insideKENT Magazine Issue 93 - December 2019 | Page 167

MOTORS
THE NEW LEXUS RX:
The Luxury SUV Pioneer Attains New Heights
WHEN LEXUS LAUNCHED THE ORIGINAL RX MODEL IN THE UK IN 2000, IT BROKE
NEW GROUND AS THE MARKET’S FIRST LUXURY SUV, A PREMIUM ALTERNATIVE TO
LARGE-SCALE 4X4S THAT OFFERED GREATER COMFORT, BETTER HANDLING AND
FUEL ECONOMY, AND MORE SOPHISTICATED QUALITY THROUGHOUT. IT WAS A
LEAD THAT GENERATED A NEW MARKET SEGMENT IN WHICH TODAY ALMOST
EVERY PREMIUM MANUFACTURER IS REPRESENTED.
The RX is now in its fourth generation and has a
proud history of innovation, not least in being the
first vehicle in the luxury segment to offer the choice
of a self-charging hybrid powertrain – in the RX
400h of 2005. To further strengthen the model’s
performance and customer appeal, Lexus has
introduced a series of technical, styling and equipment
enhancements.
The changes are led by new, evolutionary styling
that maintains the RX’s powerful and sporty
appearance, while introducing more elegant elements
and creating a coherent flow from front to rear,
giving the vehicle a stronger, unified look. Details
of the frontal treatment include; a new rendition of
the signature Lexus grille, with a mesh pattern of
radiating three-dimensional “L” shapes that forms
a design link to the UX urban crossover; slimmer
headlight units; more rounded edges to the front
bumper; and an extended line from the rocker panel
that connects with the bottom of the grille, projecting
strength and stability.
At the rear, a more elegant and powerful look has
been created, with a redesigned lower bumper that
links smoothly to the rear wings. Elements such as
the lights, reflectors, underguard and exhaust outlets
are arranged on a strong horizontal axis to emphasise
the vehicle’s width and sense of purpose, while new
LED combination lights feature a series of L motifs
for the brake and tail lights, and turn indicators.
The human-machine interface in the cabin has been
improved with the availability of a new 12.3-inch
central display that has a touchscreen function. To
accommodate this new feature, the screen has been
moved further forward on the centre console, giving
a wider viewing angle within easy reach of the driver
and front passenger. The multimedia functions
can also be operated using a new trackpad
version of Lexus’s Remote Touch Interface, or with
voice control.
The new RX also provides seamless smartphone
connectivity via Apple CarPlay™ and Android
Auto™. Voice control can also be enabled via
smartphones to Apple’s Siri or the Google Assistant.
LexusLink gives access to connected services via a
dedicated app, while the RX is equipped as standard
with an on-board WiFi hotspot, with an initial
complimentary three-month/24GB data plan.
The third-row seats of the RX L now feature two
different seating positions, being electronically
adjustable, they add even more leg space (+94mm)
when the situation demands.
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