Lexus RX350 3.5 Luxury (A) Review
11 Feb 2011|19,098 views
For the longest time, the second generation RX300 was the darling of every upmarket suburban housewife/soccer mum from US to across the Atlantic in UK and Asia. To fully dissect the phenomenon, in the US at least for the asking price of the RX300, there wasn't a comparable American SUV that offered the same luxury, driveability and comfort that the RX300 possessed.
Americans unfortunately despite their technical prowess in producing the biggest, baddest and deadliest weapons of war can't seem to transfer that technology to their cars. That's quite a pity actually because for all their eccentricities, the Americans have contributed lots to the advance of mankind's technological grasp on the future.
We're talking about the world's only country to have an entire Aircraft Carrier Battle Group stationed in every ocean in the world at any one time. But it still remains a tragic conundrum why American cars are plagued with cheap plastics and shoddy workmanship. Really, it's more heart wrenching than a Greek tragedy.
Americans unfortunately despite their technical prowess in producing the biggest, baddest and deadliest weapons of war can't seem to transfer that technology to their cars. That's quite a pity actually because for all their eccentricities, the Americans have contributed lots to the advance of mankind's technological grasp on the future.
We're talking about the world's only country to have an entire Aircraft Carrier Battle Group stationed in every ocean in the world at any one time. But it still remains a tragic conundrum why American cars are plagued with cheap plastics and shoddy workmanship. Really, it's more heart wrenching than a Greek tragedy.
 |
Apologies for my digression, but the tragedy of the American auto industry irks me. Nevertheless, the RX series from Lexus has been loved for it's incredible practicality, reliability and versatility plus not forgetting the incredible comfort from its rather smooth speed sensitive damping in its suspension.
Exterior
The latest RX-series from Lexus seems to have been cast from the same mould no matter the model variant. From the RX270 to the top of the line RX450h, the RX family looks similar if not identical twins of eachother. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing mind you.
 |
Why? Because despite the smaller engine variant on the RX270, it still possesses the same hulk (or bulk) as the RX350 tested here. Yes, the RX350 is a huge hunk of luxury erm...junk? Nah...the latest RX350 is definitely no junk but it is quite a lot of metal to behold for the first time.
The length of the RX350 stretches to 4770 mm which puts it about as large as say a Range Rover (just 13 mm shy of the Range Rover's hulk). That is really quite large considering the Range Rover is the civilian equivalent of a Leopard tank. This abundance in body length naturally translates to an equally lengthy wheelbase at 2740 mm. What this again translates to is a huge availability of interior space of which we will elaborate on later.
The RX350 follows Lexus's L-finesse design principle and possesses broad shoulders that give it a wide stance with imposing presence on the road. If that isn't obvious from its huge bulk.
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 the spoiler hides both the radio antennae and rear windscreen wiper cleanly within its housing.
On a whole the design of the RX350 is comfortingly inoffensive and infused with classic elegance that reflects its luxury intentions. The RX350 also rides on the ubiquitous 18 inch five spoke alloys that is also found in the rest of the RX family.
The length of the RX350 stretches to 4770 mm which puts it about as large as say a Range Rover (just 13 mm shy of the Range Rover's hulk). That is really quite large considering the Range Rover is the civilian equivalent of a Leopard tank. This abundance in body length naturally translates to an equally lengthy wheelbase at 2740 mm. What this again translates to is a huge availability of interior space of which we will elaborate on later.
The RX350 follows Lexus's L-finesse design principle and possesses broad shoulders that give it a wide stance with imposing presence on the road. If that isn't obvious from its huge bulk.
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 the spoiler hides both the radio antennae and rear windscreen wiper cleanly within its housing.
On a whole the design of the RX350 is comfortingly inoffensive and infused with classic elegance that reflects its luxury intentions. The RX350 also rides on the ubiquitous 18 inch five spoke alloys that is also found in the rest of the RX family.
Interior
Entry into the RX350'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 it's more of an observation than a gripe.
Unlike the RX270 we tested, the RX350 here is upholstered in classic black soft leather that cocoons you as you settle in. You don't so much as sit in them as sink into them. The black interior is contrasted with the walnut trim that Lexus seems to assume the older clientele will like. While I'm not senior enough to pass judgement on that, I can say that the walnut trim might not be the cup of tea for the younger generation.
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.
The console panel is made up of 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.
The biggest changes see themselves appear on the interior where the RX350 now comes with an 8 inch Multi function display screen. The system allows you to navigate around the map and system menus with the Lexus Remote Touch Controller.
Entry into the RX350'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 it's more of an observation than a gripe.
Unlike the RX270 we tested, the RX350 here is upholstered in classic black soft leather that cocoons you as you settle in. You don't so much as sit in them as sink into them. The black interior is contrasted with the walnut trim that Lexus seems to assume the older clientele will like. While I'm not senior enough to pass judgement on that, I can say that the walnut trim might not be the cup of tea for the younger generation.
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.
The console panel is made up of 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.
The biggest changes see themselves appear on the interior where the RX350 now comes with an 8 inch Multi function display screen. The system allows you to navigate around the map and system menus with the Lexus Remote Touch Controller.
 |
This essentially is a track ball mouse with the tracking ball replaced with a stubby joystick. The 'Enter' and 'Display' buttons have been replicated on both sides of the control module for the ease of driver and passenger use. The setup allows you to vary the amount of force feedback you get on the joystick. Using the joystick with force feedback feature, the feedback seems a little unrefined as you feel the gears and motors resisting your motion. Not very luxurious here.
On the audio front, the RX350 is equipped with the top of the line Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system that boasts up to 15 speakers. 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 RX350 excels with plenty of space for three adults with plenty of legroom to spare even for 1.80m frames. Thanks to the huge 2740 mm wheelbase. While there are no official figures for the cargo volume, the bootspace in the rear should be more than adequate for at least a couple of golf bags. Folding rear bench will see to it that you will have even more cargo space when needed. Once folded, the cargo area is completely flat while the thickly carpeted floor will keep your cargo from sliding around too easily.
The Drive
Power seems plentiful in the RX350 as it derives its drive from a robust 3456cc V6 powerplant. The 274bhp engine delivers its power in regal Lexus fashion keeping things smooth all the way up to its redline at 6200rpm. The engine note starts to pick up after 5000rpm when the iconic V6 growl kicks in.
On the audio front, the RX350 is equipped with the top of the line Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system that boasts up to 15 speakers. 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 RX350 excels with plenty of space for three adults with plenty of legroom to spare even for 1.80m frames. Thanks to the huge 2740 mm wheelbase. While there are no official figures for the cargo volume, the bootspace in the rear should be more than adequate for at least a couple of golf bags. Folding rear bench will see to it that you will have even more cargo space when needed. Once folded, the cargo area is completely flat while the thickly carpeted floor will keep your cargo from sliding around too easily.
The Drive
Power seems plentiful in the RX350 as it derives its drive from a robust 3456cc V6 powerplant. The 274bhp engine delivers its power in regal Lexus fashion keeping things smooth all the way up to its redline at 6200rpm. The engine note starts to pick up after 5000rpm when the iconic V6 growl kicks in.
While the RX350 delivers plenty of power in a straight line, the cornering characteristics are still very much like an SUV with significant bodyroll evident when taking corners at speed. Nevertheless the big SUV thrives on rough terrain despite its luxury DNA, it still maintains a reasonable amount of off road capability. With a differential lock button available on the centre console to get out of sticky (or muddy) situations.
Bumps and severe undulations bother this SUV little as speed sensitive suspension soaks up the bumps with effortless ease. Although we love the amount of available power from the engine, the ride can sometimes get quite bumpy on the highways at speed with the front end lifting sensation evident.
New drivers will take time to get used to the hulk of the SUV which means manoeuvring in certain carparks might prove to be a hairy affair. This however is augmented by the rather accurate reverse camera with parking guidelines that help you slot the big SUV into a lot neatly and easily. While that is helpful, we don't recommend forgetting your mirrors any time soon.
Conclusion
The entry level RX270 isn't shabby to begin with but one can never have too much power. That's where the RX350 comes in with its relentless torquey acceleration off the lights with more than enough grunt to haul a full load of passengers with heavy cargo in the rear.
But for the most part, we love the huge bulk of the RX350 that appeals to our closet road bullying tendencies...
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Bumps and severe undulations bother this SUV little as speed sensitive suspension soaks up the bumps with effortless ease. Although we love the amount of available power from the engine, the ride can sometimes get quite bumpy on the highways at speed with the front end lifting sensation evident.
New drivers will take time to get used to the hulk of the SUV which means manoeuvring in certain carparks might prove to be a hairy affair. This however is augmented by the rather accurate reverse camera with parking guidelines that help you slot the big SUV into a lot neatly and easily. While that is helpful, we don't recommend forgetting your mirrors any time soon.
Conclusion
The entry level RX270 isn't shabby to begin with but one can never have too much power. That's where the RX350 comes in with its relentless torquey acceleration off the lights with more than enough grunt to haul a full load of passengers with heavy cargo in the rear.
But for the most part, we love the huge bulk of the RX350 that appeals to our closet road bullying tendencies...
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
For the longest time, the second generation RX300 was the darling of every upmarket suburban housewife/soccer mum from US to across the Atlantic in UK and Asia. To fully dissect the phenomenon, in the US at least for the asking price of the RX300, there wasn't a comparable American SUV that offered the same luxury, driveability and comfort that the RX300 possessed.
Americans unfortunately despite their technical prowess in producing the biggest, baddest and deadliest weapons of war can't seem to transfer that technology to their cars. That's quite a pity actually because for all their eccentricities, the Americans have contributed lots to the advance of mankind's technological grasp on the future.
We're talking about the world's only country to have an entire Aircraft Carrier Battle Group stationed in every ocean in the world at any one time. But it still remains a tragic conundrum why American cars are plagued with cheap plastics and shoddy workmanship. Really, it's more heart wrenching than a Greek tragedy.
Americans unfortunately despite their technical prowess in producing the biggest, baddest and deadliest weapons of war can't seem to transfer that technology to their cars. That's quite a pity actually because for all their eccentricities, the Americans have contributed lots to the advance of mankind's technological grasp on the future.
We're talking about the world's only country to have an entire Aircraft Carrier Battle Group stationed in every ocean in the world at any one time. But it still remains a tragic conundrum why American cars are plagued with cheap plastics and shoddy workmanship. Really, it's more heart wrenching than a Greek tragedy.
|
Apologies for my digression, but the tragedy of the American auto industry irks me. Nevertheless, the RX series from Lexus has been loved for it's incredible practicality, reliability and versatility plus not forgetting the incredible comfort from its rather smooth speed sensitive damping in its suspension.
Exterior
The latest RX-series from Lexus seems to have been cast from the same mould no matter the model variant. From the RX270 to the top of the line RX450h, the RX family looks similar if not identical twins of eachother. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing mind you.
|
Why? Because despite the smaller engine variant on the RX270, it still possesses the same hulk (or bulk) as the RX350 tested here. Yes, the RX350 is a huge hunk of luxury erm...junk? Nah...the latest RX350 is definitely no junk but it is quite a lot of metal to behold for the first time.
The length of the RX350 stretches to 4770 mm which puts it about as large as say a Range Rover (just 13 mm shy of the Range Rover's hulk). That is really quite large considering the Range Rover is the civilian equivalent of a Leopard tank. This abundance in body length naturally translates to an equally lengthy wheelbase at 2740 mm. What this again translates to is a huge availability of interior space of which we will elaborate on later.
The RX350 follows Lexus's L-finesse design principle and possesses broad shoulders that give it a wide stance with imposing presence on the road. If that isn't obvious from its huge bulk.
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 the spoiler hides both the radio antennae and rear windscreen wiper cleanly within its housing.
On a whole the design of the RX350 is comfortingly inoffensive and infused with classic elegance that reflects its luxury intentions. The RX350 also rides on the ubiquitous 18 inch five spoke alloys that is also found in the rest of the RX family.
The length of the RX350 stretches to 4770 mm which puts it about as large as say a Range Rover (just 13 mm shy of the Range Rover's hulk). That is really quite large considering the Range Rover is the civilian equivalent of a Leopard tank. This abundance in body length naturally translates to an equally lengthy wheelbase at 2740 mm. What this again translates to is a huge availability of interior space of which we will elaborate on later.
The RX350 follows Lexus's L-finesse design principle and possesses broad shoulders that give it a wide stance with imposing presence on the road. If that isn't obvious from its huge bulk.
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 the spoiler hides both the radio antennae and rear windscreen wiper cleanly within its housing.
On a whole the design of the RX350 is comfortingly inoffensive and infused with classic elegance that reflects its luxury intentions. The RX350 also rides on the ubiquitous 18 inch five spoke alloys that is also found in the rest of the RX family.
Interior
Entry into the RX350'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 it's more of an observation than a gripe.
Unlike the RX270 we tested, the RX350 here is upholstered in classic black soft leather that cocoons you as you settle in. You don't so much as sit in them as sink into them. The black interior is contrasted with the walnut trim that Lexus seems to assume the older clientele will like. While I'm not senior enough to pass judgement on that, I can say that the walnut trim might not be the cup of tea for the younger generation.
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.
The console panel is made up of 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.
The biggest changes see themselves appear on the interior where the RX350 now comes with an 8 inch Multi function display screen. The system allows you to navigate around the map and system menus with the Lexus Remote Touch Controller.
Entry into the RX350'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 it's more of an observation than a gripe.
Unlike the RX270 we tested, the RX350 here is upholstered in classic black soft leather that cocoons you as you settle in. You don't so much as sit in them as sink into them. The black interior is contrasted with the walnut trim that Lexus seems to assume the older clientele will like. While I'm not senior enough to pass judgement on that, I can say that the walnut trim might not be the cup of tea for the younger generation.
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.
The console panel is made up of 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.
The biggest changes see themselves appear on the interior where the RX350 now comes with an 8 inch Multi function display screen. The system allows you to navigate around the map and system menus with the Lexus Remote Touch Controller.
|
This essentially is a track ball mouse with the tracking ball replaced with a stubby joystick. The 'Enter' and 'Display' buttons have been replicated on both sides of the control module for the ease of driver and passenger use. The setup allows you to vary the amount of force feedback you get on the joystick. Using the joystick with force feedback feature, the feedback seems a little unrefined as you feel the gears and motors resisting your motion. Not very luxurious here.
On the audio front, the RX350 is equipped with the top of the line Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system that boasts up to 15 speakers. 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 RX350 excels with plenty of space for three adults with plenty of legroom to spare even for 1.80m frames. Thanks to the huge 2740 mm wheelbase. While there are no official figures for the cargo volume, the bootspace in the rear should be more than adequate for at least a couple of golf bags. Folding rear bench will see to it that you will have even more cargo space when needed. Once folded, the cargo area is completely flat while the thickly carpeted floor will keep your cargo from sliding around too easily.
The Drive
Power seems plentiful in the RX350 as it derives its drive from a robust 3456cc V6 powerplant. The 274bhp engine delivers its power in regal Lexus fashion keeping things smooth all the way up to its redline at 6200rpm. The engine note starts to pick up after 5000rpm when the iconic V6 growl kicks in.
On the audio front, the RX350 is equipped with the top of the line Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system that boasts up to 15 speakers. 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 RX350 excels with plenty of space for three adults with plenty of legroom to spare even for 1.80m frames. Thanks to the huge 2740 mm wheelbase. While there are no official figures for the cargo volume, the bootspace in the rear should be more than adequate for at least a couple of golf bags. Folding rear bench will see to it that you will have even more cargo space when needed. Once folded, the cargo area is completely flat while the thickly carpeted floor will keep your cargo from sliding around too easily.
The Drive
Power seems plentiful in the RX350 as it derives its drive from a robust 3456cc V6 powerplant. The 274bhp engine delivers its power in regal Lexus fashion keeping things smooth all the way up to its redline at 6200rpm. The engine note starts to pick up after 5000rpm when the iconic V6 growl kicks in.
While the RX350 delivers plenty of power in a straight line, the cornering characteristics are still very much like an SUV with significant bodyroll evident when taking corners at speed. Nevertheless the big SUV thrives on rough terrain despite its luxury DNA, it still maintains a reasonable amount of off road capability. With a differential lock button available on the centre console to get out of sticky (or muddy) situations.
Bumps and severe undulations bother this SUV little as speed sensitive suspension soaks up the bumps with effortless ease. Although we love the amount of available power from the engine, the ride can sometimes get quite bumpy on the highways at speed with the front end lifting sensation evident.
New drivers will take time to get used to the hulk of the SUV which means manoeuvring in certain carparks might prove to be a hairy affair. This however is augmented by the rather accurate reverse camera with parking guidelines that help you slot the big SUV into a lot neatly and easily. While that is helpful, we don't recommend forgetting your mirrors any time soon.
Conclusion
The entry level RX270 isn't shabby to begin with but one can never have too much power. That's where the RX350 comes in with its relentless torquey acceleration off the lights with more than enough grunt to haul a full load of passengers with heavy cargo in the rear.
But for the most part, we love the huge bulk of the RX350 that appeals to our closet road bullying tendencies...
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Bumps and severe undulations bother this SUV little as speed sensitive suspension soaks up the bumps with effortless ease. Although we love the amount of available power from the engine, the ride can sometimes get quite bumpy on the highways at speed with the front end lifting sensation evident.
New drivers will take time to get used to the hulk of the SUV which means manoeuvring in certain carparks might prove to be a hairy affair. This however is augmented by the rather accurate reverse camera with parking guidelines that help you slot the big SUV into a lot neatly and easily. While that is helpful, we don't recommend forgetting your mirrors any time soon.
Conclusion
The entry level RX270 isn't shabby to begin with but one can never have too much power. That's where the RX350 comes in with its relentless torquey acceleration off the lights with more than enough grunt to haul a full load of passengers with heavy cargo in the rear.
But for the most part, we love the huge bulk of the RX350 that appeals to our closet road bullying tendencies...
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Car Information
Lexus RX350 3.5 Luxury (A)
CAT B|Petrol|9.2km/L
Horsepower
204kW (274 bhp)
Torque
346 Nm
Acceleration
8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Lexus RX350
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