Coupe-like, Inside and Out

The Lexus RX series has undergone a full model change. It's become larger than before, with an emphasis on sportier driving, mirroring its styling. As a premium SUV starting at ¥4.95 million, it's a popular model that found over 5,000 owners in fiscal year 2014. As such, many will be intrigued by this latest update. The fourth generation also introduces a model equipped with a 2-liter engine.

First, the body style catches the eye. The "spindle" grille, which appears to hug the road with its powerful, enlarged form, the coupe-like profile that Lexus describes as diamond-shaped, and the sharp character lines. It's a bold departure from its predecessors. While it shares a design language with the Lexus NX, the RX series gives a stronger coupe impression due to its longer roofline and flowing side window design.

The term "coupe-like" might be closer to the car's essence than a mere metaphor. After all, body rigidity has been increased, and the front platform has been redesigned to enhance handling performance. For those who want to enjoy driving more, the "F SPORT" specification is available, with stiffer dampers and other features that effectively control body roll during cornering.

Lexus RX 200t "F SPORT"

The lineup consists of the RX200t and RX450h. The former features a 2-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine producing 175 kW (238 ps) and 350 Nm of torque, also found in the NX200t. The latter is a hybrid combining a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering a powerful 230 kW (313 ps) combined output. For a vehicle with a length of 4890 mm (120 mm longer than the previous model), a height of 1710 mm (20 mm taller), and weighing approximately 1.9 tons, the 2-liter engine offers more than sufficient power, while the hybrid provides nearly excessive power.

Both the RX200t and RX450h are available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The former is an on-demand 4WD system that becomes purely front-wheel drive with a 100:0 torque split when there's no load. The latter utilizes an electric 4WD system that drives the rear wheels with an electric motor.

Lexus states, "While being an RX, it goes beyond being an RX." Though a somewhat Zen-like comment, it can simply be interpreted as enhancing its strengths. Lexus finds the raison d'être of this "premium" SUV in its body size and sportiness. Placing the new model next to the previous generation, the older one even evokes a sense of feminine gentleness. The new model, while retaining sophistication, is quite aggressive.

Driving it, it is indeed sporty, as the brand intended.

The RX200t Caters to a Wide Range of Drivers

The new Lexus RX, with its enlarged body and coupe-like styling, leaves a striking impression. It could be categorized alongside the BMW X4 and X6, followed by the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe (scheduled for a 2016 Japanese launch), and even the Land Rover Evoque. It's youthful and, in a good way, aggressive. The atmosphere is quite different from the previous model.

It's also sporty to drive. The RX200t (specifically the F SPORT) is unlikely to disappoint those who actively enjoy driving. As the sportiest specification within the RX200t lineup, its suspension setup is well-tuned.

Lexus RX 200t "F SPORT"

While it's a 2-liter engine, it's on par with similar displacement engines from contemporary European manufacturers. Particularly in Sport mode via the "Drive Mode Select," you can experience sharp acceleration and smooth revving. The suspension dampers are firm, but in return, you enjoy excellent body control through corners. The steering also incorporates a mechanism to reduce play at the initial turn-in by suppressing differential action. This allows for nimble cornering.

I would recommend the RX200t to those who, despite its sporty nature, lead a natural lifestyle, going golfing on weekends and regularly taking family shopping trips in the city. In such cases, the F SPORT might not be necessary. Lexus mentions pursuing a "more comfortable ride" by softening the suspension springs, so the standard model might also be a good choice. From another perspective, the flexibility of this model to cater to such a wide range of drivers is its charm.

The interior is spacious, with ample headroom and legroom in the rear seats. The slightly flat seat base is likely a compromise to accommodate larger luggage when the backrests are folded down. Meanwhile, the front seats offer increased comfort compared to before. The sense of being enveloped in both the driver's and passenger seats is calming, which is also a recognized appeal of an SUV. It's easy to get in and out, and the vehicle's dimensions are easy to gauge. The attention to detail is impressive.

For those who want to enjoy driving more sportily, the RX450h is the optimal choice.

The RX450h: For Those Seeking Sportiness

For those who desire a sporty driving experience to match the coupe-like styling of the RX series, the RX450h should not disappoint. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine employs the Atkinson cycle for better fuel efficiency, producing a maximum output of 193 kW (262 ps) and a peak torque of 335 Nm. Additionally, the front-wheel-drive version is paired with a 335 Nm electric motor, while the all-wheel-drive version also features a 139 Nm electric motor at the rear. Pressing the accelerator pedal firmly delivers powerful acceleration that pushes you forward.

As mentioned with the RX200t, selecting "Sport" or "Sport+" mode in the "Drive Mode Select" reveals acceleration akin to a sports coupe. This is a testament to Toyota's series-parallel hybrid system, where the electric motor works in concert with the engine, even at lower RPMs. The focus is clearly on driving dynamics.

Lexus RX 450h "F SPORT"

Unlike some contemporary European plug-in hybrids, it doesn't distinctly separate the operation of the electric motor and the engine. It intelligently anticipates the driver's intentions, with the electric motor providing subtle backup alongside the engine during acceleration.

The "F SPORT" model of the RX450h is equipped with an electric active stabilizer at the rear, which maintains an optimal posture by counteracting body roll during cornering. For those who want to enjoy driving even on their way to golf, or who are interested in models like the Porsche Macan, this will be highly appealing. In city driving, the "Normal" mode of the "Drive Mode Select" is more than sufficient, offering ample torque without feeling the vehicle's weight. If anything, the surprisingly smooth ride at highway speeds is likely due to the effective use of the vehicle's mass.

We appreciate that the new Lexus RX series clearly emphasizes its sporty character, along with its styling. Given that the RX200t starts at ¥4.95 million and the RX450h at ¥6.025 million, these are rather expensive models. It might be beneficial to further refine the target audience and differentiate the concept, perhaps by adopting slimmer sports seats for the sporty "F SPORT" variants. We are certainly interested in such an RX.