The Lexus RX is making its South African debut!
The Lexus RX fills the need for those wanting the flexibility of a SUV, but won’t sacrifice any of the driving comfort and luxury of a premium sedan.
The Lexus RX makes an undeniably powerful visual statement with its origami-inspired design cues. Sales figures of the Lexus RX models make it the brand’s most successful car to date and the fourth generation Lexus RX doesn’t disappoint.
Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing, concedes that success brings challenges:
“Lexus engineers and product planners were left with the arduous task of keeping loyalists happy while broadening the appeal of the new RX – something I’m happy to say they’ve done admirably.
The new RX does indeed build on the success of the previous generations through the injection of adventurous styling, increased interior space, enhanced power and crucially, more dynamism. Frankly, it’s an ‘exceptional’ package, combining the flexibility and psychological security of an SUV with the driving dynamics familiar to sedan owners. The fact that it comes with all the wood-and-leather trappings of a luxury brand is, of course, an added benefit. It’s a model that has performed consistently in South Africa since it was introduced in 2006 and the newcomer is sure to win over new fans.”
The South African line-up for the Lexus RX comes in two flavours, the petrol-V6 powerhouse and the petrol-electric hybrid.
The petrol V6 RX 350 EX engine features an upgraded 3.5-litre with direct injection V6. With a power output capable of 221kW and 370Nm, surpassing the previous generation by 17kW and 24Nm respectively. As well as featuring four wheel drive via an eight-speed transmission.
The petrol-electric hybrid RX 450H engine develops 230kW combined system power, (engine and electric) a 10kW increase in power output over the previous generation of this engine. Also driving all four wheels, but via a CVT transmission.
The RX 350 EX is priced at R799 000 and includes the following standard specification:
- 10-way power front seats
- Leather upholstery
- Laser cut ornamentation
- 12-speaker audio system with DAB+ digital radio tuner
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Wireless charger
- 20-inch alloy wheels with Sonic Titanium colour inserts
- Power rear door
- LED Headlamps
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Three-mode Drive Mode Select
- 12.3-inch high definition display with satellite navigation
- Power adjustable steering column
- Electrochromatic interior mirror
- Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
- Automatic heated exterior mirrors
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Rear privacy glass
- Reversing camera with back guide monitor
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Clearance and back parking sonar
- Smart entry and start
- Cruise control
- Electronic park brake
- Power sliding roof
- 2000 kg braked towing capacity
- Full spare with alloy
- Maintenance Plan – Lexus Distance Plan Plus
The Lexus RX 450h SE (R999 000) builds on the RX 350 EX specification by adding the following:
- Unique SE petal-style alloys
- Tri-LED headlamp clusters with integrated washer system
- Sequential LED indicator function which works in conjunction with the DRLs
- 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system
- Heated steering wheel
- Enhanced safety package – Vehicle Dynamic Integrated
- Management Maintenance Plan – Lexus Distance Plan Complete