Sci-fi story
The bestselling Lexus model of all time, the RX, got a facelift midway into its fourth generation. Kyle Kock spent time behind the wheel of this premium Japanese SUV.
Lexus drew a line in the sand way back when it launched its first vehicle, the LS sedan, 31 years ago. The LS400 immediately took the fight to established luxury brands BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and the USA’s own premium marques like Cadillac, with quality, reliability and generally being way ahead of its time in terms of technological innovations.
Nine years later, the RX was born, the first truly luxurious SUV from the land of the rising sun. It then went on to become a hybrid pioneer with the second-generation model. And now, the fourth version of the RX has had a nip and tuck on some of its lines, received a host of tech upgrades, and there’s a new model variant to boot.
What exactly is new?
There are significant revisions up front, with the massive grille featuring new L-shape motifs dominating your view and the bluetinged Lexus logo taking pride of place in the centre, and also signifying this particular model’s eco-friendly credentials. Then there’s the slimmer LED headlamps, which now feature adaptive high-beam technology across the line-up, while the range-topping 450h also boast the company’s new blade scan system.
This new technology bounces LED beams off a blade-shaped mirror that spins at 12 000 rpm to not only increase the brightness of the high-beam, but also to manipulate the beam in minute detail so as not to blind oncoming vehicles. Lexus says blade scan is 10% brighter than its other LED lamps and helps drivers to see more of the road ahead by illuminating road shoulders, road signs and pedestrians.
Along the profile, the character line and chrome trim angle toward the taillights, so that the RX resembles a coupe – especially as your eyes move toward the rear. The effect is finished off with 20” wheels that fill the angular arches. A redesigned bumper and L-shaped details in the taillights complete the exterior revision.
Tech-appointed cabin
The RX, being a Lexus and all, features the same two-tiered dash that you’ll see across the company’s model range, but instead of the new 12,3” infotainment screen being integrated with the facia, it is a tablet-like standalone unit that’s mounted a few centimetres closer toward the inside of the cabin; and therefore within easier reach of the driver and front passenger.
You can choose to simply use the screen’s touch sensitivity, a new trackpad mounted in the centre console next to the driver’s leg, or voice control to navigate the infotainment menu.
To keep you better connected with the world outside, the RX comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so your phone pairs seamlessly with the system. Don’t worry if you don’t have the app on your device yet, because the RX is equipped with an onboard wi-fi hotspot should you need to download it, or download a map or an audiobook that will
make your
journey more pleasurable. The initial 15 GB is free and doesn’t have an expiry date (cellular networks take note), and you can replenish data at any time.
There’s also a wireless charger, if your device supports that technology, a dedicated smartphone slot that your mobile slides into (it’ll stick out little more than halfway), and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system for when you’re in the mood to listen to a concert on your drive.
On the road
Despite the use of an old-school 3,5 ℓ petrol V6 engine in conjunction with the electric motors, the RX 450h is fairly quiet about town and even when you press on after merging with a busy freeway or are enjoying a bumpy B-road – and that’s not even in the electric mode. This model was extremely well-behaved as we left the halfway stop of the launch route in sleepy Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo.
Should your journey not require any spirited motoring, then you can quite comfortably shuffle along in Eco mode, carefully watching the ‘tachometer’ as it edges toward the dotted line that indicates
the RX has started to wake up the internal combustion engine.
But even as you coax the engine towards loftier engine speeds, the exhaust note never really feels intrusive – it is a Lexus after all. There’s a slight hint of induction noise that’ll bring a smile to your face, but then you really have to be pushing it.
The CVT doesn’t even make a nuisance of itself as it cleverly matches your throttle input to what it thinks you want in terms of performance. Just leave it to its own devices, in Drive, and it’ll deliver outstanding fuel consumption and range – even though the RX450h’s fuel tank has been cut by 7 ℓ to make room for the battery and the electric motor on the rear axle.
Lexus has also decided to make the Lexus Safety System + a standard feature on the Hybrid, which includes a night-time pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection function, and pre-collision safety and autonomous emergency braking. There’s also an all-speed active cruise control system, 10 airbags, and blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert.
Conclusion
Lexus continues to push the envelope in terms of design and technology – both of which stand the company in good stead for the future of hybrid and electric vehicles. As always, the company specs its models generously, and there is precious little you would want extra. The RX450h is unfortunately not rated to tow, but at least you’ll be able to sneak up on that pride of lions during your next game drive.