The second generation Lexus RX has proved itself to be a strong contender in the market for petrol-powered premium sports utility vehicles and advances in both performance and economy allow the latest version to mount an even stiffer challenge. Regarded as the creator of the current SUV craze, the vehicle’s spacious bodywork provides ample room for families, while a generous luggage deck confirms it is also a practical load-carrier.
The Lexus RX is the top-selling Lexus of all in America, where it was launched in 1997 as the Lexus RX300 and more than one million have now been sold worldwide.
With its engine linked to front and rear electric motors, the Lexus RX 400h is the world’s first performance hybrid SUV.
Multi-zone air conditioning that mimics the human brain in controlling cabin temperature settings and an eight-way power-adjust driver’s seat are standard across the Lexus RX range, along with roof rails, a rear spoiler and privacy glass to the rear and sides. Upper grades feature air suspension, perforated leather upholstery, intelligent entry lighting and an 11-speaker Mark Levinson audio system with a six-disc autochanger.
A class leader in safety, the Lexus RX has a front airbag system linked with a seat-position sensor, a crash- severity sensor and the seatbelt buckle switch. Using the data it receives, the system determines the most appropriate inflation level for each airbag according to the prevailing circumstances. A driver’s knee airbag – a first in the segment – significantly reduces the risk of leg injuries and an energy-absorbing steering column offers further driver protection. Side protection is enhanced by the use of larger-than-usual airbags that cut the risk of chest and abdomen injuries by spreading impact forces over a wider area of the body. All models feature traction-control, multi-channel anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and vehicle stability control.
CO2 emissions are 264g/km for the Lexus RX 350 and just 192g/km for the Lexus RX 400h
The 3.5-litre V6 engine of the Lexus RX is the first in its segment to adopt VVT-I, which is an optimised, low pressure loss variable-intake and exhaust valve timing system. Developing 272bhp, the unit takes the car to 60mph in 7.8 seconds. Top speed is 124mph and economy is 25.2mpg. The Lexus RX 400h returns average economy of 31mpg, which is impressive for a 4x4 SUV.
Six versions of the Lexus RX 350 are available and the entry-level model costs £32,720. In LE trim the price rises to £34,752 whilst adding the Multimedia pack takes it to £37,702. With an SE badge the price is £36,870 and £39,820 in Multimedia form. The top SE-L costs £43,335. In 400h form the Lexus RX starts at £35,860 and moves up to £39,700 in SE trim. The SE Multimedia model costs £42,650 and the SE-L is priced at £44,380. In SR form the car costs £37,560 and the Multimedia version is £40,510.