrid with a supplementary electric motor in the mix. However, power for both is currently quoted as 300hp for now, so we'll wait to see how Lexus develops this. Nevertheless, the RX is a very important vehicle for the Japanese marque, as during the company's 26-year history, three out of every ten Lexus cars sold worldwide have been RXs; that's 2.1 million of the things globally. Although we bet Paul Hardcastle won't be buying the new one.
I almost dread to ask, but why on Earth would you say that?
Because the RX only has two sizes of alloy wheels, 18s or 20s. No room for n-n-n-n-nineteens.
You really need to get out more.
Yes. I know.
Matt Robinson - 1 Apr 2015
