The 5th generation of the Lexus RX model has already been introduced

Three versions are available - the basic RX 350h with 245 hp, the more powerful RX 500h with 371 hp, and the plug-in hybrid RX 450h + with 306 hp.

Jun 6, 2022 - 11:37
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The 5th generation of the Lexus RX model has already been introduced

As Toyota has Lexus, so Nissan has Infiniti, while Honda’s luxury brand is Acura. These brands have expanded to other markets, but the majority of their sales are still in the United States.

"For the all-new RX, we've decided to keep Lexus DNA and exceptional quality, driving comfort, and elegance, and we've decided to take the driving experience to the next level and give customers a unique Lexus-like driving experience," said Koji Sato, CEO of Lexus International.

‘We first created a dynamic exterior design to express the striking and strong character of the model and its confident look that clearly evokes high driving performance. 

Then we did a series of tweaks to express a dynamic driving experience, and then we introduced new powertrain technologies such as the system, 'explained Taxaki Ohno, Chief Engineer for the RX range.

To make the vehicle look more robust, more elegant lines have been applied from the front to the rear end of the vehicle. Furthermore, the hood has been extended, the wheelbase has been shortened by 60 mm and the roof line has been lowered by 10 mm. 

The car, therefore, resembles a coupé, and the distinctive black rear pillar (the so-called Lexus 'floating roof') now looks more three-dimensional, and the large 21-inch wheels also contribute to the overall dynamism of the look.

The front of the vehicle is also emphasized by triple LED headlights, which are more elegant, striking, and horizontal. Such a design, further accentuated by L-shaped daytime running lights, further contributes to creating the impression of power. 

At the rear are single Lexus taillights, which further emphasize the iconic shape of the RX, while the wider wheelbase (50 mm) makes the vehicle look even more robust and powerful on the road. According to the trend that many brands follow, the name Lexus is more clearly highlighted on the back.

To make the passenger compartment even more driver-oriented, Lexus has devised the Tazuna cockpit concept. First introduced on the new NX and RZ models, the same concept was used for the new RX. 

The name of the concept, Tazuna, is a Japanese word meaning ‘horse reins’, and everything in it is focused on direct and yet intuitive control. 

Cockpit information sources, such as multimedia screens, a multifunction display, and a head-up display, are grouped so that content can be read from them with minimal eye movement and head movement.

The designers did everything to create a minimalist, yet intuitive and well-thought-out space in the interior, while using the highest quality materials. 

The front seats have been redesigned to ensure a high level of class accessibility, to provide excellent support, and with heating and ventilation. 

To provide proper ergonomic support in the waist area, concave recesses have been created on the sides of the seat. Takumi brushed leather with the letter ‘L’ printed on it is available, like Lexus.

An option without animal skin is available due to the growing demand from potential customers who are vegan or environmentally conscious. This means that on the Comfort level model, the seats, steering wheel, and gear lever are upholstered in artificial leather. 

Customers can choose between black and Ammonite Sand. With the Lexus Mood Selector, it is possible to adjust the ambient lighting by choosing one of the options from the range of 64 colors and fourteen different themes.

The new construction also includes 1180 MPa steel elements to reinforce the body's structural panels and 1470 MPa steel elements for greater roof stiffness. 

The new multi-articulated rear suspension, in addition to providing significantly better performance, provides greater lateral stability and parallelism to the ground. Withstands higher levels of torque, which significantly reduces noise, vibration, and discomfort.

Lexus vehicles are known for their very low noise levels in the passenger compartment, as is the case with the new generation RX. This low level was achieved by applying noise mitigation and vibration reduction measures. 

Namely, the engineers and technicians involved in the development created special sounds to increase the impression of power and performance. In order to stimulate the senses, they perfected the sound of the door of a luxury vehicle.

When it comes to propulsion machines, three electrified versions have been prepared. The offer is opened by the RX 350h model. 

It is a combination of a 2.5-liter gasoline engine of 245 hp, which Lexus considers an alternative to smaller diesel models. It is equipped with a 4th generation hybrid assembly, and it takes about 8 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to a speed of 100 km / h.

Opposite it is the top edition, the RX 500 model. This is a 2.4-liter turbo-equipped petrol engine that transmits power or torque to all four wheels with the help of a 6-speed automatic transmission and Direct4 system. 

This is the first time Lexus has used a turbocharged hybrid engine. In the front, between the engine and the gearbox, there is an electric motor. At the back, is the so-called e-axis. 

This modular assembly consists of an 80 kW electric motor, a gear, and an ECU located between the rear wheels. Its compactness ensures more space in the passenger and luggage compartment. 

The output power of the common assembly is 273 kW or 371 hp. Consumption of 8.2 to 8.5 liters has been declared, and acceleration of up to 6 seconds has been ensured.

Power delivery is regulated by Direct4, a new Lexus drive technology recently introduced for the first time on the RZ 450e. This intelligent system continuously balances power and torque between the front and rear axles in all driving situations by automatically and seamlessly transmitting power more accurately than any mechanical system could.

According to Lexus, this system provides greater stability and an exceptional level of dynamism when driving at high speeds, and gives the driver a better experience and feeling between the road and the steering wheel. It also improves the level of driving comfort with instant torque that helps control body movements.

Being a hybrid model of extremely high performance, Lexus has placed the calipers on the opposite side of the front brakes to ensure strong braking and added a Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) system that regulates the optimal angle of rotation of the rear wheels.

In addition to these two hybrid releases, a complete novelty is the RX 450h + model. It is the first plug-in hybrid to develop 225 kW or 306 hp. It uses a 2.5-liter hybrid engine and a rechargeable 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides acceleration of approximately 7 seconds.