Okay… it looks very different to the old one, doesn’t it?
Very. The RX gets Lexus’ bold new styling DNA … and then some. It’s perhaps the most angular interpretation of the Lexus design language that debuted with its smaller NX sibling. A riot of acute angles and creases (“edgier than England of the fifth day of a test” was one tweet a CAR reader sent my way), it features signature L-shaped lighting elements and a super-sized version of the spindle grille. Added to the mix is the current “Automotive Design Flavour Of The Month”, the floating roof, created by blacked-out C-pillar, along with rear hatch creases that mimic that front spindle grille.
Are the under-the-skin changes as radical?
Not even close. The styling may be a bounding leap forward, but the mechanicals and platform represent a more evolutionary approach. Both the RX350’s 3,5-litre V6 and the RX450h’s V6/electric powerplants remain, but they have been massaged for a little more power and fuel efficiency. The 350 now puts out 221 kW/370 N.m (up from 204 kW/346 N.m) and the 450h is good for a combined 230 kW/335 N.m (up from 220 kW/317 N.m). Lexus quotes 9,6 L/100 km for the 350 and 5,7 L/100 km for the 450h.
The both RX retain their respective transmissions – an eight-speed auto in the 350 and a CVT in the 450h.
What’s it like to drive?
Pretty impressive. Part of those evolutionary changes have been to the suspension set-up and while the RX has always been known for its refined ride, that’s now improved even more. Higher-tensile steel and improved manufacturing techniques have made for a stronger and stiffer body, of which are hung a revised front (MacPherson strut) and rear (double-wishbone multi-link) suspension.
Aside from the new Audi Q7 with the air suspension option, this might just be the most refined ride I’ve experienced in a conventionally sprung SUV. The damping on the RX is very, very good and despite riding on low-profile 20-inch rubber, the ride feels plush and composed. It was particularly impressive on some reasonably rough gravel roads traversed on our route from Mbombela Airport in Nelspruit to our lodgings for the evening at Ulusala Lodge in Sabie Sands Game Reserve.
Both powertrains feel punchy enough, although neither will blow your hair back. Still, both have enough power and torque to comfortably deal with the demands of real-world driving conditions. I’m not usually a fan of CVT transmissions, but I never found the 450h’s to be offensive, which is about the best thing one can say for a CVT.
Didn’t it get a bit wobbly when you pushed it around the corners?
That’s always going to be the trade-off for a vehicle setup like this. With the USA as the big market for the RX (Lexus has shifted 1,2 million units since it’s launch there in 1998), a soft ride was always going to be preferred over the more dynamic handling that something like a BMW X5 would serve up. “Wobbly” is a little unfair, though. Yes, there was a little more body roll through the corners but the RX never felt unsettled. It always felt composed enough mid corner to step on the gas on exit.
One aspect I didn’t like too much was the steering. It’s precise, but there’s zero feedback and it feels light and numb in any of the three driving modes (eco, normal, and sport). For a crisper driving experience we would’ve liked to see the …
… F-Sport model?
Exactly! But it’s not coming to SA. Where the EX-spec 350 and ES-spec 450h come with the above-mentioned drive modes that effect steering and throttle response, the F-Sport derivative, with its variable suspension damping that firms up the suspension, won’t make it here. It – and its additional sport+ mode – are available overseas.
I’m guessing it’s pretty plush and comfy inside as well?
Indeed. Typical of Lexus, the RX comes very well-specced. In fact, there’s no options list at all. By way of example, 10-way power front seats, 12-speaker audio system, Lexus Remote Touch infotainment system, reverse camera, blind sport monitor with rear cross traffic alert, front and back sonar parking sensors, power sliding roof, rear privacy glass, electric rear door and a wireless smartphone charger are all standard.
The multi-tiered dash might not be to everyone’s taste – it’s a bit fussy for me – but there’s no denying its premium quality feel. It might not be as elegant as, say, the new Volvo XC90, but the build quality is superb.
The new car retains the same platform underpinnings as its predecessor, though the chassis has been lengthened by 50 mm. This has meant a claimed 38 mm increase in rear-passenger leg room so there’s comfortably enough leg (and shoulder) space for three adults sitting in the rear pew.
Right. Give it to us in a nutshell…
Rather than attempting to emulate its European competitors, Lexus has not only chosen to imbue the new RX with the qualities of its predecessor, but it has improved on those. As a result, the chassis and powertrains of new the RX see an SUV that prioritises a refined and creamy ride over performance and dynamic handling. Given its luxury interior spec and build quality, it is also competitive when you look at what else is available at the R800 000 and R1-million price points.
Basically, if you like the type of SUV the RX is, you will like this one. It’s a car that builds on all its existing strengths.
