The new Lexus RX, introduced locally in the second quarter of this year, is now complete with a full line-up of models.
What’s new?
The new RX “spindle body” frontal treatment may stand out immediately, but it is the wide range of drivetrain options that now complete the line-up.
Exterior:
Lexus has developed what it calls the Next Chapter design language, which includes a new ‘spindle body’, achieved by integrating the signature spindle grille concept into the entire front of the vehicle. The RX team also drew inspiration from the model’s rich design heritage to produce a car that is instantly recognisable, but with a more dynamic, elegant and confident character.
The overhangs are shorter than before and the track wider. Basic advantages are drawn from the GA-K platform, including the lower centre of gravity (-15mm), increased wheelbase (2 850 mm, +60 mm) and wider tracks (front +15 mm, rear +45 mm), achieved, as mentioned, within an overall length that is the same as the outgoing RX (4 890mm).
Interior:
The theme of simplicity complements Lexus’s “tazuna” concept for the driver’s cockpit, which rationalises the location and ease of use of the controls and information sources, so that attention is focused on the job of driving.
The tazuna approach can be seen in elements such as the soft-touch steering wheel controls, head-up display and new multimedia system. The large, 14-inch touchscreen and the provision of physical buttons for frequently used functions help minimise driver head movement.
The list of standard equipment is unlimited but some of the more uncommon bits of standard comfort and convenience kit include three-zone air conditioning, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, wireless charger, illuminated entry, head-up display as well as seat heating and ventilation.
Engines:
The new RX comes with a line-up of no fewer than three different electrified powertrains. At the core of the brand’s offering, the RX 450h+ is the first RX to adopt Lexus’s plug-in hybrid technology.
The RX 350 boasts a 2.4 litre turbo-petrol engine with 205 kW, while the RX 350h hybrid electric offers a 2.5 litre petrol engine connected to an EV battery delivering 184 kW.
The total output of the RX 450h+ is 227 kW while the RX 500h marks a breakthrough in hybrid electric technology with an output of the turbocharged 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine and electric motor totalling 273 kW.
Prices:
Lexus RX 350 (R1 424 000), Lexus RX 350h (R1 458 300), Lexus RX 350h F Sport (R1 543 200), Lexus RX 500 F Sport (R1 684 300) and the Lexus RX 450h+ (To be announced later.)
Supergroup Dealerships announced the upcoming launch of four new MG dealerships as part of its growing portfolio. The new locations that are set to open soon, include three on the East Rand, one in Rustenburg and one in Paarl, Western Cape.
The highly anticipated F&I Industry Awards 2024, which were held recently, showcased the pinnacle of excellence and innovation in the automotive financial and insurance sector.
In a groundbreaking move towards offering a comprehensive, one-stop integrated service to its customers, Absa has introduced an integrated Finance & Insurance solution for dealer partners across South Africa. This innovative initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing customer experience and streamlining financial services.
Advertisement
Advertisement
A light on my car’s dashboard came on, and instead of fixing the problem, I waited for the bulb to burn out. Crisis solved.
Jarod Kintz
Toyota announced that it has expanded its Land Cruiser 70 Series with the addition of new 5-speed manual gearbox option in the range. The manual powertrain will be offered in both the Single Cab and Station Wagon variants.
Peugeot has updated its Landtrek bakkie with the big news of the addition of a new, more powerful engine. The Landtrek continues to establish itself in the one-ton pick-up segment, which represents 2.5 million annual sales worldwide. It is sold in around 40 countries, predominantly in Africa, the Middle East and South America.
Ulterio Motiv, the newly launched sister company of respected armouring establishment, SVI Engineering, has launched its most affordable product to date, this time based on one of the best-selling bakkies in South Africa – the Ford Ranger.
