Lexus takes a different approach to prestige motoring compared with high-dollar European rivals, choosing its own path in a quiet drive for comfort and efficiency.
New looks, inside and out
The RX has a new version of Lexus’ “spindle grille” that deletes chrome highlights in favour of a textured look.
It’s not what we would call conventionally handsome – particularly in metallic “Sonic Copper” that looks like a salmon fillet, and sounds like a crime-fighting cartoon hedgehog.
Fresh features include strange touch-sensitive doorhandles that don’t physically move, and a new infotainment screen that replaces odd toggles or touchpads with a simple touchscreen.
Think of it as a posh Toyota Kluger
Most Lexus models have close ties to something in the Toyota showroom, and in this case it’s the Kluger family SUV.
The Lexus RX 350h Luxury rides on the same chassis as the Kluger, sharing its wheelbase, engine, transmission and other hardware elements.
But the Lexus shapes up as a premium five-seater with a sportier character, while the Kluger is a seven-seat family bus.
Lexus’ all-wheel-drive hybrid SUV starts from $92,000 plus on-road costs (about $100,500 drive-away), which is about $14,000 more than a fully-loaded Kluger (and an eye-watering $37,000 more than a rental-spec Toyota hybrid).
That’s not a bad thing
Toyota makes reliable cars, and it leads the industry in hybrid know-how.
The 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet needs just 5.4L/100km of unleaded to make 184kW of combined petrol and electric power – significantly less than conventionally powered rivals.
All-wheel-drive traction is made possible by a 40kW electric motor on the rear axle – as with the Kluger and RAV4 hybrids, there is no physical drive shaft linking the petrol engine to the back wheels.
Smooth and efficient, Toyota’s hybrid engine is a quiet and effortless unit worthy of a luxury badge.
Mix in Lexus’ quality, customer service and attention to detail, and the result promises to be a winner.
There are a bakers’ dozen to choose from
There are no less than 13 RX 350 models to choose from once you’ve committed to life with Lexus.
You can have the car with two-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive traction, hybrid or petrol power, and choose between a focus on luxurious and sporty machines.
Most folks pick the 184kW hybrid, though some prefer the cheaper and more powerful 205kW petrol model. A new flagship variant has 273kW of turbo hybrid wallop.
Our test car was a relatively low-spec model with vinyl seats and 19-inch wheels.
Standard fare includes a 14-inch infotainment screen linked to a 12-speaker Panasonic stereo with smartphone mirroring and sat nav.
You can pay about $6000 to add an enhancement pack with a sunroof, leather trim, a head-up display, ventilated seats and other niceties.
We reckon that’s worthwhile, as it helps elevate the Lexus beyond its Toyota cousins.
Built for comfort, not speed
Many cars claim to put the “sport” in SUV, but few do so convincingly.
Most high-riding wagons aren’t particularly great to drive, and many rely on overly stiff suspension to keep stop the car falling over when you get to a corner.
This Lexus takes a different approach, with plush suspension, tall tyre sidewalls and a relaxed approach to motoring that results in a more comfortable machine.
It won’t get your blood pumping, but it is a better bet for day-to-day driving than most luxury rivals.