Lexus RX 350 L 3.5 Premium (A) Review
19 Jul 2018|20,321 views
What We Like
Luxurious cabin is to die for
Punchy drivetrain despite its
Doesn't feel like a seven-seater behind the wheel
Costs $25,000 cheaper than the regular RX
What We Dislike
Third row seats are cramp
Seats take a leisurely time to fold electronically
One can argue that the Lexus RX350L is a completely similar car to its five-seater brethren, because the only physical differences are the addition of two seats and a bigger cargo capacity in its five-seater format.
But in our eyes, the RX350L seems to be an entirely different car to the ever-popular RX Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Same same but different
For starters, the RX350L that you see here has grown by 110mm in length. As a result, its kerb weight has also gone up by a significant 65kg. What hasn't increased, however, is the output of the car. Naturally, this has two effects - inferior handling as well as weaker performance.
You would think that Lexus engineers would increase the car's output to at least match the performance figures of the regular RX, but no. Instead, the 3.5-litre V6 powerplant residing underneath the RX350L's bonnet pumps out 289bhp and 358Nm of torque - lesser than the five-seater RX's 296bhp and 370Nm of torque.
In real-life driving, fortunately, this difference does not matter one bit.
Magic carpet Japanese ride
On the go, the RX350L is a joy to drive. Mated to the smooth and precise eight-speed automatic gearbox, the seven-seater SUV goes from point to point in an absolutely effortless manner. That the car has lesser performance figures and weighs heavier than the five-seater model do not at all make this car a slouch.
Century sprint is dispatched in 8.1 seconds and it'll go on to a top speed of 200km/h should you find a road that's long enough and have the guts to test it.
Of course, the law of physics cannot be defied when you carve corners enthusiastically, no thanks to the added heft and extra length. But these aren't enough to upset the sense of composure of the RXL. It never feels sloppy and external noises are kept well at bay.
But in our eyes, the RX350L seems to be an entirely different car to the ever-popular RX Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Same same but different
For starters, the RX350L that you see here has grown by 110mm in length. As a result, its kerb weight has also gone up by a significant 65kg. What hasn't increased, however, is the output of the car. Naturally, this has two effects - inferior handling as well as weaker performance.
You would think that Lexus engineers would increase the car's output to at least match the performance figures of the regular RX, but no. Instead, the 3.5-litre V6 powerplant residing underneath the RX350L's bonnet pumps out 289bhp and 358Nm of torque - lesser than the five-seater RX's 296bhp and 370Nm of torque.
In real-life driving, fortunately, this difference does not matter one bit.
Magic carpet Japanese ride
On the go, the RX350L is a joy to drive. Mated to the smooth and precise eight-speed automatic gearbox, the seven-seater SUV goes from point to point in an absolutely effortless manner. That the car has lesser performance figures and weighs heavier than the five-seater model do not at all make this car a slouch.
Century sprint is dispatched in 8.1 seconds and it'll go on to a top speed of 200km/h should you find a road that's long enough and have the guts to test it.
Of course, the law of physics cannot be defied when you carve corners enthusiastically, no thanks to the added heft and extra length. But these aren't enough to upset the sense of composure of the RXL. It never feels sloppy and external noises are kept well at bay.
Take a quiet drive in the Lexus alone around the neighbourhoods and the world seems a tad more peaceful from the driver's seat.
What about the two extra seats then?
Speaking of seats, this is where the RXL differs from the regular RX. Not only does it come with seats number six and seven, third row occupants will also get to snuggle with amenities such as air-con control panel as well as vents. In a climate like ours, such a feature comes in quite handy.
Third row seats can also be folded flat with a touch of a button. In this five-seater configuration, the RXL offers 652 litres of boot space - significantly more than the regular RX's 453 litres.
But when the seats are back in place, adults will find themselves having a difficult time fitting back there. You could attempt to slide the second row seats forward to make up more legroom, but nothing will mask the lack of space here.
Is it a wise choice to get this?
It's always a wise choice to get a Lexus because if it's a smooth and luxurious drive that you're after - characteristics often associated with the luxury Japanese carmaker - nothing comes quite close to this (in this price range). This model feels and performs very much like the RX we've come to know and love.
But if space is your utmost priority, you will not go wrong with seven-seater SUVs like the Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery or the Volvo XC90.
What about the two extra seats then?
Speaking of seats, this is where the RXL differs from the regular RX. Not only does it come with seats number six and seven, third row occupants will also get to snuggle with amenities such as air-con control panel as well as vents. In a climate like ours, such a feature comes in quite handy.
Third row seats can also be folded flat with a touch of a button. In this five-seater configuration, the RXL offers 652 litres of boot space - significantly more than the regular RX's 453 litres.
But when the seats are back in place, adults will find themselves having a difficult time fitting back there. You could attempt to slide the second row seats forward to make up more legroom, but nothing will mask the lack of space here.
Is it a wise choice to get this?
It's always a wise choice to get a Lexus because if it's a smooth and luxurious drive that you're after - characteristics often associated with the luxury Japanese carmaker - nothing comes quite close to this (in this price range). This model feels and performs very much like the RX we've come to know and love.
But if space is your utmost priority, you will not go wrong with seven-seater SUVs like the Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery or the Volvo XC90.
What We Like
Luxurious cabin is to die for
Punchy drivetrain despite its
Doesn't feel like a seven-seater behind the wheel
Costs $25,000 cheaper than the regular RX
What We Dislike
Third row seats are cramp
Seats take a leisurely time to fold electronically
One can argue that the Lexus RX350L is a completely similar car to its five-seater brethren, because the only physical differences are the addition of two seats and a bigger cargo capacity in its five-seater format.
But in our eyes, the RX350L seems to be an entirely different car to the ever-popular RX Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Same same but different
For starters, the RX350L that you see here has grown by 110mm in length. As a result, its kerb weight has also gone up by a significant 65kg. What hasn't increased, however, is the output of the car. Naturally, this has two effects - inferior handling as well as weaker performance.
You would think that Lexus engineers would increase the car's output to at least match the performance figures of the regular RX, but no. Instead, the 3.5-litre V6 powerplant residing underneath the RX350L's bonnet pumps out 289bhp and 358Nm of torque - lesser than the five-seater RX's 296bhp and 370Nm of torque.
In real-life driving, fortunately, this difference does not matter one bit.
Magic carpet Japanese ride
On the go, the RX350L is a joy to drive. Mated to the smooth and precise eight-speed automatic gearbox, the seven-seater SUV goes from point to point in an absolutely effortless manner. That the car has lesser performance figures and weighs heavier than the five-seater model do not at all make this car a slouch.
Century sprint is dispatched in 8.1 seconds and it'll go on to a top speed of 200km/h should you find a road that's long enough and have the guts to test it.
Of course, the law of physics cannot be defied when you carve corners enthusiastically, no thanks to the added heft and extra length. But these aren't enough to upset the sense of composure of the RXL. It never feels sloppy and external noises are kept well at bay.
But in our eyes, the RX350L seems to be an entirely different car to the ever-popular RX Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Same same but different
For starters, the RX350L that you see here has grown by 110mm in length. As a result, its kerb weight has also gone up by a significant 65kg. What hasn't increased, however, is the output of the car. Naturally, this has two effects - inferior handling as well as weaker performance.
You would think that Lexus engineers would increase the car's output to at least match the performance figures of the regular RX, but no. Instead, the 3.5-litre V6 powerplant residing underneath the RX350L's bonnet pumps out 289bhp and 358Nm of torque - lesser than the five-seater RX's 296bhp and 370Nm of torque.
In real-life driving, fortunately, this difference does not matter one bit.
Magic carpet Japanese ride
On the go, the RX350L is a joy to drive. Mated to the smooth and precise eight-speed automatic gearbox, the seven-seater SUV goes from point to point in an absolutely effortless manner. That the car has lesser performance figures and weighs heavier than the five-seater model do not at all make this car a slouch.
Century sprint is dispatched in 8.1 seconds and it'll go on to a top speed of 200km/h should you find a road that's long enough and have the guts to test it.
Of course, the law of physics cannot be defied when you carve corners enthusiastically, no thanks to the added heft and extra length. But these aren't enough to upset the sense of composure of the RXL. It never feels sloppy and external noises are kept well at bay.
Take a quiet drive in the Lexus alone around the neighbourhoods and the world seems a tad more peaceful from the driver's seat.
What about the two extra seats then?
Speaking of seats, this is where the RXL differs from the regular RX. Not only does it come with seats number six and seven, third row occupants will also get to snuggle with amenities such as air-con control panel as well as vents. In a climate like ours, such a feature comes in quite handy.
Third row seats can also be folded flat with a touch of a button. In this five-seater configuration, the RXL offers 652 litres of boot space - significantly more than the regular RX's 453 litres.
But when the seats are back in place, adults will find themselves having a difficult time fitting back there. You could attempt to slide the second row seats forward to make up more legroom, but nothing will mask the lack of space here.
Is it a wise choice to get this?
It's always a wise choice to get a Lexus because if it's a smooth and luxurious drive that you're after - characteristics often associated with the luxury Japanese carmaker - nothing comes quite close to this (in this price range). This model feels and performs very much like the RX we've come to know and love.
But if space is your utmost priority, you will not go wrong with seven-seater SUVs like the Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery or the Volvo XC90.
What about the two extra seats then?
Speaking of seats, this is where the RXL differs from the regular RX. Not only does it come with seats number six and seven, third row occupants will also get to snuggle with amenities such as air-con control panel as well as vents. In a climate like ours, such a feature comes in quite handy.
Third row seats can also be folded flat with a touch of a button. In this five-seater configuration, the RXL offers 652 litres of boot space - significantly more than the regular RX's 453 litres.
But when the seats are back in place, adults will find themselves having a difficult time fitting back there. You could attempt to slide the second row seats forward to make up more legroom, but nothing will mask the lack of space here.
Is it a wise choice to get this?
It's always a wise choice to get a Lexus because if it's a smooth and luxurious drive that you're after - characteristics often associated with the luxury Japanese carmaker - nothing comes quite close to this (in this price range). This model feels and performs very much like the RX we've come to know and love.
But if space is your utmost priority, you will not go wrong with seven-seater SUVs like the Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery or the Volvo XC90.
Car Information
Lexus 3-Row RX 350L 3.5 Premium 7-Seater (A)
CAT B|Petrol|9.8km/L
Horsepower
216kW (289 bhp)
Torque
358 Nm
Acceleration
8.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Lexus 3-Row RX 350LThank You For Your Subscription.