Lexus RX shines little brighter
It’s all about projecting: world-first lighting tech for the new RX, and Lexus has finally joined the CarPlay party, writes
Lexus New Zealand’s quiet achiever, the RX large SUV, has been facelifted (well, a little bit) and upgraded for next year.
The RX is the biggest-selling model in Lexus New Zealand’s lineup, so any model change is significant.
In truth there’s not a lot to see on the surface. The rather mild facelift brings a new ‘‘spindle grille’’ that drops even deeper into the front bumper (yes, that possible), new headlights and a new rear bumper.
The eight-model range is configured as before and the 350 (petrol V6) and 450h (petrol V6-electric hybrid) powertrains are carried over.
However, there have been some key detail changes under the skin and in the cabin. Detail is what Lexus is all about.
The RX’s safety package has gained cyclist detection, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Centring and Road Sign Assist.
The parking radar now has an Intelligent Clearance Sensor function that will automatically brake at low speed, including when Rear Cross Traffic Alert is operating.
A hands-free kick-operated power tailgate is now standard across the range (no more magic touching of the tailgate badge), there’s a Qi wireless phone charger in all models and there are now six USB ports in the cabin.
One key technology that Lexus claims is a world first is the BladeScan adaptive headlight system. On the RX F Sport and Limited models the headlights have 12 LEDs each, which switch on and give greater illumination and clarity equivalent to having 200 LEDs in each headlight.
Another key technology is very far from a first, but very welcome: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Finally. The RX is the first Lexus to get it, but it’ll be rolled out across compatible models over the next 12 months.
To answer the obvious question, phone projection is also coming to Toyotas – but more slowly and only as model updates occur. The facelift C-HR will be first.
The RX sticks with its infuriating Remote Touch Interface pad thingy for the infotainment system, but the great news is that you don’t actually have to use it because the huge 12.3in centre console screen also now has touch operation. It’s been moved 140 millimetres closer to the driver for that reason. Joy.
A short one-day taster from central Auckland to Piha and Bethells beaches in the west, driving both 350 and 450h variants.
Not a long drive, but a demanding wet and winding one all the same on our test day. We’ll be spending more time with both models before the end of the year.
Lexus claims subtle dynamic gains in the revised RX thanks to retuned shock absorbers, an uprated rear anti-roll bar, rigid hub bearings, extra platform welding/adhesive and