Lexus RX History (Manufacturer)
A Lexus importer to Israel today began marketing the new and fifth generation of the RX, the first of the hybrid crossovers and which, since its launch, has been the best-selling Lexus model in the world and a significant growth engine for the importer in Israel as well.
How significant?
According to the importer, the outgoing generation finished the year 2022, its last with its best delivery figure - 416 units.
So it's pretty clear why the mix offered by the outgoing generation has been preserved this time as well and to it has been added another element that characterizes the current RX - Lexus' desire to also penetrate the worlds of performance and sportiness with its large crossover.
Also for the first time the RX in the current generation gives up one of its hallmarks - the V6 engine.
In its place, the offer will be lined with hybrid drive units and plug-in hybrid only.
An addition of 6 cm to the wheelbase (photo: manufacturer's website)
In terms of dimensions, the new generation does not grow in length and remains at 4.9 meters, unchanged from the outgoing generation.
The width grew by 2.5 cm to 1.92 meters and the height was cut by a single cm and stands at 1.71 meters.
The wheelbase has been increased by 6 cm to 2.85 meters.
The more significant change is noted in the passenger compartment, which is undergoing a real makeover, similar to the one we also saw in the current NX. A combination of a large 14-inch multimedia screen with physical buttons for operating the central systems, Compatibility with Android and Apple, a voice operating system, even greater attention to finishing and the use of new materials in the passenger compartment, and ending with endpoints such as the possibility to integrate the driver's name into the sequence of actions of the welcome that the vehicle performs when it is opened.
And what did we think of the outgoing RX?
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A large and modern multimedia system, an overhead display and more (photo: manufacturer's website)
The RX is powered by three drive units, three of which are hybrids.
The entry version of the 350h will have a 2.5-liter engine and a hybrid system with a combined power of 250 hp. These provide acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.
Above it is the +450h version where the "plus" as usual in Lexus indicates the fact that it is a plug-in hybrid unit (PHEV).
Here too, the same 2.5-liter engine but with a power of 309 hp with an independent electric motor boost that can also carry it for a declared distance of 67 electric kilometers before using the gasoline engine.
Here the acceleration to 100 km/h is shortened to 6.5 seconds.
The top version of the RX drive is the 500h, this time with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine connected to a rear electric motor with a combined power of 371 hp and acceleration to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.
The bonus, using a planetary gearbox with 6 transmission ratios instead of continuous in the other versions.
When it is joined by a dual drive that also participates in the reduction of weight transfers during acceleration and braking, sophisticated rear steering and adaptive dampers connect to a lower center of gravity and a multi-link rear suspension, it should be the sporty marker in the model's offer.
No change in external dimensions (photo: manufacturer's website)
The new RX will be marketed in three trim levels, Kyushu will be the entry version and where the 350h will be offered will include the 14-inch screen, electric heated leather seats in front, sunroof, parking sensors, electric trunk opening, electric steering wheel and more.
The price: NIS 400,000, unchanged from the outgoing generation.
Above it, the Hadori trim level will be available with the 350h engine (at a price of NIS 440,000) and with the +450h engine (at a price of NIS 465,000), will add two inches to the 21-inch rim, ventilation and memories for the front seats, upholstery Natural leather, panoramic roof window, 360 camera and more.
The Takumi trim level, named after the meticulous Japanese craftsmanship, will also be offered with the plug-in engine only and will add heated rear seats, overhead display, a Mark Levinson audio system, air filtration, adaptive dampers, wood finishes for the steering wheel and dashboard, and more.
At the top of the range, the 500h will be offered in the F-Sport trim level and will also add a digital central mirror, an expanded digital dashboard, adaptive dampers and rear steering.
The price: 550 thousand shekels.
These are very competitive price tags, and about NIS 100,000 cheaper than the main competitors, such as the Mercedes GLE, Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Volvo XC90, which in addition still do not show a full transition to hybrid and rechargeable models.
However, Lexus still has no answer to the BMW iX, Audi Itron and all-electric Mercedes EQC.
The 500h version will offer 371 hp (photo: manufacturer website)
Aside from the RX, Lexus has a busy year ahead in 2023.
Among other things, in the first quarter the deliveries of the flagship - the most expensive Japanese SUV in Israel, the LX600, which arrives here under American standards and with the utilization of surpluses due to the reduction of activity in the Russian market - will begin.
Also coming later this year is Lexus' first dedicated electric RZ that shares a base with the Toyota bz4X.
The small electric crossover the UX will receive a version with an improved range, where limiting the battery capacity from 54 to 72.8 kWh will extend the maximum range from 315 to 450 km.
This year another crossover is expected to join the Lexus model range.
In terms of service, the manufacturer will add the option to extend the warranty period to up to 10 years by adding a year each time, after several years the option to extend the warranty to 4-5 years was well received by the customers.
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