LUXURY SUV PIONEER UPGRADED

The latest iteration of the Lexus RX, the vehicle that pioneered the luxury SUV segment, adds striking aesthetic upgrades and a host of connectivity and safety technology mods to its list of virtues, including worldfirst Bladescan light technology (on the Hybrid model), and a new F Sport model in the line-up.

Changes for the refreshed fourth generation RX include a new rendition of the signature grille (the F Sport has a slightly different execution); slimmer, sharper headlights, rounder edges for the front bumper, a revised side character line, a redesigned lower bumper at the rear with lights (with new mirrored L-motif design), reflectors, underguard and exhaust outlets arranged on a strong horizontal axis. 20-inch wheels and an electric sunroof are now standard.

Inside, the cabin features a new 12.3-inch central display with touchscreen functionality, a new trackpad version of Lexus’s Remote Touch Interface with voice control, an additional four USB ports, and connected services via Mylexus. The 350 F Sport features more aggressive exterior and interior styling and shares the new Lexus Safety System+ with the flagship Hybrid. It also boasts the Adaptive Variable Suspension found in the Lexus LC and exclusive drive modes: Sport S+ and Custom mode.

Body rigidity and suspension settings (with Active Cornering Assist) have been improved but power still comes from a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (221 kw and 370Nm in the RX 350 or 216 kw and 358 Nm in the RX 350 L) coupled to powerful electric motors and CVT in the RX450H to deliver 230kw total system output. The Lexus RX models retail from R1,012,000 to R1,315,800.