What is it?
The proverbial underdog of the large luxury SUV segment in Europe. Last year, Lexus RX sales were just a quarter of those of two key rivals, the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90. But it’s an entirely different story in the US where the RX is top of the segment, selling more than double the amount of its nearest competitor, the Mercedes GLE. All in all, then, the RX is important for Lexus, making up a fifth of global sales.
The model has long been the pioneer for hybrid technology in the large SUV market, having been sold with a hybrid powertrain since 2005. That, alongside quirky styling, allowed the RX to make its mark. Now, four years into the fourth-generation RX, it’s time for Lexus to up its game, not least because most of its rivals now offer an electrified variant.
What’s new? The normal, subtle styling changes including redesigned front and rear bumpers, a rearranged tailpipe layout intended to give it a sportier image plus a grille upgrade to bring it in line with the new UX and ES.
Lexus has revised the suspension set-up in a bid to improve handling, upping use of high-strength adhesives throughout the chassis and installing stiffer anti-roll bars to improve body rigidity, plus there’s a host of technology updates including the ability to use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
It also employs the Bladescan adaptive high-beam system – a world first, says Lexus – which uses a rapidly rotating blade-shaped mirror to direct light from the LED headlights. An alternative to the LED matrix lights seen on the Q7, it is said to “provide finer and deeper automatic forward illumination”, to easier spot pedestrians and avoid dazzling drivers.
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I also much prefer to have a
I also much prefer to have a CD player in a car. Doesnt mean i use it all the time, but i do use them for time to time. Certainly including one is a big plus for me when looking for a car.
As for the car, it seems perfect for the job its intended. There isnt a plug in, because they make the cars their biggest markets want, not tax dodge specials for the EU. I imagine they will come in time.
Love the statement 'remains a leftfield choice for those who prefer interesting styling over German brand appeal'.
Maybe it should have read 'remains a leftfield choice for those who prefer top notch build quality over German brand appeal'
CD PLAYERS
Couldn't agree more with TheDriver's comments. For those of us who listen to music, not tunes, a CD player in the car (and one from which you can save the CD to the hard drive) is the most desirable set-up. Well done BMW for continuing to install them (except in the supposedly youth orientated Mini range).
2 Seats
Why all the comparisions to the XC90, that's a 7 seater, this is only 5 isn't it despite being nearly the same length? An XC60 that's easier to park might be a better match.
Are are too many of those 5 meters of length taken up by engine, battery etc and inefficient packaging? All that price, tech, weight and complexity for 35mpg doesn't sound quite so high tech now!