The first generation RX-series from Lexus was unveiled at the 1997 Chicago Auto Show. While it was marketed as a SUV, it was actually a combination of different body forms. The RX was the lovechild of an SUV, wagon and sedan format. Little did Lexus know that this new model would take off so easily and so quickly to the affluent clients looking for that comfortable, commanding driving position and immense practicality and usability with its huge loading capacity.
In no time at all, the RX became the favourite of soccer Mums around the world. Testament to that is the more than a million RX-series sold since the first generation. Thrusting the Japanese SUV to the top of the pedestal as the most successful luxury SUV in the world.
Now, 13 years later and into its third generation. The Lexus SUV has approached another milestone in its RX history books.
The local distributor Borneo Motors has introduced a new RX model that is engined by a more conservative powerplant for those looking for more luxury than oomph.
In no time at all, the RX became the favourite of soccer Mums around the world. Testament to that is the more than a million RX-series sold since the first generation. Thrusting the Japanese SUV to the top of the pedestal as the most successful luxury SUV in the world.
Now, 13 years later and into its third generation. The Lexus SUV has approached another milestone in its RX history books.
The local distributor Borneo Motors has introduced a new RX model that is engined by a more conservative powerplant for those looking for more luxury than oomph.
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Exterior
Externally, the new RX270 differs little from the rest of the RX family. In fact, it'll take an unnaturally astute scrutiniser to spot the differences between the RX270, RX350 and the flagship RX450h.
This being that the body's dimensions and design are essentially similar.
The RX270 follows Lexus's L-finesse design principle and possesses broad shoulders that give it a wide stance with imposing presence on the road. From first impressions, the RX270 yields quite a large amount of tarmac and one would hardly suspect its conservative engine capacity.
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In the front the luxury SUV sports a striking expression with the large HID lamp clusters together with the shape shifting front grille that is set slightly lower than the headlights to form an arrowhead front fascia.
In the rear, the tailgate has been sculpted to belie the SUV's actual bulk with gently curved edges. At the top, the discrete spoiler serves to reduce the drag co-efficiency of the SUV. Although more interesting is that he spoiler hides both the radio antennae and rear windscreen wiper cleanly within its housing.
On a whole the design of the RX270 is comfortingly inoffensive and infused with classic elegance that reflects its luxury intentions. The RX270 also rides on the ubiquitous 18 inch five spoke alloys that's also found in the rest of the RX family.
Interior
Entry into the RX270's interior is a fuss free affair with the Smart Access keyless system that uses touch sensitive sensors in the door handles to lock and unlock the doors. Although it is observed that the locking process isn't as quick as the unlocking process. But its more of an observation than a complaint.
As experienced in the IS250 last month, the RX270 is upholstered in creamy white soft leather and is just as inviting. The light colours contrast well with the black dashboard and creates a rather pleasant, relaxing ambience within the interior.
The driver's seat oozes plenty of supportive comfort with the electrically adjustable memory seat. The four way adjustable steering column also ensures that the best driving position doesn't escape you. Getting into the driver's seat, you notice the commanding driving position offered.
In the rear, the tailgate has been sculpted to belie the SUV's actual bulk with gently curved edges. At the top, the discrete spoiler serves to reduce the drag co-efficiency of the SUV. Although more interesting is that he spoiler hides both the radio antennae and rear windscreen wiper cleanly within its housing.
On a whole the design of the RX270 is comfortingly inoffensive and infused with classic elegance that reflects its luxury intentions. The RX270 also rides on the ubiquitous 18 inch five spoke alloys that's also found in the rest of the RX family.
Interior
Entry into the RX270's interior is a fuss free affair with the Smart Access keyless system that uses touch sensitive sensors in the door handles to lock and unlock the doors. Although it is observed that the locking process isn't as quick as the unlocking process. But its more of an observation than a complaint.
As experienced in the IS250 last month, the RX270 is upholstered in creamy white soft leather and is just as inviting. The light colours contrast well with the black dashboard and creates a rather pleasant, relaxing ambience within the interior.
The driver's seat oozes plenty of supportive comfort with the electrically adjustable memory seat. The four way adjustable steering column also ensures that the best driving position doesn't escape you. Getting into the driver's seat, you notice the commanding driving position offered.
Though it might take a little getting used to if you've just hopped in after spending the weekend in a luxury sedan like I did. But one quickly gets accustomed to the bulk easily.
Dominating the lower half of the driver's peripheral vision are the pleasantly lit OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) instrument panel. The gauges are clearly marked out with white fonts against a black background. This makes the instruments easy to read both in the day and night.
Like the exterior of the car, the dashboard and centre console are elegantly sculpted to blend beautifully with the rest of the interior. At the top sits the large LCD digital display that shows information from the car's various systems. The console panel is made up large tactile buttons that are well within reach of both the driver and passenger. Cooling the entire cabin is a dual zone digital climate control.
On the audio front, the Lexus interior comes with the nine-speaker Lexus Premium Audio System that includes a Digital Sound Processor (DSP) and Automatic Sound Leveller (ASL). The rather impressive sound system is also equipped with AUX-in and USB input that are hidden within the centre glovebox. Albeit a little hard to reach as one would need to remove a plastic bucket in order to reach the jacks and 12 Volt outlet. Audio remote controls are sensibly replicated on the steering wheel with tactile buttons.
In the rear, the RX270 excels with plenty of space for three adults with plenty of legroom to spare even for 1.80m frames. While there are no official figures for the cargo volume, the bootspace in the rear should be more than adequate. Folding rear bench will see to it that you will have even more when needed. Once folded, the cargo area is completely flat while the thickly carpeted floor will keep your cargo from sliding around too easily.
Dominating the lower half of the driver's peripheral vision are the pleasantly lit OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) instrument panel. The gauges are clearly marked out with white fonts against a black background. This makes the instruments easy to read both in the day and night.
Like the exterior of the car, the dashboard and centre console are elegantly sculpted to blend beautifully with the rest of the interior. At the top sits the large LCD digital display that shows information from the car's various systems. The console panel is made up large tactile buttons that are well within reach of both the driver and passenger. Cooling the entire cabin is a dual zone digital climate control.
On the audio front, the Lexus interior comes with the nine-speaker Lexus Premium Audio System that includes a Digital Sound Processor (DSP) and Automatic Sound Leveller (ASL). The rather impressive sound system is also equipped with AUX-in and USB input that are hidden within the centre glovebox. Albeit a little hard to reach as one would need to remove a plastic bucket in order to reach the jacks and 12 Volt outlet. Audio remote controls are sensibly replicated on the steering wheel with tactile buttons.
In the rear, the RX270 excels with plenty of space for three adults with plenty of legroom to spare even for 1.80m frames. While there are no official figures for the cargo volume, the bootspace in the rear should be more than adequate. Folding rear bench will see to it that you will have even more when needed. Once folded, the cargo area is completely flat while the thickly carpeted floor will keep your cargo from sliding around too easily.
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The Drive
Contrary to popular belief, the 2.7-litre powerplant within the RX270 has been erroneously linked to the powerplant in the Toyota Fortuner which has a similar capacity. The unit in the Lexus is actually one that was developed indigenously within Lexus thus its signature smooth operation.
While the little engine might possess nearly a litre less capacity than its next RX sibling, it thankfully doesn't feel as lethargic as one would expect. To be honest, the large SUV maintains its smooth operation even when hurried without the engine note ever being intrusive.
During the drive, the RX270 never felt out of breath despite a full load of passengers and cargo and got up to speed well without fanfare.
The six-speed auto box swopped cogs seamlessly on its own although a manual override is available should your megalomaniac tendencies take hold.
Contrary to popular belief, the 2.7-litre powerplant within the RX270 has been erroneously linked to the powerplant in the Toyota Fortuner which has a similar capacity. The unit in the Lexus is actually one that was developed indigenously within Lexus thus its signature smooth operation.
While the little engine might possess nearly a litre less capacity than its next RX sibling, it thankfully doesn't feel as lethargic as one would expect. To be honest, the large SUV maintains its smooth operation even when hurried without the engine note ever being intrusive.
During the drive, the RX270 never felt out of breath despite a full load of passengers and cargo and got up to speed well without fanfare.
The six-speed auto box swopped cogs seamlessly on its own although a manual override is available should your megalomaniac tendencies take hold.
The smooth cog swopping also contributes to the comfortable ride experienced in the well damped suspension setup. Bumps and undulations are swiftly neutralised by the speed sensitive damping.
Conclusion
The RX270 saves potential owners a whopping $1098 of road tax per annum when compared to the RX350. This despite the two SUVs sharing similar dimensions and interior space.
While it might sport a smaller powerplant, the drive doesn't suffer lethargy from it even with a full load.
In terms of comfort, space and luxury, there isn't a better SUV on the market at the moment.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
The RX270 saves potential owners a whopping $1098 of road tax per annum when compared to the RX350. This despite the two SUVs sharing similar dimensions and interior space.
While it might sport a smaller powerplant, the drive doesn't suffer lethargy from it even with a full load.
In terms of comfort, space and luxury, there isn't a better SUV on the market at the moment.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
