Weird may be in the eye of the beholder
Luxury SUV’s edgy new look is aimed at attracting successful, ambitious realists
PORTLAND, ORE.— Earthy Portland seems an odd choice for the 2016 Lexus RX introductory drive.
In a town that’s proud of its offbeat reputation — so much that a main tourist attraction is the “Keep Portland Weird” sign — something quirky and youth-oriented would have been the expected vehicle.
The revamped RX is quite the opposite. It’s a luxurious, mainstream and, with the 2016 new generation, fashion-forward SUV, aimed at middle-aged buyers.
The RX has been a Lexus staple since its introduction in 1999, accounting for 40 per cent of Lexus global sales each year.
“It’s one of the key arrows in our quiver,” said Lexus Canada director, Cyril Dimitris.
So there is a lot at stake in the launch of the fourth-generation RX for 2016.
Lexus is counting on being able to continue attracting repeat buyers to the RX lineup. These are baby boomers with fat wallets and an expectation of luxury.
But the company has also set its sights on a new demographic: successful, “ambitious realists” in their 40s and 50s.
The new RX aims to do this by applying a dramatic makeover to the exterior but essentially leaving the workings of the SUV alone.
And the exterior of the 2016 is distinctly different. It starts with an arresting grille treatment that follows the Lexus hourglass (they call it a spindle) shape. This one extends right up onto the hood, creating the impression from certain angles of a dark, gaping maw.
From the deeply folded hood, the lines sweep upwards toward the rear. The roof appears to float at the back, thanks to blacked-out C-pillars, a style also used in the new Nissan Maxima.
This overall design resulted from last-minute changes wrought after senior management saw the nearly finished mock-up and told the team it had not tried hard enough.
It will be interesting to see if the new appearance is generally appealing or polarizing. It could go either way.
Three models are coming this year, with deliveries expected to begin in early to mid November.
The RX 350 has a redesigned powertrain with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a more powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine that delivers 292 hp.
The RX 350 F Sport takes the basic 350 and adds paddle shifters to the transmission package, along with a more tuned chassis.
The RX 450h has a hybrid drive, along with the same gas engine. This combination makes 308 hp. It is also available with an F Sport package.
The driving experience in all three models is good, but not exciting. They handle well and have very smooth road manners.
The sport models feel only slightly tighter through corners, although the 450H sport package definitely delivers the most satisfying drive, with more power and more precise cornering.
Inside, each trim level is distinct and definitely luxurious. Lexus has added rare wood finishes and buttery leather seating.
Amenities in the base 350 model include heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, reclining and sliding rear seats and available rear seat entertainment. There’s also an excellent available head-up display for the driver.
It’s a truly comfortable, quiet environment, with enough rear legroom for even tall adults to be completely at ease.
For those who actually want to make the RX work, it can tow up to 1,588 kilograms and, with the rear seats folded down, will carry 521 litres of cargo.
Getting at the rear cargo area has also been made easier through the addition of a hands-free door opener. Simply wave a hand, elbow or put your face near the tailgate emblem, then stand back — the door is opening.
If buyers like the new look, the RX will surely continue to be a popular choice. But if they find it weird — and not in Portland’s friendly way — someone may regret those last-minute design modifications. Emily Atkins is a regular contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. Travel was provided by the manufacturer. For more Toronto Star automotive coverage, go to thestar.com/autos. To reach Wheels Editor Norris McDonald, nmcdonald@thestar.ca.