CAR /
IMPRESSION
December 2, 2019
More of a Full Model Change: Test Drive of the New Lexus RX with Minor Updates
Lexus RX
Test Drive of the New Lexus RX with Minor Updates
The Lexus "RX," a luxury SUV, was released in Japan on August 29, 2019, following a minor model change. We test-drove the significantly evolved model, from its exterior design to its driving performance.
Text by OGAWA Fumio
Photographs by MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko
Firm yet Supple
Lexus's best-selling model, the Lexus "RX," has evolved into an even better car. The improvements are surprising. After driving the minor-change version released in Japan on August 29, 2019, the impression is one of being firm yet supple.
The current Lexus RX is the fourth generation, launched in 2015. It is a luxurious SUV with a spacious body measuring 4.8 meters in length. It is highly popular in Japan, as well as in the US and China.
The development team, including Satoshi Nakano, who was in charge of product planning, unanimously states that this minor model change is "practically a full model change." This is because the chassis itself has undergone significant revisions.
For example, in the updated model, the use of adhesive, said to enhance body rigidity and contribute to improved cornering performance, has been extended by 2.3 meters on the body and 1.9 meters on the underbody. Simultaneously, the number of spot welds has increased by 14.
"Our goal was to create a car that is comfortable to ride, enjoyable to drive, while suppressing noise and vibration," says Nakano. The suspension has been revised to meet these development goals, with new dampers, optimized hub bearings, and stabilizer bar diameters.
Almost No Sense of Driving an SUV
The model I drove was the "RX450h," which combines a 3456cc V6 engine with electric motors. I was able to test both the 4890mm long "RX450h" and the 5000mm long, three-row seat "RX450hL." Both are all-wheel drive.
In a word, its excellent balance is striking. The power, handling, and suspension movement are, so to speak, perfectly synchronized. The body's rigidity during cornering is indeed high, and even at higher speeds, the body remains perfectly stable as the suspension effectively absorbs movement.
Actually, at the time of its initial release, the RX's suspension settings were not entirely satisfactory. It is said that the top executive ordered that "things that should be improved should be improved immediately, without waiting for the next model change."
I also heard that the chief engineer of the Lexus "NX," which had been impressive from the start, took charge of the RX's improvements. In terms of size, the RX and the NX, which is positioned below it, now feel seamlessly connected by the RX's enhanced driving dynamics.
Further suppressing body vibrations and reducing noise are also features of this minor model change. It is astonishing how little tire noise penetrates, regardless of the road surface conditions. This reaffirmed my admiration for Lexus's concept of premium quality.
The "F SPORT" model features performance dampers on both the front and rear suspensions, advertised to "swiftly absorb flex and micro-vibrations" to further enhance handling. Additionally, with its electric active stabilizer that instantly suppresses body roll, I genuinely enjoyed cornering as if I were driving a sports car.
At town speeds, it adeptly absorbs road imperfections without compromising ride comfort. Conversely, when entering corners at higher speeds, there is almost no sensation of driving an SUV.
Body roll is firmly controlled, and the steering feel is precise, allowing the car to move exactly as I, the driver, intended. It is accurate and highly responsive. The driving experience is so enjoyable that it lifts one's spirits.
The Spindle Grille is Slightly Smaller
New equipment has also been incorporated with this minor model change. This includes the "BladeScan Adaptive High-beam System (AHS)" technology, which was unveiled at Lexus's installation at Milan Design Week in 2019.
The Adaptive High-beam System is a high-beam technology that electronically controls the headlamp's LED lights to illuminate distant areas without dazzling preceding vehicles, oncoming traffic, or pedestrians.
BladeScan is a noteworthy technology for its aim of achieving high effectiveness with a relatively simple component structure. Light from the LED source is projected onto a rapidly rotating blade mirror, and the reflected light then illuminates the road ahead through a lens, moving at high speed.
When the system is activated by operating a switch at the tip of the turn signal and light control lever on the right side of the steering column, it is evident that the high beams are partially cut off to avoid dazzling preceding or oncoming vehicles.
Styling is also one of the key points of this minor model change. The "spindle grille," which characterizes Lexus, has become slightly smaller than before.
The reason is said to be in the United States. Apparently, while it's acceptable for those in their 30s, some long-time Lexus owners, aged 60 and above, find the large grille to be intimidating.
While making it smaller, the front grille has been designed to bulge outwards to convey that it is not merely an "air intake." Furthermore, the surface treatment of the grille's elements (the square components within the grille) is designed to reflect light.
Bold designs do not appeal to everyone. Personally, I prefer designs that reflect the creator's passion over safe, conventional ones. As large front openings are said to be necessary for battery cooling in the future with the shift to electric vehicles, the spindle grille is likely an indispensable element for Lexus in many respects.
The new RX series lineup consists of three main models. The "RX300" with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo starts at 5.13 million yen for front-wheel drive and 5.40 million yen for 4WD. The "RX450h" starts at 6.27 million yen and 6.54 million yen, respectively. The "RX450hL" is AWD only, priced at 7.96 million yen.
Inquiries
Lexus Information Desk
Tel. 0800-500-5577 (9:00-18:00, open 365 days a year)
https://lexus.jp/
