TRANSFORMATION TIME
Fifth-generation luxury SUV offers bold new look and three powertrains to choose from
The overhaul of the best-selling Lexus is complete, and it touches everything from the tires up. Now in its fifth-generation, the RX has a bolder look, a new platform and three new powertrain choices.
When it arrives later this year, it will be offered in RX 350, RX 350h and RX 500h models, with a Porsche-like 13 different trim levels. Further out is the fourth choice — the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid.
The work starts with the new Global Architecture-k platform, which is 90 kilograms lighter than the outgoing unit. While the overall length stays the same, the wheelbase grows by 60 millimetres, to 2,850-mm, and the width of the rear track rises by 65 mm. This brings a larger footprint and a 15mm lower centre of gravity, which is good for the ride and handling.
The interior is much swankier, from the body-hugging front seats wrapped in flamboyant Rioja Red leather and the slick digital instrumentation to an available 14-inch multimedia screen. The material quality is top-notch, as is the fit and finish.
The biggest improvement is the infotainment system. Gone is the finicky touch pad-based unit in favour of a clean and clear system that's easily mastered. The lower trims use a nine-inch screen; move up and there is a larger 14-incher. Along with all the usual applications, including Apple Carplay and Android Auto, it houses an available 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system and the drive modes.
The modes include Eco (for use when both the battery and gas tank are very low), Normal for everyday driving, and Sport for the fun times. Custom allows the driver to pick settings for the powertrain, steering and air conditioning. The RX 500h and RX 350 with the F Sport package aboard add the adaptive suspension to the settings mix.
The powertrain starting point is the 2.4-litre turbo four found in the RX 350. It twists out 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, and works with an eightspeed automatic transmission to drive all four wheels.
Next up is the RX 350h. It uses a 2.5-L four-cylinder engine, two electric motor/generators and a continually variable transmission (CVT) to power the front wheels. A rear electric motor adds AWD. This combination produces 246 h.p. and will find favour with those who value comfort and economy over outright driving fun.
The RX 450h+ plug-in, which is not expected until next year, uses much of the same technology as the 350h, but feels much crisper. No numbers were given, but based on the NX 450h+, the RX should get 300+ horsepower and feature an 18.1-kilowatt/hour battery. The test vehicle was showing 58 kilometres as the electric-only range.
Selecting the EV drive mode saw it purr along nicely. With both power sources working, it was responsive and the adaptive suspension meant it did not feel anywhere near as willowy as the 350h on the drive. The RX 450h+ will likely be the sleeper in the RX range.
The model of choice has to be the RX 500h F Sport Performance with Direct4. It is fast, efficient and brings the most driving fun. Part of the reason is the turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the RX 350. It works with a single front motor/generator and a more powerful rear electric motor. The turbo four and 86-h.p. motor work with a six-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels. At the back, there's a 107-h.p. electric motor. The power sources combine to deliver a net output of 367 h.p. and 406 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm.
The run to 100 km/h drops from 7.2 seconds for the RX 350 to 5.9 seconds, and it also manages to improve average fuel economy by 1.1 L per 100 kilometres.
Power aside, the reason the 500h feels so sharp is down to three key technologies. The first is the adaptive variable suspension and the fact the front struts are now supported by a five-link rear suspension. Next is the available fourwheel steering, which shortens the turning circle at low speeds, and provides a much crisper response.
The third ingredient is the Direct4 all-wheel-drive system. Through the twisty sections of the drive, the combined effects of these three technologies delivered a dynamic ride. While the 500h looks like its siblings, it sure doesn't feel or drive like them.
Lexus will announce the RX pricing closer to the launch later this year.