The all-new fifth-generation Lexus RX has arrived at Lexus dealerships and is ready for test drives. Building on the model’s impressive history and pushing the known boundaries of design and technology, Lexus has essentially reinvented its large luxury SUV, the RX.
Three engine variants
Three electrified powertrains are available for the new RX. The RX 450h+ is the first RX to use Lexus plug-in, or plug-in, hybrid technology. For customers looking for even more impressive dynamics, there’s the RX 500h, a performance-focused turbocharged hybrid equipped with DIRECT4 drivetrain control. The RX 350h self-charging hybrid is positioned as an efficient alternative to smaller displacement gasoline and diesel engines.
The RX 500h marks a breakthrough in hybrid electric technology that sets it apart from all others in the segment. It uses an all-new parallel hybrid architecture, featuring a 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a six-speed transmission. Front integrated electric motor and power control unit, hybrid battery and compact rear drive module with 76 kW power. The total power of the system is 371 DIN HP or 273 kW, while the torque reaches 550 Nm. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.
Convincing luxury, excellent handling and fully electric driving
The new RX offers luxury, comfort, excellent handling, the best safety systems and zero emission driving. The high efficiency of the RX 450h+ hybrid device remains even when the battery is discharged; at these moments, the RX flows into hybrid-electric mode, and this ensures the lowest fuel consumption in the segment – 1.1 l per 100 km.
The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offers the advantage of making long journeys without stopping and at the same time allows you to enjoy significant fuel economy and the possibility of driving up to 69 km in fully electric mode, i.e. without harmful emissions. Buyers of today’s large SUVs are waiting for exactly such characteristics. The 309 DIN HP or 227 kW power of the RX 450h+ power unit means that the performance is also excellent – the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.
However, these numbers are only part of the RX 450h+’s story. What makes this model special is what happens when the battery is discharged. Most other plug-in hybrids use only a gasoline engine in this case, which means more emissions and more fuel consumption until the car can be connected to a power source. In this case, Lexus seamlessly switches to the hybrid electric drive – so the battery charges while driving, and the efficiency is high even on the longest journey.
The latest generation of media and connectivity
With improved connectivity that is both faster and more stable, the new RX allows you to enjoy the latest multimedia technologies, always-connected services and the comfort of remote updates. Using a smartphone, navigation, voice commands and multimedia functions, the driver can interact with his car in about 100 ways.
The RX comes standard with a 14-inch touchscreen, one of the largest in its class. In addition to the anti-glare screen, there are physical buttons for easy access to frequently used functions.
The smartphone is easily connected to the car as standard – Apple CarPlay can be used wirelessly, and Android Auto – with a wired connection. A wireless charging pad is available with 50% more charging capacity than before.
Five star rated security
Every RX model comes standard with the latest generation Lexus Safety System+. These safety technological advances have helped the new RX achieve the highest rating in the independent Euro NCAP safety tests – five stars. Active safety systems work in tandem with the durable car structure and are able to protect both the driver, passengers and pedestrians in a traffic accident.
The RX uses the third-generation Lexus Safety System+ with an improved pre-collision system, as well as a new proactive driving assistance system and a wider safety package available as an option. The safety package also includes Lexus Safe Exit Assist – a safe exit assistant that prevents the doors from opening if a cyclist or other vehicles approach from behind.
The price of the new RX in Latvia is from €74,400.
