A substantially improved Lexus RX range debuted at the Geneva Motor Show and will be on-sale locally during this year.
Reflecting the major changes, Lexus has ditched the current ‘Prestige’ and ‘Sport Models’ – the new lineup for both RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid will be ‘Sport Luxury’, ‘Luxury’ and ‘F Sport’.
“The refresh to the RX line as debuted in Geneva will only serve to strengthen the appeal of what is already on of Lexus’ most awarded and popular vehicles,” revealed Lexus Australia chief Tony Cramb. “RX will be the third vehicle to adopt Lexus’ all-new corporate face, bringing with it great driving enjoyment, visual appeal and innovative features. The addition of RX F Sport only reinforces our commitment to more than doubling our F Sport range by the end of 2012.”
Front design gains the new Lexus ‘family’ grille (to debut locally next month in the all-new GS line) and new HID or LED headlights. F Sport models are distinguished by a unique mesh insert for the grille and shadow chrome 19-inch alloy wheels.
Underneath, Lexus RX F Sport models reinforce their sporty dynamic with sports suspension borrowed from the CT 200h model – firmer tune and lateral performance braces.
Inside F Sport models also score paddle shifters for manual cog-swapping of the six-speed sequential automatic transmission.
All models receive Lexus’ second-generation Remote Touch system for simpler operation of on-board systems. One of those systems is the new Digital Audio (DAB+) sound system.
There’s also a new steering wheel (inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar) and repositioned iPod compartment and socket.
Hybrid-powered Lexus RX 450h adopts an extra ‘Sport’ driving mode to supplement the existing ‘ECO’ and ‘EV’ modes.
No word yet on prices.
