TOKYO — The following-generation Lexus RX, the top-selling household hauler that crushes the midsize premium crossover phase, leads Lexus deeper into electrification with a whole redesign that brings the nameplate’s first plug-in in addition to a fire-breathing F Sport turbocharged hybrid.
The fifth-generation overhaul, unveiled in Japan and at Toyota Motor North America’s headquarters in Plano, Texas, repackages the nameplate on a brand new platform with new drivetrains that Lexus says will make the RX as enjoyable as it’s sensible to drive.
For starters, the brand new GA-Ok structure delivers a decrease middle of gravity for extra nimble dealing with whereas offering an extended wheelbase and tread for extra legroom and cargo house.
And when it lands within the U.S. this yr, the 2023 Lexus RX will debut with 4 new powertrains in addition to a brand new course for Lexus design, deemphasizing the spindle grille.
“Nothing exemplifies our dedication to the transformation we’re making as a model and Subsequent Chapter for Lexus product greater than the renewal of our best-selling automobile — the RX,” Andrew Gilleland, Lexus Division common supervisor, mentioned in a launch.
“We’re respiratory new life into the segment-leading RX with enhanced security and know-how, human-centered design and plain efficiency from a various mixture of powertrains.”
Toyota Motor Corp.’s premium marque is banking on this redesign of the venerable RX to assist rekindle the model’s gross sales momentum amid tight inventories and provide chain turmoil.
Lexus gross sales in U.S. declined 13 % to 64,365 autos in first quarter, inserting the model No. 3 within the luxurious gross sales race behind estimated top-seller Tesla and runner-up BMW. However RX gross sales, accounting for 42 % of the Lexus whole, dipped simply 4.1 % to 26,795.
The RX dominated the premium midsize crossover market with almost 11 % of the phase, outpacing the BMX X5 and rival Mercedes-Benz GLE/M-Class by greater than 10,000 autos every. Actually, Toyota has offered 3.5 million RX crossovers globally since introducing the nameplate in 1998.
The redesign additionally performs a vital position in Lexus’ electrification targets. Lexus desires to remodel itself into an electric-only model in Europe, the U.S. and China by 2030, when it expects to promote 1 million EVs a yr. And by 2035, Lexus goals to be able to promote solely full-electric autos worldwide.
Therefore, the next-gen RX will get three electrified choices along with the RX 350 gasoline mannequin. The interior combustion entry has a 2.4-liter turbo engine and eight-speed automated transmission for 275 hp.
The electrified choices begin with the RX 350h conventional hybrid, mating a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to an electrical motor and constantly variable transmission to generate 246 hp.
The RX line additionally will get its first plug-in hybrid, the RX 450h+. That providing makes use of a 2.5-liter inline-four with a big capability, high-output lithium ion battery. Lexus did not element horsepower.
Lastly, there’s a top-shelf RX 500h F Sport all-wheel-drive efficiency hybrid, combining a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a six-speed automated and e-axle. It achieves 367 hp.
The RX 500h F Sport would be the second Lexus to get the model’s newly developed Direct4 awd system, utilizing electrification to optimize entrance and rear wheel grip. The primary automobile introduced with the know-how was the RZ all-electric crossover unveiled in April.
Amongst different upgrades is a brand new multilink rear suspension for higher dynamics, in addition to elevated rear physique body rigidity to enhance really feel throughout braking and acceleration.
The result’s an evolution of what the model calls the Lexus Driving Signature, a sort of driving character that strives to straight channel the motive force’s will to the wheels.
“The primary problem was to create a automobile that was enjoyable to drive and one that might have dialogue with the motive force,” Lexus mentioned in a launch. “The Lexus Driving Signature entails a driving expertise that gives an exhilarating feeling of seamless acceleration, steering, and braking in keeping with all driving conditions and goals for linear response devoted to the motive force’s intentions.”
The brand new platform lowers the RX for a extra planted middle of gravity and ground-hugging sporty stance, versus the extra upright and raised posture of its outgoing counterpart.
The newcomer additionally introduces a design course that shifts the main target to a so-called spindle physique design that sculpts a toned-down grille into the headlights. The spindle grille continues to be there, however the high portion is crammed in and extra built-in into the remainder of the design.
The nostril is extra pronounced than the gently raked profile seen within the present model. The rear, in the meantime, will get a wraparound taillight bar with an L-shaped illumination motif.
Alongside the facet, the redesigned RX retains the identical C-pillar kink seen in its predecessor and within the new RZ full-electric. But it surely refines the sheet metallic creasing for a extra refined, streamlined aura.
Lastly, Lexus engineers additionally turned their consideration to the software program facet, loading the RX with the most recent driver-assist applied sciences bundled into the Lexus Security System+ 3.0.
The suite features a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and intersection assist in addition to a brand new motorcycle-detection characteristic. The all-speed dynamic cruise management additionally has a brand new curve-speed administration system. And for these with parallel parking issues, Lexus has that coated, too. A brand new parking-assist perform helps the RX squeeze in nearly wherever it suits.