Prices Range from ¥4.6 to ¥6.5 Million

Originally, this model was positioned as the Harrier under the Toyota brand, but the new generation will finally be introduced in Japan as a Lexus. Meanwhile, the previous generation Toyota Harrier is set to be sold concurrently until 2010.

The Harrier models that will continue are the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and hybrid versions. The 3.5-liter V6 model will transition to the RX, and along with the RX450h equipped with a hybrid system, it will be developed under the Lexus brand.

Regarding this concurrent sales strategy, Takayuki Katsuta, Chief Engineer for the new Lexus RX development, explained, "The Harrier is a premium car within mass sales, while the RX is positioned as a competitor to imported SUVs." Indeed, the RX350 is priced between ¥4.6 million and ¥5.65 million, over ¥1.4 million higher than the Harrier's 3.5-liter model (the RX450h is priced between ¥5.7 million and ¥6.5 million).

As for the powertrains, the RX350 employs the same V6 3.5-liter engine as the previous model, delivering a maximum output of 280 ps and peak torque of 35.5 kgm. The RX450h combines a V6 3.5-liter engine producing 249 ps and 32.3 kgm of torque with a high-output nickel-metal hydride motor generating 167 ps. This combination allows the RX450h to deliver performance comparable to a 4.5-liter model. Despite this, the RX450h achieves fuel economy of 18.8 km/ℓ and the RX350 achieves 9.4 km/ℓ under the 10.15 mode standard.

The body dimensions are 4770mm in length, 1885mm in width, and 1690mm in height. This makes it 35mm longer, 40mm wider, and 10mm taller than the current Harrier. Consequently, the interior space has also been expanded by 190mm in length, 60mm in width, and 10mm in height, realizing a more spacious cabin.

The Lexus RX series, while inheriting the design of the Harrier, possesses a more luxurious ambiance. This crossover SUV, packed with the latest technology, is undoubtedly set to become a popular model in Japan.


BRAND HISTORY
Toyota launched its luxury car brand LEXUS in the American market in 1989. The aim was to offer a new value proposition that distinguished itself from luxury cars from America and Germany, leveraging Toyota's renowned technological prowess, superior quality, and exceptional customer service.

Upon the release of the "LS400" (domestic name: Celsior) and "ES250" (domestic name: Camry) in the American market in September of the same year, the LS400 quickly earned the title of Best Import Car by February 1990. Subsequently, Lexus's reputation continued to grow, and with the expansion of its lineup, it solidified its position as a luxury car brand.

Following its success in America, Lexus expanded into Europe in 2004 and announced its business development in Japan in May of the same year. In August 2005, it launched its luxury car business in its home country. Initially, the lineup lacked a flagship model, featuring the "GS" (successor to the Toyota Aristo), "SC" (Toyota Soarer), and "IS" (Toyota Altezza successor). However, the long-awaited new LS in September 2006, followed by its hybrid version, the "LS600h/LS600hL," in May 2007, met the expectations of luxury saloon buyers.

Meanwhile, Lexus has focused on building its sports image, announcing the sports model "IS F" in October 2007 and entering the developing sports coupe "LF-A" in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race in May 2008, further enhancing its appeal and anticipating increased popularity.