IN YOUR GRILLE
LEXUS RX 350 INSPIRES DRIVING CONFIDENCE, BUT WHAT’S WITH THAT SNOUT?
Overview Newest and sportiest version of the original luxury crossover
Pros Made in Ontario, comfortable and quiet, superior interior
Cons Ugly front- end styling, pricey when optioned out Value for money Good
What I would change Fire whoever approved that awful front grille
How I would spec it Base F Sport ( Series 2, $ 62,700)
I’ve become leery of saying certain crossovers or sport utes “inspire confidence,” especially during the winter months, lest it generates the impression I’m one of those idiots who tears up and down streets and highways, overconfident in the vehicle’s superior traction, and seemingly oblivious to road conditions, only to end wheels up in some ditch farther along.
But there was a weather event on the day I went to pick up the new Lexus RX 350 and, to be perfectly honest, the drive back home in the Lexus was a whole lot more pleasant and less stressful than the drive there in my 19-year-old winter beater. You see, when you live within the confines of a large metropolitan area, it’s not so much the amount of snow (which was rather insignificant in the grand scheme of things) as it is the timing ( in this case smack dab in the middle of a Monday morning commute). In this situation, it takes little to royally mess up the roads, doubling or tripling the time it takes to get to work and putting thousands of motorists in a generally foul mood.
So, rather t han say t he f ourth- generation, stylistically polarizing 2016 RX 350 inspires confidence (which it does, thanks to its all-wheel drivetrain and copious safety backups), I will posit that driving Lexus’s perennial bestseller generates positive vibes. This has been the hallmark of the RX ( and Lexus as a whole) since the model debuted in late 1998. It ushered in the concept of the high-end crossover, which is to say SUV flexibility combined with luxury sedan-like ride and a long list of creature comforts.
But beyond the RX 350’s strengths and overall engineering improvements, Lexus is attempting to further broaden the RX’s street cred by pushing it into the mostly uncharted territory of a performance- based crossover, with the reinvigorated F Sport edition. Doing so without enhancing the RX 350’s 3.5-litre V- 6 beyond the increased horsepower it receives for 2016 ( now 295, up from last year’s 270) is a tricky proposition, pretty much negating any thought this model might be competition for AMG or M versions of Mercedes’ or BMW’s sport utes. It isn’t as though 295 horsepower is underwhelming; the 2,000-plus-kilogram RX will launch itself to 100 km/h in less than 8.5 seconds. But, if you’re entertaining the idea the F Sport can duke it out with something like the Porsche Macan S or even a Mercedes GLA 45 AMG, forget it.
Face it, Lexus doesn’t do extreme. The upscale brand seeks to elevate, rather than dominate, with the F Sport ($ 62,700 to start, an $ 8,750 premium over the regular RX). The crossover takes a balanced approach to performance, starting with paddle shifters and re-tuned handling, to deliver a sportier driving experience.
The F Sport comes standard with an adaptive variable suspension system that controls shock absorber damping at each wheel in response to road conditions and driver input. Also, an active stabilizer system keeps body movement in check over bumpier road surfaces (improving ride comfort) and when cornering (reduced roll).
All RXs are fitted with a Drive Mode Select system, which provides a choice of settings, each modifying the engine and chassis to some degree. The Sport S setting (standard on the F Sport and available on RXs equipped with the adaptive variable suspension system) offers a higher level of performance with more aggressive throttle mapping and quicker engine response. The all- out Sport S+ setting combines the engine enhancements of Sport S with firming the feel of the electric power steering and stiffening the suspension for flatter cornering. Naturally, drivers can choose from the other settings — Eco, Normal and Customize — to tailor the RX’s demeanour, depending on their preference.
According to Lexus, the RX’s redesign is a continuance of the “seductive strength” theme applied to the brand’s newest products. And, from a side profile, the crossover has a sharper, edgier look to it that projects a more aggressive image. However, the plot goes awry with the F Sport’s face, namely the enormous spindle grille that simply overwhelms. I’ve yet to find anyone who thinks it attractive.
There is no such controversy with the cabin’s redesigned layout. It is well executed, blending quality materials and trim pieces with roominess and a full suite of comfort and convenience features. Wisely, even though the RX sees a 50-millimetre stretch in its wheelbase as well as a 120-mm increase in overall length, it maintains a five-seat configuration, meaning plenty of knee and legroom for full-sized adults, in both the front and the back.
Once you come to the decision on whether you can live with ( or like) the new RX’s styling, there are more positives than negatives.
Of the latter, fuel economy is not the best. I averaged 15.5 L/ 100 km during my time with the F Sport, most of that in-town driving. If better mileage is a prime concern, there’s the RX 450h hybrid version, with its Atkinsoncycle 3.5- L V- 6, and electric motor (308 net h.p.). I’d also forego the F Sport’s all singin’, all dancin’ Series 3 package; the regular F Sport ( designated Series 2) has more than enough features.
Still, as the most popular model in Lexus’s lineup, what you get in the RX — no matter how it’s powered and configured — is one of the most refined and relaxing luxury crossovers on the market; one that’s all but guaranteed to make your drive a pleasant one.