Having entered the market back in 1998, three generations of Lexus RXs have been produced, with several gasoline powertrain options in Singapore (there's the RX350 and the RX270), V6 powerplants and hybrid systems on offer.
Fast forward to 2007, the LF-Xh was first showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show, hinting at the styling direction of the third generation RX. It was only later in 2008 when the SUV was unveiled at the LA Auto Show, appearing as the RX350 and hybrid RX450h.
Now, the RX model has been redesigned with a more elegant and aggressive frontal design, as well as a slightly grander interior that reinforces the luxury brand's forte. It is relatively clear that the Japanese marque knows it has a good thing going with the RX, as it's keeping the hot-selling SUV fresh but far from funky.
Exterior
The latest RX450h has received a more aggressive design with cues inspired from the latest generation Lexus GS that we tested in June. The evolution on styling cue was first incorporated with the CT 200h and can be accounted for the powerful commanding road presence of this facelifted RX. The brand's new 'spindle' grille design, along with new headlamps and LED daytime running lights will be the new 'face' of Lexus models to come.
The SUV's trapezoid upper grille and slanted lower grille have been combined and integrated into a single element, adding on to the aggressiveness of the car's stance. It is more elaborate and recognisable than that of any other RXs ever produced. Simply put, there is no way of confusing the current model to its predecessor, although there are some similarities between the two from certain angles. In fact the current model has the exact same dimensions and proportions as its pre-facelifted model.
Fast forward to 2007, the LF-Xh was first showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show, hinting at the styling direction of the third generation RX. It was only later in 2008 when the SUV was unveiled at the LA Auto Show, appearing as the RX350 and hybrid RX450h.
Now, the RX model has been redesigned with a more elegant and aggressive frontal design, as well as a slightly grander interior that reinforces the luxury brand's forte. It is relatively clear that the Japanese marque knows it has a good thing going with the RX, as it's keeping the hot-selling SUV fresh but far from funky.
Exterior
The latest RX450h has received a more aggressive design with cues inspired from the latest generation Lexus GS that we tested in June. The evolution on styling cue was first incorporated with the CT 200h and can be accounted for the powerful commanding road presence of this facelifted RX. The brand's new 'spindle' grille design, along with new headlamps and LED daytime running lights will be the new 'face' of Lexus models to come.
The SUV's trapezoid upper grille and slanted lower grille have been combined and integrated into a single element, adding on to the aggressiveness of the car's stance. It is more elaborate and recognisable than that of any other RXs ever produced. Simply put, there is no way of confusing the current model to its predecessor, although there are some similarities between the two from certain angles. In fact the current model has the exact same dimensions and proportions as its pre-facelifted model.
There are also the usual 'green' badges that make this RX instantaneously recognisable as a hybrid. But more noticeable is the blue opaque-like background added to the 'L' badge in the centre of the grille and at the back. Regardless, the RX remains to be a clean shape, with fine character lines and edges nicely covered to form a neat piece of design.
Interior
Inside, changes for the facelifted model include a newly-designed steering wheel, redesigned centre console and an intuitive Remote Touch Interface (RTI) that allows you to access various vehicle functions like climate, audio, phone and navigation.
The cockpit conveys a sense of sophistication, with a design format that includes high grade leather and other quality materials. Trim and fittings are first rate too, considering that there are no sharp corners and that everything feels good to the touch. It almost feels like every element of the interior is curved or rounded in some way, where lines meet and blend with subtle grace and harmony. As a result, it's tough to think of a more comfortable cabin than in the latest Lexus RX450h. The sumptuous leather benches, while not so heavily bolstered, provide a truly comfortable support.
Inside, changes for the facelifted model include a newly-designed steering wheel, redesigned centre console and an intuitive Remote Touch Interface (RTI) that allows you to access various vehicle functions like climate, audio, phone and navigation.
The cockpit conveys a sense of sophistication, with a design format that includes high grade leather and other quality materials. Trim and fittings are first rate too, considering that there are no sharp corners and that everything feels good to the touch. It almost feels like every element of the interior is curved or rounded in some way, where lines meet and blend with subtle grace and harmony. As a result, it's tough to think of a more comfortable cabin than in the latest Lexus RX450h. The sumptuous leather benches, while not so heavily bolstered, provide a truly comfortable support.
Space wise, the SUV rises to the occasion too. Cargo capacity is accommodating, allowing up to 446 litres of space (with rear seats up) that will haul the entire weeks' groceries. Stow the seats and the flat space created immediately increases by a couple of notches.
It's strangely exciting to sit in the cockpit of the RX. There is a sensation of having so much to do, just like exploring your spanking new MacBook Pro. Hence, it won't be surprising that a handful of RX owners discover some features after months of ownership. It's no bad thing, really. It does help keep the love for the car fresh which is much more important now, bearing in mind car owners are holding back their buying and selling decisions because of bloody insane COE prices.
It's strangely exciting to sit in the cockpit of the RX. There is a sensation of having so much to do, just like exploring your spanking new MacBook Pro. Hence, it won't be surprising that a handful of RX owners discover some features after months of ownership. It's no bad thing, really. It does help keep the love for the car fresh which is much more important now, bearing in mind car owners are holding back their buying and selling decisions because of bloody insane COE prices.
The Drive
Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 powerplant that combines with two high output electric motors and a nickel metal battery pack, the green hybrid is pretty quiet on the go, although under hard acceleration the car sounds more strained than stirring. That said, mated to an E-CVT (Electronically-Controlled Variable Transmission), which is engineered to manage the various sources of power in a way that maximises the RX450h's efficiency, the Lexus doesn't disappoint when it comes to a smooth ride.
Made to transport your passengers in a comfortable and safe manner, the RX Hybrid’s compliant suspension and sound insulation will isolate passengers from the outside world with ease. The steering also provides more weighting and response than expected, giving absolutely no numb or rugged cues that are commonly associated with SUVs.
While there's an EV mode that allows the RX450h to be driven short distances using only the electric motors, the car gains a new Sport mode which is more exciting. This mode sharpens the throttle and steering responses and it feels tauter in this mode, although body roll is inevitably felt round bends.
The RX450h may not have the punchiness of some of its competitors but it makes up for its weaknesses through its seamless transition from battery to petrol power. There wasn't a time when we were able to tell if the car was using its battery or petrol or both.
Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 powerplant that combines with two high output electric motors and a nickel metal battery pack, the green hybrid is pretty quiet on the go, although under hard acceleration the car sounds more strained than stirring. That said, mated to an E-CVT (Electronically-Controlled Variable Transmission), which is engineered to manage the various sources of power in a way that maximises the RX450h's efficiency, the Lexus doesn't disappoint when it comes to a smooth ride.
Made to transport your passengers in a comfortable and safe manner, the RX Hybrid’s compliant suspension and sound insulation will isolate passengers from the outside world with ease. The steering also provides more weighting and response than expected, giving absolutely no numb or rugged cues that are commonly associated with SUVs.
While there's an EV mode that allows the RX450h to be driven short distances using only the electric motors, the car gains a new Sport mode which is more exciting. This mode sharpens the throttle and steering responses and it feels tauter in this mode, although body roll is inevitably felt round bends.
The RX450h may not have the punchiness of some of its competitors but it makes up for its weaknesses through its seamless transition from battery to petrol power. There wasn't a time when we were able to tell if the car was using its battery or petrol or both.
Conclusion
When you go beyond what's cooking under the hood, the RX450h has yet to disappoint us and it isn't going to start now. The only downside of the car was that we managed to achieve only 9.3km/L – far from the 15.8km/L that Lexus stated. Still, the SUV manages to provide a comfortable ride, a spacious cabin, top notch build quality and the availability of many other features that puts Lexus in line with the Germans.
The car represents a compelling buying proposition on its own, if you ask us.
When you go beyond what's cooking under the hood, the RX450h has yet to disappoint us and it isn't going to start now. The only downside of the car was that we managed to achieve only 9.3km/L – far from the 15.8km/L that Lexus stated. Still, the SUV manages to provide a comfortable ride, a spacious cabin, top notch build quality and the availability of many other features that puts Lexus in line with the Germans.
The car represents a compelling buying proposition on its own, if you ask us.
