Design Where the Roof Appears to Float

At the New York Auto Show, which kicked off with its press days on April 1st local time, Lexus announced the new generation of its SUV model, the RX. This marks a full model change for the SUV, now in its fourth generation since its debut in America in 1998.

The models announced this time are the "RX350," equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection engine, and the hybrid model "RX450h," which combines a V6 Atkinson cycle engine, also 3.5 liters in displacement, with an electric motor. While detailed specifications such as output have not yet been released, both are expected to produce around 300 horsepower.

The exterior design expresses a sense of massiveness through deep contours, a style seen in recent Lexus models like the "RC" and "NX." The spindle grille, a symbol of Lexus, is framed in chrome plating, with louvers facing different directions above and below within the grille. The "F SPORT" model features a mesh grille with an "F" motif.

Lexus RX450h

Lexus RX300 "F SPORT"

The unique design, where the rear pillar is blacked out at an angle and the chrome trim surrounding the side windows flows to the edge of the rear hatch without closing, is unlike any other Lexus model. This creates an illusion that the roof is floating, supported only by the A-pillars.

The headlights feature triple LED units. The small lamps, positioned high and surrounded by triangular elements, are the fog lamps and cornering lights. While the "L" motif design in the rear combination lights is seen in other Lexus models, the placement of the lamps themselves wrapping around to the sides of the body is a first for Lexus.

The large 20-inch wheels adopt a newly developed "Selectable Color Trim Wheel" that allows for trim removal, another first for Lexus.

Scheduled for Release in Japan Around Autumn

The dimensions of the new RX are 4,890mm in length, 1,895mm in width, and 1,690mm in height. The wheelbase has been extended by 50mm from the current model to 2,790mm. This increased wheelbase particularly enhances the space in the rear seats, offering more legroom and knee clearance. Furthermore, the rear seats are equipped with seat heaters, power recline, and an 11.6-inch rear entertainment system screen mounted behind the front seat headrests, improving overall comfort.

The suspension utilizes MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear. Additionally, for the first time in an RX model, it features an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) that electronically controls the damping force of the shock absorbers and steering characteristics to optimize performance, suppressing body roll during cornering.

Lexus RX450h

Lexus RX300 "F SPORT"

The sporty "F SPORT" grade is also available for the all-wheel-drive models of the RX350 and RX450h. The lower half of the spindle grille and the rear bumper feature an "F" motif mesh design, along with newly designed 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the instrument panel is exclusive to the F SPORT, featuring a TFT multi-information display, a sports steering wheel, paddle shifters, and exclusive interior color options. It also includes an Active Stabilizer System to maintain a flat posture during cornering for a sporty driving experience.

Safety features have also been revamped in the new RX. It is equipped with "Lexus Safety System Plus," a package that includes "Pre-Collision Safety" to help avoid or mitigate collisions using millimeter-wave radar and cameras, "Lane Keeping Assist" to maintain lane position, "Automatic High Beam," and "Radar Cruise Control" with full-speed range tracking.

Additionally, the "Adaptive High-beam System," which maximizes nighttime visibility by controlling high beams to avoid illuminating oncoming or preceding vehicles using cameras, and the "Panoramic View Monitor" are available as options.

The new RX is expected to go on sale in Japan around this autumn.