The notion of having a luxury SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) wasn’t so entombed in the masses’ minds till we saw what Lexus did with its RX range, a decade ago. Yet, the Japanese luxury marque manages to shake off the shadow casted by its more ‘grounded’ sibling (the Toyota Harrier) and remain at the top of its game in our local context.
Arguably, the soft SUV had more on-road manners, mainly due to its plush underpinnings and front-wheel drive setup. Slowly but surely, the crowd warm to the urban crossover concept as Lexus proved that SUVs are just as well at home in the urban jungles.
Exterior
The latest facelift sees to the RX taking on the family identity grille – the much mentioned ‘spindle grille’ now becoming second nature to the brand name. That said, the facelifted RX is still much anticipated. The fact that the marque promised an F Sport treatment for each of the variants in the family – namely RX270, RX350 and even the RX hybrid, sparked an equivalent degree of curiosity as with appalling.
The result seems satisfactory. The F Sport sees that the front facet is extended from the cheeks vertically, which helps boast a more commanding stance. The RX F Sport also carries the unique 19-inch alloys finished in gun-metal. Elsewhere, a series of F Sport badges separates itself from its lesser siblings.
Arguably, the soft SUV had more on-road manners, mainly due to its plush underpinnings and front-wheel drive setup. Slowly but surely, the crowd warm to the urban crossover concept as Lexus proved that SUVs are just as well at home in the urban jungles.
Exterior
The latest facelift sees to the RX taking on the family identity grille – the much mentioned ‘spindle grille’ now becoming second nature to the brand name. That said, the facelifted RX is still much anticipated. The fact that the marque promised an F Sport treatment for each of the variants in the family – namely RX270, RX350 and even the RX hybrid, sparked an equivalent degree of curiosity as with appalling.
The result seems satisfactory. The F Sport sees that the front facet is extended from the cheeks vertically, which helps boast a more commanding stance. The RX F Sport also carries the unique 19-inch alloys finished in gun-metal. Elsewhere, a series of F Sport badges separates itself from its lesser siblings.
Spend more time with it, and you can be pretty assured that the looks will grow on you. The edgy snout is easy to get accustomed to, coupled with the fact that its dynamic preposition will distinctively stand out from other softer-looking competitors.
Venturing into the RX350, the interior feels invitingly fresh. The more pronouncedly sculptured dashboard, together with greater use of curves on the centre panel, evokes a charismatic feel. The centre display, too, is encased in arches which looked more conceptual than realistic, adding an artistic touch to the centre panel.
The RX range is the latest to receive the Remote Touch Interface (RTI for short), which was already found in the earlier GS sedan. The controller pad situated atop the transmission tunnel provides great ease of access, though the same cannot be said of its use. Comparatively, it takes more concentration to work around the menu than those found in the BMWs.
The RX range is the latest to receive the Remote Touch Interface (RTI for short), which was already found in the earlier GS sedan. The controller pad situated atop the transmission tunnel provides great ease of access, though the same cannot be said of its use. Comparatively, it takes more concentration to work around the menu than those found in the BMWs.
Taking a closer peek at the surrounding, the RX is proof to the firm’s leading edge in making plush, good-to-feel interiors. There is a crafty mix and match of texture in the trims and cushions, such as the perforated leather on the steering wheel and metallic-finished trims on the dashboard. Without the usual hints of wood, the driving console feels adeptly modernistic. Distinctively for the F Sport variant is also the drilled aluminium pedals to accentuate the sporty essence as intended.
Thankfully, the people at Lexus haven’t got all mind-blogged about sportiness. The rear quarters, for instance, still portrays the comfort-centric motives, with generous leg-room and tilt-adjustable seats to make any journey a grand voyage.
Thankfully, the people at Lexus haven’t got all mind-blogged about sportiness. The rear quarters, for instance, still portrays the comfort-centric motives, with generous leg-room and tilt-adjustable seats to make any journey a grand voyage.
The RX350 is the top petrol-only variant in its range offered on local shores (the range-topper being the RX450h Hybrid). On paper, the larger displacement gives it 90 more horses over the basic RX270. That however does not instil any invigorating character in the way the power is delivered; instead, the RX gains pace with grace.
Riding over blemished road surfaces, the RX350 retains its composure without losing the much of the opulent nature. Premium insulation also means that most of the external intrusions are kept well at bay.
Though it lacks the ratios of more recent contenders in its segment (German offerings of late are equipped with 8-speeders), the 6 speed automatic shifts seamlessly, and will suffice for local motoring.
Riding over blemished road surfaces, the RX350 retains its composure without losing the much of the opulent nature. Premium insulation also means that most of the external intrusions are kept well at bay.
Though it lacks the ratios of more recent contenders in its segment (German offerings of late are equipped with 8-speeders), the 6 speed automatic shifts seamlessly, and will suffice for local motoring.
It is a made-known fact that performance is second nature to luxury and comfort in the RX. Not that one would expect the latest to come with any bit of tarmac-burning ability like the German SUVs. As such, albeit in F Sport guise, the RX350 is better described as a dynamic utility vehicle that has its strengths cast in urban commutes.
Put it simply, the RX is still a breeze to drive - discounting the slightly bulkier dimensions which may require more effort in parking manoeuvres. The overtly-assisted steering however, result in a less-involving driving experience, feeling disconnected from the road to say the least. End of it all, the rear seats may still be the best position to be at in the RX.
Conclusion
Taking on the more aggressive look bestowed by the F Sport treatment, the RX350 is akin to having a tough outer cover, but retains its soft underpinnings for the plush experience that its followers have grown to love.
Lexus has been one of the top marques when it comes to making comfortable, luxurious cars. On top of these attributes, the RX is imbued with the tall, empowering stance that the usual crossovers would have trouble matching up to. No wonder the RX had such a popular following on our local grounds.
Put it simply, the RX is still a breeze to drive - discounting the slightly bulkier dimensions which may require more effort in parking manoeuvres. The overtly-assisted steering however, result in a less-involving driving experience, feeling disconnected from the road to say the least. End of it all, the rear seats may still be the best position to be at in the RX.
Conclusion
Taking on the more aggressive look bestowed by the F Sport treatment, the RX350 is akin to having a tough outer cover, but retains its soft underpinnings for the plush experience that its followers have grown to love.
Lexus has been one of the top marques when it comes to making comfortable, luxurious cars. On top of these attributes, the RX is imbued with the tall, empowering stance that the usual crossovers would have trouble matching up to. No wonder the RX had such a popular following on our local grounds.
