By: IOL Motoring Staff
New York Auto Show - The new, fourth-generation RX has been given a serious dose of that radical new design potion that made its smaller NX sibling so unique.
In fact with its oversized 'spindle' grille, muscular wheel arches housing 20-inch rims, chiselled character lines and that coupé-like, 'floating roof' design, the new RX looks like it wants to bypass the fight with its traditional BMW X5 rival and take aim at the X6 instead.
Not that the new RX appears to have become impractical. In fact, the longer wheelbase procures more leg and knee room for back seat passengers, who will also enjoy electric recline adjustment and seat heaters if the driver ticks those new features on the options list.
The high-tech opulence continues in the cockpit with a large head-up display, 12.3-inch monitor and laser-cut wood inlays. As for safety gadgets, many of the active safety systems such as Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, Adaptive Cruise Control and Pre-Collision system are integrated into the new 'Lexus Safety System+'.
V6 HYBRID
Lexus has only mentioned two powertrain options for now, although more are likely to come to light when the company announces specifications for Europe and other markets at a later date.
Given that the new model was unveiled in New York, we get to hear about an upgraded 3.5-litre V6 petrol model that delivers around 225kW and an Atkinson cycle petrol-electric hybrid version that produces similar power.
To improve road holding, Lexus has strengthened the entire chassis of the RX, while a stiffer and stronger body shell also helps reduce engine noise.
The new Lexus RX will make its way to South Africa in due course, but no time frame has been given at this stage.