Toyota luxury unit Lexus unveiled its redesigned luxury RX line at the 2015 New York Auto Show today.
It’s best selling model in the brand’s 26 year history – with global sales of more than 2.1m units and accounts for three out of 10 vehicles sold by the brand to date.
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The fourth generation model – which reaches the UK and Europe late this year – launches the new Lexus Safety System+ and is available with F Sport trim for the first time.
“With the new Lexus Safety System+, we offer drivers an added level of occupant safety in a conveniently bundled package that leverages some of the latest accident prevention technology. We certainly expect the proliferation of these features to continue throughout the luxury vehicle market and our lineup as the industry remains steadfast in the pursuit of enhanced vehicle safety,” said US Lexus chief Jeff Bracken.
Newly available 20 inch aluminium wheels with larger tyres improve the vehicle stance and proportions and replace the current model’s 19 inch options. The 20 inch wheels can also be customized with body colour matched inserts.
An optional colour head up display (HUD) projects vehicle information to the driver’s windscreen while the information display area, featuring an optional 12.3 inch monitor with full screen map is on top of the centre console. The shift lever, complete with leather boot, has been positioned away from the front of the instrument panel to optimise operability and create more space for the driver.
The RX now offers heated outboard rear seats and a 60/40 power folding second row and a retractable power panorama moonroof is newly available. The optional rear seat entertainment system now includes 11.6-in. dual screens on the back of the front headrests.
While most of Europe is likely to see only the hybrid 450h, the US market continues to see the RX 350, now with upgraded and more powerful 3.5 litre petrol V6 and new eight-speed automatic transmission. The 450h carries over the Atkinson-cycle 3.5 V6 combined with the electric motor generator.
Introduced globally, the new Lexus Safety System+ integrates several of the brand’s existing active safety technologies. These include the Pre-Collision System (PCS); Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB) that helps ensure optimal forward visibility during nighttime driving.
A millimetre wave radar works with a camera to help keep the SUV in its intended driving lane via the Lane Keep Assist feature (LKA) and enhances target detection for the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with full stop capability under certain circumstances. Other optional features that can help the driver include Adaptive High-beam System (AHS), a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
F Sport
Lexus US will offer both powertrains with F Sport trim on AWD models.
Features include exclusive 20 inch alloy wheels with graphite finish, a custom instrument cluster with TFT Multi Information Display (MID) as well as a sport steering wheel, featuring perforated leather trim, an F SPORT emblem, and paddle shifters. Exclusive colors and trim pieces are also part of the pack.
An active stabiliser system is standard and this adds a Sport S+ mode, in addition to the standard Eco, Normal and Sport settings, on the Drive Mode Select control located on the center console.
