The Next Generation of Lexus: The Fourth Model, the RX, Makes Its World Premiere | LEXUS
CAR / NEWS
June 3, 2022

The Next Generation of Lexus: The Fourth Model, the RX, Makes Its World Premiere | LEXUS

LEXUS RX | The Lexus RX

The Next Generation of Lexus: The Fourth Model, the RX, Makes Its World Premiere

As it enters its next chapter, Lexus is committed to creating vehicles that contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society and meet the diverse needs and lifestyles of the market. Following the new NX and LX, and the RZ, the brand's first BEV-exclusive model, the RX has made its world premiere as the fourth model in the next generation of Lexus vehicles.

Text by HARA Akira

A Diverse Powertrain Lineup Tailored to User Needs

Lexus has unveiled the new luxury SUV "RX" for the first time in the world. The RX was born in North America in 1998 as a pioneer in the luxury SUV segment. In 2005, Lexus launched the "RX400h," its first HEV model, pursuing both driving performance and environmental friendliness in electrified vehicles. From 1998 to the end of April 2022, it has sold a cumulative total of approximately 3.5 million units in about 95 countries and regions, making it a core model for Lexus.
This marks the fifth generation of the RX, and the new model represents a complete overhaul, embracing a variety of transformations. Sales in Japan are scheduled for around Autumn 2022.
The new RX adopts the GA-K platform, which enables high driving performance, achieving both a highly rigid body and weight reduction. Equipped with a multi-link suspension, it delivers the refined ride comfort and high quietness that are the hallmarks of Lexus.
While the body dimensions remain largely unchanged from the previous generation at 4,890mm in length, 1,920mm in width, and 1,695mm in height, the wheelbase has been extended by 60mm to 2,850mm.
Its most significant feature is the diverse powertrain lineup, offered to meet various user needs, as detailed below:
RX500h: 2.4L inline-4 turbo hybrid system (AWD)
RX450h+: 2.5L inline-4 plug-in hybrid system (AWD)
RX350h: 2.5L inline-4 hybrid system (FF and AWD)
RX350: 2.4L inline-4 turbo engine (FF and AWD)
Furthermore, the RX500h features the "F SPORT Performance" grade. It employs the "DIRECT4" hybrid system, which combines a high-torque 2.4-liter turbo and front motor unit with a high-output rear motor "eAxle." By precisely controlling the front-to-rear drive force distribution from 100:0 to 20:80, it achieves a driving experience that allows the driver to truly connect with the car.
The exterior design expresses a grounded stance that hints at its new driving dynamics. Pursuing Lexus's unique identity, it features a "spindle body"—an evolution of the spindle grille—with a solid, integrated form that combines a sense of mass with cooling functionality.
The interior design, based on the "Tazuna Concept" born from a human-centered philosophy, aims to achieve both a driver's cockpit that allows for a deeper, more intuitive connection with the car and the joy of driving, and an open, comfortable living space.
Takaharu Ohno, Chief Engineer of the new RX at Lexus International, commented: "It has been 24 years since the first RX was born as a luxury SUV. It has been cherished by many customers around the world. With this fifth generation, driven by the desire to deliver the joy of driving to even more customers, we have challenged ourselves with transformation rather than playing it safe, precisely because it is Lexus's global core model. We aimed to create a car that allows drivers to be their true selves, thinking 'driving this car itself has become fun' or 'even the same drive feels more exhilarating.' To achieve this, we have rigorously refined the car's fundamental nature and pursued new driving dynamics and a design that is both captivating and functional. Development and production have worked as one, focusing on the customer, and we have meticulously crafted the new RX without compromise, so it can become a beloved car that enriches their lives. Please look forward to it."
Inquiries

Lexus Information Desk
Tel. 0800-500-5577 (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, open 365 days a year)
https://lexus.jp/

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