Top selling Lexus RX evolves to new heights

Lexus New Zealand’s most popular vehicle, the RX, has been refreshed by Lexus engineers who have tweaked its handling as well as packing the SUV with the latest in automotive technology.

As a result, the new RX, available in October 2019, will be one of the most technologically advanced vehicles in the Lexus portfolio, one that already stands for brave design and takumi craftsmanship.

The new RX exterior retains its powerful and sporty appearance, while the character line that runs from the front of the vehicle to the rear has been improved, giving the RX’s overall appearance exceptional flow and consistency. The result is an elegant, dynamic exterior that emphasises Lexus’ new design language.

“When the RX was first introduced it redefined a new luxury segment,” says Neeraj Lala, General Manager of Lexus New Zealand. “It raises the luxury standard again with this new model.”

“The RX is our bestselling luxury SUV. It remains practical and can seat five passengers in luxurious comfort.”

The new RX’s driving character embraces Lexus’ engaging performance following the path of LC and LS flagship coupe and sedan. The engineers scrutinized every part of the vehicle, and made enhancements to the rigidity of the body and suspension system, as well as adding a new shock absorber and brake control system. The result is a vehicle with an excellent handling feel and precision, allowing users to accurately trace their desired driving lines.

“The RX sets the benchmark for quality, comfort, consistency and now technology for Lexus SUVs,” says Mr. Lala.

The RX F-Sport and Limited editions are equipped with the world’s first BladeScanTM Adaptive High-beam System. The adaptive system automatically adjusts brightness in specific regions ahead of the car to avoid beaming at oncoming vehicles. The system is also able to redirect light towards the side of the road improving visibility when cornering.

“BladeScanTM is brilliantly suited to night driving on New Zealand roads, where we rely so much on high beam to light the route and hazards ahead. The system illuminates spots that may be difficult to see with conventional high-beam systems, such as the shoulder of the road. It allows the driver to see pedestrians and road signs much earlier,” Mr Lala explains.

Customers of the 2019 RX will also enjoy the option of Apple Car Play or Android Auto for the first time in a New Zealand-new Lexus. The updated multi-media system, with satellite navigation, will be available with a 12.3-inch touch screen display.

The 2019 RX will be available with a self-charging hybrid (RX 450h) or petrol-only (RX 350) powertrain. Either can be purchased as a standard model, or as an F-Sport or Limited model, both of which have a large range of extras including the Blade Scan headlights, custom drive modes in the F-Sport variant, and premium alloy wheel designs. The Limited also offers a five seat or seven seat version.

All RX versions are All Wheel Drive and are powered by a 3.5 litre V6 engine. The petrol-only RX 350 produces 221kW and the self-charging hybrid 450h has a total output of 230kW.

In 2019, self-charging hybrid Lexus vehicles have been outselling conventional petrol-only options. Lexus New Zealand expects this preference for the more environmentally-friendly option to continue to gather pace, especially if the Government goes ahead with its proposal to add a levy to high-emitting vehicles in 2021.


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