Lexus adds RX 350 F Sport to its lineup
The Lexus RX lineup has been a popular seller in Canada over the years. For 2013, not only has it been completely redesigned, but the RX 350 and RX 450h are joined by the RX 350 F Sport, a Canadian-built model that is sure to please fans of the SUV lineup. It’s easy to see why. While the F Sport’s front end shares the same shaping as the RX 350, there are some stylish differences. The horizontal chrome grille is replaced by a two-tier honeycomb mesh grille — still encased in Lexus’s new spindle design — and the fascia includes arrowhead design LED daytime running headlamps and a fully integrated fog lamp design.
The exterior design is also enhanced by a nice set of 19-inch alloy sport wheels, a split fivespoke design with graphite finish — which looked especially good on the Nebula Grey Pearl tester.
While the RX 350 and F Sport share the same 3.5-litre V6 dual VVT-I engine, with its 270 horsepower and 248 foot-pounds of torque, the F Sport’s powertrain is a little different — and, dare I say, much more fun.
Rather than a six-speed automatic transmission, the F Sport comes with an eight-speed gearbox with standard paddle shifters to make your time behind the wheel a little more enjoyable if you are so inclined.
There’s also a sport-tuned suspension for an enhanced feel behind the wheel.
Fuel efficiency for the 2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport is rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.7L/100 km on the highway.
During my time with the RX, I averaged 13.8L/100 km.
And the F Sport, along with the RX 350, comes with an active torque control all-wheel-drive system. It monitors road conditions and automatically adjusts front and rear torque for optimal performance and traction.
It can modulate power from an even 50/50 split, to as much as 100/0 front or rear, depending on the needs determined by the road conditions.
The base RX 350 has an MSRP of $44,950 and the 450h will run you $56,750. The F Sport starts at $57,900. When you add in all the government levies and preparation fees, the F Sport is $60,030.20 before taxes.
Above and beyond the aforementioned driving enhance- ments, the F Sport model also comes with a black leather interior with aluminum sport pedals, silver trim accents, an F Sport steering wheel, shift knob and scuff plates.
In addition, the F Sport comes with standard dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, voice-activated HDD navigation system, backup camera and push-button start.
I also appreciated the head-up display on the F Sport, a system I find quite useful as it allows you to keep your eyes on the road while receiving important information in your field of vision.
In the redesigned interior, you will find a comfortable and nicely executed cabin filled with quality materials.
The eight-inch LCD screen atop the centre stack has been pushed farther back and is now shielded from the sun’s glare, which was a complaint with the previous screen placement.
The typical Lexus “joystick” that controls just about everything becomes easier to use each time I get my hands on a Lexus, so that is a positive.
My main issue with the cabin was the placement of the shifter. It’s pretty much in the middle of the centre stack and, when in Drive position, I find that it sticks out at an awkward angle. It’s a minor thing, and probably not a deal-breaker for most.
In the back seat, you have room for three comfortably. And when you don’t need all three seating positions, the 40/20/40 split rear seat offers increased versatility.
With the back bench in use, you still have a useful 40 cubic feet of cargo space at your disposal, or you could kick everyone out to more than double that to 80.3 cubic feet.
If latest sales figures are any indication, consumers are enjoying the redesigned Lexus SUV.
A week behind the wheel of the RX 350 F Sport made it easy to understand why, thanks to the suspension set-up, smooth gearbox, and a comfortable and quiet passenger compartment.