LEXUS RX 350 F SPORT / Elevated refinement
Having tested various Lexus models over the past 13 years, the common thread has always been one of refinement and, having recently spent time at the helm of the recently updated RX in 350 F Sport guise, my initial impression remains. The premium Japanese marque surely knows a thing or two about creating a hushed cabin ambience. Lerato Matebese reckons the RX has a place in this highly competitive segment
Lexus continues to be the left-field choice in the premium segment, but there is no denying the fact that its products have been improving exponentially and going toe-to-toe with the German triumvirate for the most part. The RX, for instance, was one of the pioneers of the large luxury SUV segments and has since influenced several marques to introduce their own advocates, making it a significant role player in the history of the genre.
NIPPED AND TUCKED
Introduced at the beginning of 2016, the current generation RX was recently given minor updates to both the 350 and 450h (hybrid) models, with the former now replete with the F-Sport trim that gives it a more pronounced spindle grille finished in gloss black, while F Sport badging can be seen on the front flanks and steering wheel.
There are model-specific alloy wheels employed finished in an anthracite/titanium look, while the red seats in our test unit contrasted very well with the darker trimmings. There are new, slimmer LED headlight with automatic high beam function, however, I found that the system does lack the sophistication in operation of some of the systems offered by German offerings, as it wouldn’t dip in time to not dazzle oncoming vehicles at night.
CABIN APPOINTMENTS
The cabin itself is a nice place to be with highquality finishes and a cocooning effect that is even more pronounced once on the move. There are ample storage nooks and crannies peppered about the cabin, while the four USB ports – two up front and two at the rear – means some muchneeded peace of mind for charging electronics gadgets for both adults up front and the kids at the rear.
For added legroom, which is already quite generous, the rear seat bench can be electrically moved rearwards. Boot space, meanwhile, is pegged at 453 litres, which is not particularly commodious and has a very shallow boot floor. The trade-off, however, is that the RX comes with a full-size spare wheel that resides below the boot floor.