2018 Lexus RX

19 February 2018

1. SEVEN-SEAT LEXUS RX: SPACE, FLEXIBILITY AND CONVENIENCE
2. KEY FEATURES BY GRADE
3. WHAT IS NEW AND DIFFERENT
4. SLEEK AND COMFORTABLE: LEXUS RX "L"
5. SAFETY UPGRADE FOR LEXUS RX
6. TWO POWERTRAINS FOR SEVEN-SEAT LEXUS RX "L"
7. LEXUS RX "L" SPECIFICATIONS

SEVEN-SEAT LEXUS RX: SPACE, FLEXIBILITY AND CONVENIENCE

Lexus has provided more space, flexibility and convenience for customers of its luxury RX SUV by installing a two-seat third row that expands seating capacity to seven occupants.

The new three-row RX "L" variants have the same premium levels of style, safety, luxury and performance that Lexus customers have come to expect.

An exterior redesign provides excellent head and leg room for the third-row passengers while offering more cargo space behind the third row than competitor vehicles.

Lexus designers extended the body 110mm, raised the roof peak 10mm and adopted a steeper power-operated tailgate.

The third row can accommodate passengers as well as a child seat and there are two cup holders.

When the 50-50 split-fold third row is upright, a segment-leading cargo length of 566mm provides ample space for a large stroller.

At the touch of a button, the third-row seats can fold completely flat, liberating 432 litres of cargo space, measured to the tonneau cover.

For easy third-row access, one-touch levers on both sides of the vehicle are used to fold and slide the second-row seats forward. Slide length for these seats has been extended 45mm forward.

The second row is positioned slightly higher for the third row, creating more foot room for rear passengers.

A new three-zone air-conditioning system provides third-row occupants with dedicated vents and controls.

Curtain-shield airbags have been extended to protect third-row passengers. An additional child-seat anchorage point is also included.

The Lexus Safety System+ is standard, upgraded across the entire RX range to include pedestrian detection as part of the pre-collision system.

Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said the third-row seats offer the comfort and luxury expected in a large luxury SUV.

"The new RX 'L' models will be welcomed by modern families and other customers who require the luxury of space and flexibility provided by seven seats," Mr Thompson said.

"The option of a third row of seats offers Lexus drivers even greater practicality, convenience and roominess while maintaining the sleek styling and easy manoeuvrability they have always valued," he said.

Lexus offers RX "L" customers the choice of two powertrains delivering more than 200kW - V6 petrol for the RX 350L and the Lexus Hybrid Drive system in the RX 450hL.

Maximum output is unchanged for the seven-seat hybrid variants with a combined 230kW, delivered to the road through an all-gear electronic CVT with six-step sequential-type shift.

V6 output is reduced slightly to 216kW and 358Nm, due to a packaging requirements resulting in a single rather than dual exhaust system. The engine is mated to a smooth eight-speed sequential-shift intelligent automatic transmission.

Fuel-economy figures are within a few tenths of the five-door models at 6.0 litres/100km for the RX 450hL and 10.2 litres/100 km for the RX 350L.

The hybrid is also equipped with the Lexus E-four intelligent on-demand all-wheel-drive system that incorporates a 50kW electric motor on the rear axle.

The V6 adopts the compact, lightweight Lexus Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel-drive system to control torque distribution automatically between the front and rear axles.

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 $3,300 above the two-row models. They are equipped with LED headlamps, DRLs and front fog lamps as well as an 8-inch audio display screen, satellite navigation, 12 speakers, 20-inch alloy wheels with black centre caps, smart entry and start, roof rails and rear privacy glass.

Front seats are heated and ventilated with 10-way power adjustment and driver's seat memory. Leather-accented upholstery covers the first two rows of seats while the third row offers a durable synthetic covering to support regular folding of the seats.

An optional enhancement pack adds a colour head-up display, moon roof and smart key card for $3,500.

These three items are also part of the Sports Luxury grade that is priced with a premium of just over $1,600. A moon roof replaces the panoramic roof fitted to five-door variants and the second-row seats are manual instead of power-operated.

The top grade 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 view monitor.

Other components of the LSS+ are all-speed radar active cruise control, lane keeping assist and automatic high beam (adaptive high beam on Sports Luxury).

All other RX safety features are carried across, including 10 airbags, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, reversing camera, hill-start assist control and tyre-pressure warning system.


LEXUS RX "L" PRICES

350L Luxury - $84,700
450hL Luxury - $93,440
350L Sports Luxury - $101,500
450hL Sport Luxury - $110,240

Options:
Enhancement pack (Luxury) - $3,500
Premium paint (all variants) - $1,500


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For more information, please contact:

Nick Raman
PR Manager
Lexus Australia
E: nick.raman@lexus.com.au
T: +61 3 9647 4524
M: +61 412 830 814

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KEY FEATURES BY GRADE

Lexus RX 350L
• 216kW quad cam V6 engine
• 8-speed automatic transmission.
• Dynamic Torque Control AWD
• Electronic power-assisted steering
• Pre-load front differential
• McPherson strut front & trailing-arm double wishbone rear suspension
• Towing capacity 1500kg (braked)


Lexus RX 450hL
• 193kW Quad Cam V6 Atkinson cycle engine
• 123kW electric motor
• Six-step electronic CVT
• E-Four AWD, with 50kW rear electric motor
• 650V nickel-metal hydride battery
• Electronic power-assisted steering
• Pre-load front differential
• McPherson strut front & trailing-arm double wishbone rear suspension


Luxury:

Safety:
• 10 airbags
• Lexus Safety Sense+ (pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, radar active cruise control, lane keep assist and auto high beam), reversing camera with back guide monitor, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, auto-levelling headlamps, electro-chromatic interior mirror, auto heating exterior mirrors with memory, tyre-pressure monitor, rear fog lamp, clearance and rear parking sonar
• Vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist control, anti-skid brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist
• Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management on RX 450hL

 
Interior:
• Leather-accented first and second-row seats
• 10-way power front seats with driver's memory function
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• 60:40 split fold & slide second-row seat
• Power-fold 50:50 split third-row seat
• Leather-accented steering wheel & gear knob
• 8-inch display audio with navigation and 12 speakers
• Third-generation Lexus Remote Touch
• Tri-zone climate-control air conditioning
• NanoE technology

Exterior:
• LED headlamps, DRLs and fog lamps
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Roof rails
• privacy glass

Convenience:
• 3-mode Drive Mode Select
• Power tailgate with "hands-free" operation
• Smart Entry & Smart Start
• Wireless phone charger
• 3 x 12V accessory sockets
• 2 x 5V USB sockets in 2nd row


Enhancement Pack (in addition to Luxury):
• Colour head-up display
• Moon roof
• Smart key card

Sports Luxury (in addition to Luxury with Enhancement Pack:
• Chassis:
• Adaptive variable suspension
• 5-mode drive mode select

Safety:
• Panoramic view monitor

Interior:
• 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio with 12.3-inch display
• Luxury 14-way power front seats with driver and passenger memory
• Heated second-row seats
• Laser-cut aluminium wood ornamentation
• Leather accented and woodgrain steering wheel
• Rear-door manual sunshades

Exterior:
• LED headlamps with adaptive high-beam system and headlight cleaner
• LED rear combination lamps, clearance lamps
• LED front and rear sequential indicators
• Titanium-coloured alloy wheel inserts


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WHAT IS NEW AND DIFFERENT

Updates across the RX Line

• Pedestrian detection added to Lexus pre-collision safety system
• Black centre caps for Luxury and Sports Luxury wheels


Specific to new 7-seat variants


Exterior:
• Redesign behind B-pillar
• Rear overhang increased by 110mm, raising overall length to 5000mm
• Overall vehicle height increased by 10mm to 1700mm


Interior:
• Seating for seven (two additional seats) with minimal packaging change
• Side curtain-shield SRS airbags extended to protect third-row passengers
• Third-row seat split 50:50
• Power tumble-and-stow functions to fold or unfold seat completely
• Suitable for people up to 160cm tall, with 47mm of head room
• Second-row seat slide increased by 45mm (forward), optimises third-row leg room
• Console-box rear panel redesigned to provide additional space
• Three accessory sockets: inside instrument panel centre box, front console box and luggage compartment
• Two 5V USB power sockets in second-row seat centre armrest
• Second-row seatbelt hangers for third-row seat accessibility
• Child-seat anchorage point in third row
• Two cup holders in centre of rear seat
• Additional Smart Entry access in the rear luggage compartment
• Segment-leading 566mm cargo length with third-row seats in place - suitable for large stroller
• 176 litres of luggage space with third-row seats in place (to top of seats)
• 432 litres of luggage space with third-row seats folded (floor to tonneau cover)
• Climate-control air conditioning system redesigned from Bi to Tri-zone (driver, front passenger and third row)
• Push-button choice between linked and independent left-right front-seat air temperature control
• Third-row air-conditioning controls in side panel; also on-off switch on main HVAC panel
• Second-row seat-heater control in Sports Luxury models in fold-down armrest (versus rear panel of console box in 5-seat models)
• Revised mounting for rear wipers (below window)
• Single exhaust for RX 350L (packaging), results in minor power/torque difference
• Manually operated second-row seats


Specific to 5-seat variants

• 2.0-litre turbocharged-petrol models renamed RX 300
• Revised HVAC menu - DUAL switch replaces the previous S-Flow switch, providing linked or independent left/right front-seat air temperature control
• New switch located in central display (previously in HVAC panel)


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SLEEK AND COMFORTABLE: LEXUS RX "L"

Lexus has developed the new seven-seat RX "L" variants to incorporate a third row of seats without compromising the luxury SUV's sleek styling and easy manoeuvrability.

Exhibiting its mastery of vehicle packaging, Lexus has extended the body length 110 mm at the rear and used a steeper tailgate window angle than on the two-row models.

These modifications ensure the seven-seat variants provide good headroom for third-row passengers and offer greater cargo space behind the third row than competitor vehicles.

Exterior style
Lexus signature design instils the RX L models with the same premium levels of safety, style, luxury and performance as the two-row versions.

The trend-setting combination of SUV versatility and luxury sedan-like comfort comes packaged in the brand's dramatic mix of sharp creases and curves.

The Lexus signature spindle grille, a focal point, is set off by an elegant chrome-plated surround and LED headlights. Premium L-shaped LED headlights on Sports Luxury variants use three unique L-shaped elements per side.

The elegantly blacked-out C-pillars create a floating-roof effect. The spindle theme repeats at the rear, with L-shaped LED taillights enveloping the tailgate and wrapping into the rear fenders.

For convenience, a power tailgate with hands-free operation is standard. Placing a hand near the Lexus emblem operates the tailgate when the key fob is within range. The redesigned tailgate has the wipers mounted below the glass, rather than above as on 5-seat models.

The 20-inch alloy wheel designs enhance the powerful-looking stance. All RX paint colours feature a scratch-resistant self-restoring coat, using high-performance macromolecular polymer.

Interior comfort, luxury and safety
Lexus designed the third row of the RX "L" models to offer the same comfort and luxury as in the middle row.

The power-operated 50/50 split-fold third row, which can accommodate adults and child seat, is designed to offer the same comfort and luxury as in the middle row.

The positioning of the second row is slightly higher than the third row, creating more foot room for rear passengers. Leather-accented upholstery is standard for the first two rows with a high-quality durable synthetic material adopted for the third row.

Access to the third row is made easy with a one-touch lever that folds and slides the second-row seat forward. For "walk-in" convenience, slide length for the second-row seat has been increased 45mm, all of it forward.

Seatbelt hangers have also been fitted for stowing the second-row seatbelts..

Details that enhance versatility include a flat load floor behind the third-row, an easily stowable tonneau, covered slide rails and the hands-free power tailgate.

Clever packaging provides 566mm of luggage-area length with the third-row seats in place, providing space for a large stroller. Luggage volume with the rear seats in place is 176 litres to the top of the seats or 211 litres to the roof.

With the third row folded flat into the floor, the cargo space expands to 432 litres (tonneau cover). Larger items can be carried by folding the second and third rows, offering 966 litres (to front-seat top).

A three-zone climate control system (driver side, passenger side and rear) gives third-row passengers separate controls and dedicated vents. Curtain-shield airbags have been extended to protect third-row passengers.

Second-row seat passengers have access to two 5V USB power sockets in the centre armrest and all RX L models have three 12V power sockets.

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SAFETY UPGRADE FOR LEXUS RX

Lexus has upgraded its advanced pre-collision system (PCS)* - standard on the Lexus RX Line - to detect pedestrians as well as vehicles on the road ahead.

PCS with pedestrian detection is an integral part of the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+), a comprehensive safety package that helps mitigate collisions across a wide range of vehicle speeds.

The other key LSS+ technologies are lane keeping assist, all-speed radar active cruise control and automatic high beam.

Lexus LSS+ technologies share a radar mounted behind the Lexus badge in the radiator grille and a camera fitted inside the windscreen behind the rear-vision mirror.

All RX models have 10 airbags: dual-stage front-seat airbags, front-seat knee airbags, side airbags for the front and second-row seats and side curtain-shield airbags.

For the new seven-seat RX 350L and 450hL variants, the curtain-shield airbags extend the full length of the vehicle, also offering protection to passengers in the third-row seats.

Every Lexus RX is equipped with a reversing camera with back guide monitor, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

Other comprehensive safety features include vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, hill-start assist control and tyre-pressure warning.

Pre-Collision System (PCS)*
PCS with pedestrian detection is designed to detect sudden stops by a vehicle in front and to warn drivers of potential contact with obstacles ahead.

Its multi-stage strategy begins with an audible warning as well as a visual alert through the multi-information display.

When the system detects a pedestrian or determine that a collision is imminent, it can automatically apply the brakes to reduce impact force or avoid the collision altogether. It will also increase the brake force when the driver depresses the brake pedal. This brake assist function will operate if the vehicle speed is between approximately 30 and 180km/h and the vehicle stability control can be activated.

If the probability of collision increases and the driver does not apply the brakes or steering input, the system will automatically activate the brakes to help avoid a collision or reduce collision damage. Autonomous emergency braking operates when the vehicle speed is between approximately 10 and 180 km/h for vehicles (between 10-80km/h for pedestrians) and the relative speed of the vehicle or pedestrian is more than 10km/h.

All-Speed Radar Active Cruise Control (ACC)*
In addition to normal cruise-control functions, the ACC uses the radar and camera to monitor the speed of a vehicle travelling directly in front as well as vehicles that move into the same lane.

The system operates at all speeds, helping to alleviate driver fatigue by adjusting speed to support efforts to maintain a suitable distance between vehicles.

In stop-start traffic up to 40km/h, the system helps reduce driver burden by applying the brakes if the vehicle ahead slows or stops. It can bring the RX to a stop while maintaining an appropriate distance to the vehicle ahead.

Once the way ahead is clear, the system automatically and smoothly accelerates to the pre-set cruising speed. If the RX has been brought to a halt, the driver simply needs to move the cruise control lever up or press the accelerator pedal briefly to reactive the system.

Lane Keeping Assist
This system uses the camera at the top of the windscreen to track the vehicle's course between lane markings on the road surface. The "plus sign" indicates that it includes steering assistance.

If the system judges the RX is about to move out of its lane without the turn indicator being used, it alerts the driver by sounding a buzzer or vibrating the steering wheel and illuminating a warning on the multi-information display.

If the vehicle continues to move outside the lane, the system will apply light steering force to help the driver bring the vehicle back on course.

A highly sensitive camera can enable the technology to operate during rain and when only one side of the road has a line marker.

An indicator in the combination meter indicates the system is operational and the status is shown on the multi-information display. A switch on the steering wheel turns the system on and off.

The system can also warn the driver if it detects vehicle movement that suggests driver drowsiness, inattention or distraction. It does this by combining data from the camera about the vehicle's position within the lane and data on the driver's steering operations.

Automatic High Beam*
This system helps ensure optimal forward visibility during night-time driving. It uses the camera at the top of the windscreen to detect light sources in front of the vehicle, including headlights and tail lamps. It can automatically adjust the high beams on and off accordingly.


*The Lexus pre-collision system, lane keeping assist, all-speed radar active cruise control and automatic high beam are driver assist features only and should not be used as a substitute for safe driving practices. The driver remains responsible at all times for safe driving.


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TWO POWERTRAINS FOR SEVEN-SEAT LEXUS RX "L"

New seven-seat Lexus RX models are offered with the choice of two advanced powertrains tuned for performance, economy and low emissions.

Both powertrains deliver in excess of 200kW of power and feature intelligent dual variable valve timing and Lexus D-4S dual-injection technology, which combines direct and port injection.

The RX 450hL brings together the Lexus Hybrid System with 230kW maximum combined power while RX 350L is powered by a 216kW 3.5-litre quad-cam V6.

Bespoke on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems are applied to the hybrid and petrol models for maximum traction, cornering stability and driver control while saving fuel.

The RX 450hL is equipped with a highly efficient Atkinson Cycle Lexus 2GR-FXS petrol engine that delivers 193kW of power at 6000rpm and 335Nm of torque at 4600rpm - identical to the equivalent 5-seat variants.

The electric drive motor in RX 450hL's front-mounted hybrid driveline contributes 123kW of power and 335Nm of torque.

Transmission for RX 450hL is by all-gear electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with six-step sequential-type shift.

Combined-cycle fuel economy is 6.0 litres/100km* (5.7 litres/100km on the 5-door equivalents) and CO₂ emissions of 137g/km* (131g/km).

 
The RX 350L is powered by the V6 2GR-FKS engine, delivering a maximum 216kW of power at 6300rpm and 358Nm of torque from 4600-4700rpm.

Packaging requirements for the third-row seat required a single exhaust rather than the dual system fitted to RX 350, resulting in small reductions in power and torque (5kW, 12Nm).

The RX 350L petrol V6 has Lexus VVT-iW (intelligent variable valve timing - wide) on the inlet camshafts, so the engine can operate on both Atkinson and Otto cycles and hence optimise economy and performance according to driving conditions.

RX 350L has an eight-speed sequential-shift intelligent automatic transmission, for a balance of linear acceleration, optimum fuel economy and driveability under all conditions, plus smooth shift feel.

Combined cycle fuel economy is 10.2 litres/100km* (9.6 litres/100km on the 5-door equivalents) and 224g/km* CO₂ emissions (223g/km).

RX 450hL features the Lexus E-four intelligent on-demand AWD system that incorporates a 50kW/139Nm electric motor on the rear axle.

The RX 350L adopts the compact, lightweight Lexus Dynamic Torque Control AWD system. It uses information on vehicle speed, steering and throttle angles, and yaw rate to control torque distribution automatically between the front and rear axles.

Dynamic Torque Control saves fuel by driving only the front wheels when the vehicle is cruising, switching to AWD when needed via an electromagnetically controlled coupling in the rear differential housing.

With either drivetrain, drivers can view the front/rear torque distribution in real time on the multi-information display.

All seven-seat RX models are equipped with Lexus Drive Mode Select, with three modes on Luxury grade and five modes on Sports Luxury variants.


* Achieved in test conditions. Actual fuel consumption and emissions may vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle condition and options/accessories fitted. Fuel consumption data provided for comparison purposes only. Source: ADR 81/02 combined (L/100km).

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LEXUS RX "L" SPECIFICATIONS

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