Already The Benchmark, Lexus Goes Further
When Lexus decides one of its models needs even more luxury, the result is bound to be spectacular and this is the case with the all-new RX 350.
Some consider this attractive mid-size SUV has been the segment benchmark since its debut in 2003 – BMW and M-Benz would have issues with that assertion and sales figures for the X5 support their point of view. However the boys from Europe better check-out this new baby from Nagoya.
More power and torque from the 3.5-litre V6, a new six-speed sequential transmission, a new active all-wheel-drive system, improved chassis dynamics, better aerodynamics, better interior, improved climate control air-conditioning and even a clever ‘Eco Driving Indicator’ to help you drive with maximum fuel-efficiency…and the Lexus engineers are just warming up!
With prices starting at $81,900 the RX 350 actually presents impressive value-for-money credentials.
What You Get
It’s evolutionary in looks, but the RX 350 is all-new, marginally bigger than its predecessor (the wheelbase is 25mm longer) and more aerodynamic with a coefficient of drag now down to 0.33cD.
There are three model grades – Prestige, Sports and Sports Luxury. All three share the V6 powerplant, six-speed transmission, active AWD system, rear-view camera, 10 air bags and a new VDIM – Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System, which is Lexus’ all-encompassing system for steering, AWD split, ABS anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control.
A highlight is the Remote Touch navigation system which is controlled by a toggle switch (similar to a computer mouse) located on the center console. Lexus says it reduces eye movement from the windscreen by as much as 30 per cent.
When you click on your selection, a beep is heard…and typically Lexus, it’s not just an ordinary beep - the beep sound is derived from the sound of a water drop falling into a Japanese relaxation pond. Next they’ll be giving us Yoga advice to survive traffic jams!
Under the Hood
The improved 3.5-litre V6 engine has just 1kW and 4Nm more than its predecessor but Lexus engineers focused their efforts on mid-range response and this is evident with 90 per cent of peak torque between 2300rpm and 6100rpm.
Drive is to the front wheels normally until the AWD system starts shifting the power rewards.
The new six-speed automatic transmission is a beauty and is actually 6kgs lighter and 19mm shorter than the old five-speeder. Its computer control is intuitive, taking feedback from the driver’s throttle actions to determine the driving pattern – this reduces unnecessary upshifts and downshifts, contributing to both greater refinement and enhanced fuel economy.
Lexus Active Torque Control all-wheel drive makes its Australian debut with the all-new RX 350 and operates in concert with VDIM (Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management). In a nutshell it distributes torque progressively to the rear wheels when slippage is detected (up to a maximum of 50:50) and cleverly disengages drive to the rear wheels under braking for more effective use of ABS and other electronic driver aids included in the VDIM package.
In full-on 4WD conditions, the driver can override the system (at speeds below 40 km/h) by pushing the ‘AWD LOCK’ button.
The Interior
So good is the interior of the RX 350, it’s hard to know where to start – the quality of the leather trim, timber finishes and carpet are now ‘given’ with all Lexus vehicles - but it’s the rapid evolution of new technologies that continues to standout.
Of course the RX 350 entertainment system has Bluetooth and iPod capabilities, but trust Lexus to include the required components to store the cords out of sight and to include a dedicated stowage tray on top of the center console. Sports Luxury models can be specified with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound audio system.
We continue to admire the Lexus power tailgate operation and the excellent quick-release system to rapidly fold the rear seat (which already offers a three-way split 40/20/40).
For the driver, the RX 350 is the first Lexus model sold in Australia with a Head-Up Display (HUD) featuring information on vehicle speed, simple navigation arrows, audio, CD and radio and a warning function. Personally we reckon the RX 350’s dashboard is informative and easy-to-read as it is.
In our minds, the standout new feature on the RX 350 is the side view camera available on Sports models. It provides a comprehensive view of the side from front to back and is a real safety advance.
Exterior & Styling
Lexus says the new RX 350 is its first SUV to fully reflect the company’s L-Finesse design philosophy which seeks to combine an overall sharper, younger design that is both ‘leading edge’ and ‘ elegant’.
Certainly the front grille shares characteristics with the Lexus sedan lineup. And we like the sharp crease lines that have been integrated into this RX 350 (the previous one was a bit bland from some angles).
Those creases accentuate the sharply-angled headlights which are the latest High Intensity Discharge (HID) and feature an intelligent control which comes into operation when the driver applies more than 7.5 degrees of steering, turning the left light 10 degrees to the left when steering in that direction or 15 degrees to the right when turning that way.
The appearance of Sports and Sports Luxury models does take on a more purposeful stance with the seven spoke 19-inch alloy wheels. Entry level Prestige models sit on five-spoke 18-inch alloys.
On The Road
Lexus engineers have toiled hard on the driving dynamics of the RX 350, delivering a body with higher torsional rigidity, enhanced front and rear suspensions including new spring rates and an overall lower center of gravity. They’ve also enhanced the power steering system.
Overall the package is brilliant, user-friendly, refined, sharp and purposeful.
Specific praise for the punchiness of the V6’s improved torque curve, the excellent ride and sharp handling of the revised suspension and the ECO indicator light on the dashboard which lets you know when you’re treading lightly on the right pedal (a bit like the readout in the hybrid Prius, it becomes a challenge to do your PB – Personal Best – and when we’re talking about driving economically, that can’t be a bad thing.
This is a Lexus so of course it absorbs bumps with minimum fuss and keeps you nicely insulated from all that bustle and noise outside.
Wind noise – that’s not a term Lexus recognizes.
NVH – same thing, at Lexus we don’t do that.
Challenges
It is difficult to find fault with any Lexus vehicle and the new RX 350 is gob-smackingly good at everything.
We still think it’s just lacking a bit of engagement for serious drivers (a criticism we had of the previous model). In just about every area we reckon the RX 350 has given its European rivals a bit of a belting, but in that one small aspect we think particularly the BMW X5 has a minute edge.
Verdict
However you compare, this is a stunning SUV. Our week in the RX 350 was over far too quickly.
The Competition
Has to be the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class but you would also think of the Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7 (even though they are a bit larger).
But here’s the thing…
We recently tested the new Nissan Murano which although $30K less expensive and in many ways not a direct competitor – we suggest you take it for test drive and compare.
