Back in 1998, Lexus introduced the very first RX model, essentially inventing the luxury SUV segment. Since then, the RX has become the best-selling model for the brand, exceeding the 2 million sales unit figure last year and averaging about 100,000 units annually in the US market, a figure rarely achieved by any car.
Overall, the RX accounts for some 40 percent of Lexus sales, so when the designers and engineers sat down to develop the fourth generation, they certainly knew they had an important job to do. And no less than the CEO of Lexus himself, the charismatic Akiho Toyoda was involved in process – he reportedly came in to the design centre just one month before completion and instructed the team that it needed to be more ‘bold’.
Looking at the new RX for the very first time, bold is certainly a word that comes to mind, along with exciting, aggressive and even futuristic. The first feature that grabs your attention is the super-sized spindle grille, a characteristic design cue of all Lexus cars, but now bigger and more striking than ever.
On either side of the grille are the sleek L-shaped LED lamps and arrowhead illumination, and below them LED foglights inset into the angular folds of the bodywork. Sharp creases and lines along all the panels from front to back set the RX apart from its more rounded predecessors, and indeed its competitors in the mid-sized luxury SUV market.
The low, swooping roofline gives a very sporty coupe effect and is accentuated by the floating rooftop achieved by a blacked out section on the C-pillar.
The spindle grille concept is subtly reflected in the paneling of the rear door, and the expressive design elements continue with flared rear fenders and more L-shaped LED taillights.
The RX interior has also been completely redesigned, this time with a more driver-focused centre control stack and thicker, sportier steering wheel. The driving position while still SUV high, has a more car-like feel to it.
Sitting atop the dash for maximum visibility is the 8-inch IPS multi-media display for all navigation and infotainment functions. This can be upgraded to a huge 12.3-inch display. Getting around the system is done via the Remote Touch controller located just behind the gear shifter.
And another driver-focused high-tech highlight in the RX is a large, full colour head-up display on the windscreen.
There are high quality touches throughout the interior with plush leather and wood or aluminium trim achieving the perfect balance of luxury and sportiness.
The 2016 RX is overall larger than before, growing 120mm in length, with 55mm of that between the wheels. This has added more legroom for backseat passengers, and despite the low-slung roofline, there is an extra 50mm of headroom too.
Other comforts for those in the back include the optional panoramic sunroof and rear-seat entertainment system with 11.6-inch screens on the back of the front headrests.
The new Lexus air-conditioning system is equipped with an S-FLOW control that measures the cabin and outside temperature and direct sunlight, and uses this information to optimize the airflow for all passengers.
Throw in the optional Mark Levinson 15-speaker Surround Sound system, and you have a very comfortable and pleasurable space to be cruising around town in.
In Macau, the RX is available in the 200t and 450h versions, and both are available in F Sport mode for even sportier styling and driving options.
For power, the RX200t features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission producing 235hp and 350Nm of torque. Zero to 100km/h comes in at 9.2 seconds and fuel efficiency is rated at 8.1L/100km.
The top of the line RX450h (h for hybrid) presents a sophisticated 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a pair of front-mounted electric motor/generators and an additional motor for the rear wheels, a nickel-metal hydride storage battery and a controller unit that decides which components are expelling or generating energy and when.
The total system output is 308hp and 335Nm of torque. Connected to an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) the 450h does 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds and achieves an impressive fuel efficiency of 5.7L/100km.
Lexus have retuned the suspension of all RX’s to provide sharper handling compared to earlier models, and the optional Adaptive Variable Suspension system makes its RX debut, modifying damper firmness and steering behavior for better responsiveness or improved comfort.
You can further choose the characteristics of your driving experience with three driving modes – Normal, Eco and Sport. The RX450h adds an EV mode for full electric driving and the F Sport version gets Sport S+ and a Customized mode, which allows you to key in personalized settings for the powertrain, suspension, steering and throttle response.
The F Sport is available with all-wheel drive only and includes sportier exterior styling, 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, a lower ride height, an engine noise enhancer, special gauges, heated and ventilated sport seats and special interior trim.
While this new version of the RX looks sportier than ever, the reality is that many buyers of this model have traditionally been families looking for space, practicality and safety, along with the luxury offerings of a Lexus. On this front, the 2016 RX does not disappoint.
Boot space is 519 litres and can be expanded to 1,592 litres with the rear seats folded down. For more ease and convenience, the rear seats feature power adjustable folding with a 60/40 split. Another useful feature is the power lift gate. Simply wave your hand over the Lexus badge and it automatically opens.
Safety is always a key concern for Lexus buyers and the RX delivers here too with a wide range of standard and high tech options. Antilock brakes, traction and stability control, a rear view camera and ten airbags are all standard. Optional features include panoramic view back-up camera, blind spot warning, rear-cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning and intervention.
Given the huge popularity and reputation of Lexus’ best-selling luxury SUV range since its introduction 18 years ago, there is little doubt that the dramatic styling, luxurious trim, excellent safety and solid road handling of this fourth generation will continue to carry on the success of the RX name well into the future.
