Lexus has introduced a stretched version of its popular RX that expands seating capacity to seven occupants. The tag of Lexus RX L indicates the important new model.
The body is 110 mm longer and the roof a touch higher, raised by just 10 mm. The tailgate has a steeper slope to give the RX the sort of sleeker look that’s becoming increasingly popular in the midsize SUV class.
For easy third-row access, one-touch levers on both sides of the Lexus fold and slide the second-row seats forward. The second row is positioned slightly higher for the third row to make good foot room for rear passengers.
When the 50:50 split-fold third row seat is in use Lexus RX still has a boot length of 566 mm. The sort of space needed for a large stroller. At the touch of a button, the third-row seats fold completely flat giving 432 litres of cargo space under the tonneau cover.
A three-zone air-conditioning system provides occupants of all seat rows vents and controls.
The all-wheel-drive RX seven-seat variants are offered in two equipment grades, Luxury and Sports Luxury, with features almost identical to their five-seat equivalents.
Luxury RX L variants are priced at just $3300 above the five-seat models. They are equipped with LED headlamps, daytime running lights (DRLs), front foglamps, 20-inch alloy wheels with black centre caps, roof rails and rear privacy glass.
Inside are an 8-inch display screen, satellite navigation, and a 12-speaker audio. Front seats are heated and ventilated with 10-way power adjustment and driver’s seat memory. Leather-accented trim is used in the first two rows of seats. Sensibly, the third row has durable synthetic coverings.
The top grade Lexus also has adaptive variable suspension, 14-way power adjustment for the front seats, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, 12.3-inch display screen and panoramic parking monitor.
These Lexus models are powered by either a V6 petrol engine in the 350L, or a petrol-electric Hybrid Drive system in the RX 450hL.
The hybrid uses the Lexus E-four intelligent on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that incorporates a 50kW electric motor on the rear axle.
Curtain-shield airbags have been extended to protect third-row passengers. An additional child-seat anchorage point is also included.
Lexus RX has been on sale in Australia for 15 years and has proven popular for that entire time. The move up to a seven-seater should see the tradition continue.
MODEL RANGE
RX300 Luxury 2WD: $74,251
RX300 F Sport 2WD: $86,551
RX300 Sports Luxury 2WD: $92,701
RX350L Luxury AWD: $84,700
RX350L Sport Luxury AWD: $101,500
RX450hL Hybrid Luxury AWD: $93,440
RX450hL Hybrid Sport Luxury AWD: $110,240
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Lexus for drive-away prices.
