NO LEAVING ICE AGE FOR LEXUS

In typical attention to detail, Lexus (read Toyota) has updated its popular RX lineup with
a hybrid or two. The fifth-generation family-size SUV introduces the RX 350h hybrid at
entry-level and RX 500h F Sport Performance the flagship.

Not that Lexus has turned its back totally on full fossil fuel power. Customers can also
choose from the RX 350 F Sport with turbocharged performance internal combustion
engine with electronically controlled all-wheel drive.

Prices start at $90,060 for the RX 350h Luxury FWD, plus on-road costs, and top out at
$127,434 for the RX 500h Sport Performance AWD. A couple of cost-option
enhancement packs are available.

On test was the RX 350 F Sport with turbocharged ICE with electronically controlled all-
wheel drive from around $100,000. Added were an EP with panoramic sunroof, digital
rear-view mirror, intelligent parking assist and heated steering wheel.

All Lexus vehicles come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty. Lexus Encore
adds three years’ access to events, fuel discounts, service loan cars, and Lexus
DriveCare roadside assistance that features breakdown help, flat-tyre aid and towing.

STYLING
Naturally, the titular RX 350 Sport has a sharper look than its normal siblings, with 21-
inch alloy wheels with gloss black finish, unique Sport front and rear bumpers and grille,
F Sport badging, plus black roof rails and exterior mirror caps.

Convenience is foremost up front with high-grade triple projector bi-LED headlamps with
Blade Scan tech and cleaners, dynamic auto-levelling cornering lights, power tailgate
with kick sensor and easy access to the driver s seat, plus smart key card.

INTERIOR
The car s sporting character carries over to the cabin with a Luxury focus on heated,
eight-way adjustable front seats with two-way lumbar adjustment, synthetic leather trim,
three-zone climate control with air purification, rear air vents, power steering column
adjustment, paddle shifts, interior illumination auto dimming rear-view mirror carpeted
floor, four cup holders, plus cargo privacy cover. Luggage is supported by a 612-litre
rear space with all seat backs up increasing to 1678 litres with rear seat backs folded.

Opening the doors from inside may take some getting used to because of safe exit
assist , which incorporates a new e-latch electrically operated door handles that can
detect cyclists or vehicles passing close and keep the door closed to avoid an accident.

INFOTAINMENT
Simplicity is the byword for the Lexus RX F Sport instruments and controls a welcome
mix of touch screen knobs and switches. And gone is the awkward touch pad, the bain
of this driver s life. A head-up windscreen display is always welcome.

An expansive 14-inch, high-definition touchscreen giving access to Android Auto and
wireless Apple CarPlay, built-in satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio through 21-
speaker Mark Levinson premium audio and myriad Lexus Connected Services.

Five USB-C ports can be found around the cabin, along with a couple of 12V sockets
and one USB-A outlet for multimedia connection and smartphone charging.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
While the range topper RX 500h hybrid calls on a high-performance 2.4 litre turbo petrol
engine producing 273kW, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, in parallel
with a hybrid system and all-wheel drive, the RX 350 F Sport makes do with a four-
cylinder turbo petrol motor putting out 205kW and 430Nm through electronically
controlled all-wheel drive.

SAFETY
Across the latest RX range, safety is paramount. A comprehensive suite of Lexus Safety
Sense+ active features is included. Top of the list is the Pre-Collision System with
intersection collision avoidance support, emergency steering assist and low-speed
acceleration suppression, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, lane
tracing assist, parking support brake, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.

Also new is a driver monitoring camera that assesses the pilot s state of attention on
the road.

Pre-collision system, autonomous emergency braking, intersection collision avoidance,
vehicle stability control, downhill assist control, hill-start assist control, ABS with brake
assist, trailer sway control, vehicle braking posture control, vehicle dynamic integrated
management, active cornering assist are also featured.

DRIVING
The 2.4-litre turbocharged engine replaces the 3.5-litre non-turbo V6 in the previous RX.
The new engine develops 205kW as opposed to 221kW of the V6 but boasts 430Nm of
torque from as low as 1700rpm up to 3600rpm, compared to the V6’s 370Nm at 4600 to
4700rpm.

Generally, the test RX 350 F Sport went about its business in a quietly refined way.
However, most noticeable was a raspy engine note when under acceleration. Expect to
use up to 10 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in mixed urban/highway driving.

F Sport also has been subject to improvements in road handling with Adaptive Variable
Suspension and superior stopping power with aluminium monoblock six-piston callipers
for an upgraded Lexus Driving Signature experience.
All models in the RX range have a maximum towing capacity of 1500kg braked or
750kg unbraked.

Three years of complimentary Lexus Connected Services enables a paired smartphone
to check details like fuel level and vehicle location, review details of recent trips, send
navigation destinations to the car remotely and more.

SUMMARY
While introducing petrol/electric hybrid powertrains to its sports utility vehicle range, the
RX 350 F Sport ICE SUV is a further example of Lexus covering all bases.

RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 6/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 7/10

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE
RX 350h Luxury AWD: $106,660
RX 350h Luxury FWD: $90,060
RX 350h Luxury AWD: $93,434
RX 350 F Sport AWD: $100,060
RX 350 Sports Luxury AWD: $106,660
RX 350h Sports Luxury AWD: $113,334
RX 500h Sport Performance AWD: $127,434
Options: Enhancement Pack 1: $3000, Enhancement Pack 2: $900
Premium paint: $1750
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Lexus dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Lexus RX350 F-Sport 2.4-litre turbo-charged 4-cyl petrol, 8sp auto,
AWD)

ENGINE
Capacity: 2393cc
Configuration: four cylinders inline
Maximum power 205kW @ 6000rpm
Maximum torque: 430Nm @ 1700-3600rpm
Fuel type: Premium unleaded petrol 95 RON
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 8.7L/100km
CO2 emissions: 197g/km

DRIVELINE: Eight-speed torque converter automatic, multi-plate lock-up clutch; all-
wheel drive

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4890mm
Width: 1920mm
Height:1695mm
Wheelbase:2850mm:
Kerb weight: 2160kg
Fuel tank: 76.5L
Turning circle: 11.8m

BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc

STANDARD WARRANTY
Five years / unlimited kilometres

 

 

 

About Derek Ogden

On graduating with an honours degree in applied science in London, Derek Ogden worked for the BBC in local radio and several British newspapers as a production journalist and writer. Derek moved to Australia in 1975 and worked as a sub-editor with The Courier Mail and Sunday Mail in Brisbane, moving to the Gold Coast Bulletin in 1980 where he continued as a production journalist. He was the paper's motoring editor for more than 20 years, taking the weekly section from a few pages at the back of the book to a full-colour liftout of up to 36 pages. He left the publication in 2009.
Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *