“Now 25 years on, and with a cumulative sales of 3.5 million units worldwide, the latest chapter for the Lexus RX begins with the fifth generation model,” said Lexus Malaysia president Datuk Ravindran K.
Exterior colours offered are Sonic Quartz, Sonic Iridium, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake and Sonic Copper (signature colour).
The 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a Direct Shift-8AT 8-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire technology, produces 279ps at 6,000rpm and 430Nm of torque at 1,700 to 3,600rpm.
The 2023 RX 350 has a new spindle body design, and a new seamless front grille which exudes a sleek and sporty aura.
Built on an enhanced GA-K platform, the new Lexus RX sits wider (+25mm) and boasts a longer wheelbase (+60mm), and offers more interior space.
Its overall weight was lowered with thinner side members and door assemblies.
Further weight savings were achieved by changing the front wings from steel to aluminium – which also helped improve the car’s front/rear weight distribution.
Besides being 90kg lighter, its centre of gravity is also 15mm lower.
In the cabin, the HUD (Head-up Display), instrument panel and centre display are arranged in a layout that allows for smooth line of sight to help minimise driver head movement. T
The RX has a new Full HD 14-inch EMV (Electro Multi Vision) wide display which serves as the control centre for many vehicle operations as well as the infotainment system.
There's voice recognition, wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, and a USB port.
For entertainment, there's a Lexus Premium Sound System with 12 speakers strategically located around the cabin.
In the RX, there are 4 USB ports for the front occupants (3 Type-C and 1 Type-A), and a Qi wireless charger, and a 12V accessory socket.
Rear occupants also have 2 Type-C USB ports located behind the centre console between the front seats.
An additional 12V socket is also available in the cargo compartment.
With the rear seats up, the rear cargo volume is 612 litres and this can take up to four golf bags as before. Loading is also easier as the floor level is 30 mm lower.
Under the floorboard, there are also compartments for storing tools and small items.
In the rear, a standard tonneau cover is provided, with easy one-touch operation for storing.
As before, the RX has a powered rear hatch with quicker opening and reduced operation noise.
It has kick-to-open convenience by placing a foot under the bumper, a welcome feature when both hands are carrying bags.
There is also a Walk-away Function whereby the rear hatch will close and be locked when the driver walks off (with the smart key in the pocket or handbag).
On the road, the all-new RX features an electronically controlled full-time AWD system.
In tandem with this, the RX 350 Luxury’s Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) helps controls the damping force of the shock absorbers on all four wheels to ensure excellent ride comfort.
Active Noise Control (ANC) also helps reduce noise within the cabin.
The new generation RX features an improved version of the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+).
It also features a digital Panoramic View Monitor with live 360-degree view of the vehicle and Rear Traffic Cross Alert, to aid drivers navigate tight confined spaces such as parking bays.
Rear Traffic Cross Alert alerts the driver if a vehicle is approaching from either side while reversing out of a parking bay.
Paired with the Blind Spot Monitor with Safe Exit Assist (SEA), the RX is able to warn the driver of impending vehicles or cyclists approaching from behind the vehicle.
Like the latest NX, the new RX is fitted with the e-Latch electronic door release, which replaces the internal door handle with a push-button switch positioned next to the armrest in the door panel.
The operation of the e-Latch system is linked to the car’s Blind Spot Monitor to provide Safe Exit Assist (SEA), preventing the door from being opened if there is a vehicle or cyclist approaching from behind.
SEA is expected to help prevent 95% of ‘dooring’ accidents. SEA first alerts the driver or passengers, and disables the e-Latch operation.
The LSS+ suite in the new RX consists of PCS - Pre-Collision System, DRCC- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function, LDA & LTA- Lane Departure Alert & Lane Tracing Assist, AHS - Adaptive High-beam System with BladeScan, and RSA - Road Sign Assist.
With PCS, earlier automatic application of braking can reduce the vehicle’s speed to either avoid a collision or if that is not possible, reduce the damaging effects of the impact.
The updated PCS will be able to detect vehicles, cyclist, pedestrians and even motorcyclists.
DRCC is an intelligent form of cruise control where a desired speed can be set and the vehicle will travel at that speed while also maintaining a safe distance from a vehicle directly ahead.
The distance can be varied and for the new RX, there are 4 levels instead of 3 (previous generation RX).
With the Stop & Go function, the vehicle’s speed can be reduced to 0 if the vehicle ahead comes to a stop (when DRCC is in operation). When the vehicle ahead moves, the RX will also resume moving forward while maintain the safe gap. This feature will be useful in congested traffic conditions.
DRCC includes a Curve Speed Reduction Function for safer driving. If a curve in the road is detected, the system will reduce vehicle speed when going round the curve.
LDA and LTA help to keep the vehicle within its lane, relying on road markings for guidance. The system can also prevent the vehicle from unintentionally leaving the road. When deviations are detected, the driver will be alerted and if no action is taken, a gentle steering action will occur to guide the vehicle back into its correct position in the lane.
This feature can also reduce fatigue on long journeys as the driver will not have to constantly adjust the steering wheel to follow the lane.
AHS uses the camera located on top of the vehicle to detect light from oncoming vehicles and optimizes the headlamp light distribution so that the high beams do not directly dazzle the drivers. This is done automatically.
The light is distributed using the BladeScan optical system in each headlight unit. This technology uses 12 LEDs and rotating mirrors, and provides a wider illumination area than the conventional system (array type).
