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 David Linklater.
Lexus New Zealand’s quiet achiever, the RX large SUV, has been facelifted (well, a little bit) and upgraded for next year.
Make me an instant expert: what do I need to know?
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 is 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 off individually to shield oncoming traffic from their high-beam operation. Nothing unusual in that ...sofar.
But BladeScan uses a lens to reflect that computer-controlled light through tiny mirrors that spin at 100 times per second. Lexus claims they 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.
Where did you drive it?
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 new performance dampers for the F Sport versions.
All good, but the RX is still a super-smooth cruiser that prefers to be guided gently around corners rather than thrown enthusiastically into them.
Nothing wrong with that, especially in a large SUV that puts as much emphasis on quality and cabin ambience as this one.
What’s the pick of the range?
The 350 powertrain is smooth and boasts an eight-speed automatic gearbox, but surely the 450h hybrid option is a no-brainer.
Petrol-electric power accounts for 59 per cent of total Lexus NZ sales and while the RX has been 50/50 between 350 and 450h models to date, the company expects the hybrid version to gain more traction with this new model. It’s super-refined and seamless.
Just please ignore Lexus NZ’s confusing ‘‘self-charging hybrid’’ nonsense. The RX 450h is electrified rather than electric (it doesn’t have a plug, in other words). There are Lexus EVs coming in the next two years, but they’ll be a whole different model line. Keep an eye out at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show for a first look.
Specification-wise, Lexus’ dressed-up, sharper-handling F Sport models (with adaptive suspension) are often popular, but for the easygoing and refined RX we’d stick with the more luxuryoriented Limited configuration.
The Limited’s a bit more blingy, but shiny detail really suits this SUV and you still get a lot of highend equipment, including that BladeScan adaptive headlight technology.
The seven-seat RX ‘‘L’’ option is now more viable, with changes to the third row layout. The previous model had a huge boot in five-chair mode but wasn’t a practical sevenseater. With occupants in the sliding second row, there wasn’t any legroom for the third row.
With anybody in the third row, you had to slide the second row a long way forwards, making it uninhabitable.
The new RX L has a powersliding third row that goes further back than the outgoing car. It still looks a bit funny with its elongated rear, but at just $600 extra over the Limited models it’s worth another look.
Why would I buy it?
You love a smooth operator, you don’t obsess over Euro-cachet or you just love soaking up the ambience of a high-quality interior environment.
Why wouldn’t I buy it?
You still think the styling is a bit over the top. You think a luxury SUV should still be sporty . . . or at least German.