Next-gen Lexus RX announced – The details

Lexus has announced the new RX SUV, which will arrive in South Africa in early 2023.

Now in its fifth generation, the RX will be available with multiple powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid model, as part of Lexus’ goal to have a full line-up of battery-electric vehicles (BEV) by 2030.

Enhanced power

The new Lexus RX will be offered with four turbocharged powertrains.

Customers are afforded the choice between 2.4-litre petrol and mild-hybrid setups, or 2.5-litre mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations.

The 2.4-litre and plug-in hybrid motors are paired with all-wheel-drive underpinnings, whereas the 2.5-litre mild-hybrid can be had in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive.

The top-of-the-line F Sport, meanwhile, will be equipped with Lexus’ Direct4 all-wheel-drive system seen on models like the RZ, which maximizes the grip on each wheel to give the driver better control, according to Lexus.

While the new RX is the same length as the old model, the wheelbase is 60mm longer and the treads have been widened by 15mm in the front and 45mm in the rear, resulting in a decrease in the inertia felt by passengers, said the manufacturer.

Fresh design

The body of the SUV follows the Japanese automaker’s spindle design, meant to optimize airflow and engine cooling.

It boasts a low centre of gravity for better comfort and performance, with improved weight distribution achieving better handling characteristics.

The interior has also been redesigned to provide a more expansive environment, and several enhancements were made in the field of noise prevention.

This includes new weather strips fitted to all the windows and doors, a twin-lock structure on the hood to suppress engine vibration, and high-insulation glass.

Functions of the car operated with the multifunction steering wheel, such as navigation and the audio settings, are now also shown on the heads-up display to help minimize up-and-down eye movements.

The infotainment screen and centre console have been reworked, too, in order to be more ergonomic based on feedback on how often each button is used, said Lexus.

Finally, the RX is fitted with a number of safety features such as Lexus’ preventative Safety System, which anticipates risks according to the driving situation.

Additionally, the list of optional extras includes dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and Abnormal Driver Condition response, which will turn on the hazard lights and slow down the car if the system decides the driver cannot continue, said Lexus.

Further details on the Lexus RX, such as its market-specific specifications, pricing, and model line-up, will be announced closer to the launch in early 2023.