CHAPTER NEXT

The chronicles of the Lexus RX can be traced back to 1993 when the idea of a vehicle that combined the on-road performance of a luxury saloon with the raised driving position and go-anywhere functionality of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) was first suggested by Toyota executives before the launch of the RAV4, claimed to be the world’s first car-based and monocoque-bodied compact SUV.

The success of the Toyota RAV4, launched in 1994, accelerated the development of this new luxury crossover, and by the end of 1995, the final design was signed off, with prototype vehicles already tested in early 1997, coinciding with the public debut of the Sport Luxury Vehicle (SLV) concept at the Chicago Auto Show.

The first production version was launched in Japan in December 1997 as the Toyota Harrier and released to export markets from March 1998 onwards as the Lexus RX 300. The RX became the best-selling model within the Lexus line-up from the outset, securing half of all sales.

Although the Mercedes-Benz M Class was launched shortly before the public debut of the RX, the luxury SUV from Stuttgart still used a body-on-frame construction, while the RX used a unitary construction – essentially a raised and reinforced version of a contemporary saloon car platform.

This afforded the pioneering model a ground clearance of 185mm – enough to cope with most off-road conditions a luxury SUV might encounter. Also, unlike more utilitarian off-roaders, the design of the RX was purposely sleek, with a spacious cabin that even allowed walk-through access between the front seats.

Local introduction

Initially, the RX was not available in South Africa, but after a mild midlife refresh in 2000, which, among other items, included crystal-style headlights and rear lenses, the RX 300 was introduced here in 2002. Endowed with a 3.0-litre V6 engine delivering 148 kW and 283 Nm of torque, coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission with ‘steermatic’ shift buttons, the luxury SUV was available only in four-wheel drive format. 

This model was superseded by the evolutionary second-generation RX locally less than two years later, and in 2005, the range was expanded with the more powerful RX 350. Simultaneously, the first petrol-hybrid model from Lexus – the RX 400h – was introduced in Japan. 

This variant soon made its way here and became the most popular derivative in the RX range. Interestingly, this generation RX and RX hybrids were also the first Lexus models to be manufactured outside Japan (in Canada). Two generations followed, retaining the evolutionary RX styling but with upgraded powertrains, advanced driving systems and more technology.

Generation Five

Now, the fifth generation RX (launched overseas last year) with its still evolutionary but more evocative design language, including a ‘spindle body’ effect, and introducing a wider range of powertrains including (for the first time) a plugin-hybrid – is available in South Africa, ready to add the next chapter in the chronicles of the pioneering luxury SUV.

Modernised for the age of EVs, the instantly recognisable spindle body design appears somewhat plasticky from the front, but this is offset by wider shoulder lines and an assertive stance with a 15 mm wider track in front and 45 mm at the rear, an elongated engine cover, sharp side contours, bigger 21” wheels (standard on all models), a floating roofline and a longer (60 mm) wheelbase.

The rear view is attractive, with the rear lights set in a light bar spanning the car’s width to heighten the wider look, underlined by a prominent Lexus nameplate. The exterior’s visual appeal is matched by improved aero efficiency, thanks to optimisation of the rear spoiler, a belt moulding flush with the bodywork, a fin on the bottom edge of the rear bumper, an engine undercover with a dimpled surface, and a flat floor surface. 

The unique bumper design of the F Sport models also contributes towards channelling airflow, and while previous generations were severely restricted in terms of choice of body colours, the newcomer is available in seven bright colours for the RX, and nine for the F Sport derivative, including a new, prominent copper colour.

Indoors, the layout of the controls and instruments of the driver-centred ‘tazuna’ cockpit is simple yet elegant, and the interior – in true Lexus fashion – dominated by high-quality, ‘takumi’ handmade materials and trim. The controls are ergonomically well placed, and the big 14” touchscreen for the multi-media infotainment system is a vast improvement over the previous one, with control knobs for frequently used functions.

The longer wheelbase assures more room for rear passengers, and even with a shorter rear overhang, luggage space in the new RX is comparable with its predecessor (612 litres with the rear seats stored). The door panels and seat shoulders have a new embossed L-motif pattern, and a sports steering wheel and unique Dark Rose or Black trim and leather upholstery distinguish F Sport interiors.

 The standard equipment list is unlimited and includes some uncommon standard comfort and convenience kit such as three-zone air conditioning, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a wireless charger, illuminated entry, seat heating and ventilation, and the biggest sunroof in class. However, it was difficult to adjust to the function of the ‘e-latch’ electronic door openers.

Three powertrains

Now riding on the GA-K platform, the centre of gravity, weight, rigidity, and powertrains of the new RX have been optimised for even better road manners – and this was more than apparent during a short launch drive from Constantia in Cape Town to Wellington and from there back to Camps Bay.

The Lexus Driving Signature dynamic performance hallmark – achieved by innovations such as a twin-latch mechanism for the bonnet to contribute to overall rigidity, weight-saving measures and bespoke Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) – was very eminent in the new RX.

Three different electrified powertrains are now available in the local five-model range, with the new RX 450h+ – the first RX to adopt plug-in hybrid technology – at the core of the offering but only arriving in November. 

The entry-level RX 350 now comes with a 2.4-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo petrol engine (205 kW of power and 430 Nm of torque) and is followed by the RX 350h hybrid electric – positioned as an efficient alternative to lower displacement diesel and petrol powertrains.

The RX 350h’s fourth-generation self-charging hybrid electric system, including a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, provides 184 kW total system output and zero to 100 km/h acceleration of 7.9 seconds – performance comparable with the outgoing RX 450h, while producing lower emissions and sipping only 5.4l/100 km of fuel.

This derivative benefits from the same component improvements featured in the RX 450h+, including a more compact hybrid transaxle, lighter weight, reduced friction losses, a smaller, more efficient Power Control Unit (PCU) and standard E-Four electric all-wheel drive – making it a strong alternative to competitor models powered by small-displacement engines.

As a plug-in hybrid, Lexus believes the RX 450h+ will be a true game changer in the South African market with its ever-present electricity supply woes and fledgling charging network. The system features a four-cylinder Atkinson cycle 2.5-litre hybrid engine (paired to the Lexus e-CVT system) and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with 18.1 kWh capacity. 

An additional rear electric motor enables E-Four full-time all-wheel drive, and while the new RX 450h+ offers similar power to the outgoing h-model, it produces more torque and a total system output of 227 kW, which enables 0-100 km/h acceleration in a brisk 6.5 seconds.

F Sport flagship

With Direct4 drive force control and turbocharged hybrid power, the RX 500h is a milestone performance vehicle that marks a breakthrough in hybrid electric technology, setting it apart from any Lexus hybrid model that has gone before. It is the performance icon in the range (in F Sport trim) – as we experienced during our short test trip.

Completely new parallel hybrid architecture, featuring a 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine and six-speed automatic transmission, integrated front motor and power control unit, nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery and a compact rear e-axle, generates total system output of 273 kW and 550 Nm of torque, endowing the sporty RX to accelerate from zero to 100 km in just 6.2 seconds, yet use only 6.5l/100 km of fuel.

In the twists and turns of the Cape passes, the immediate surge of power from the RX 500h F Sport was impressive – more so compared to the lacklustre and languid performance (as displayed by most of the previous RX models) of the smaller RX 350, the only other model available for the launch drive.

Last word

Over the last 25 years, the Lexus RX has been an underrated performer locally and has battled to establish itself against competitors from the German triumvirate. However, the new RX range is an improvement in all aspects over its predecessor model and deserves high consideration. 

The new RX range clearly indicates the direction Lexus will be taking over the next 25 years, while still maintaining the outstanding exterior and interior quality and trim, attention to detail, as well as the advanced driver aid systems and safety systems of the brand. All this comes at a price, though, as the entry-level RX 350 now goes for nearly R1.4 million, with the RX 500h F Sport testing the R1.7 million barrier.

Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © LEXUS SOUTH AFRICA