√2023 Lexus RX revealed, confirmed for Australia

The first new Lexus RX in seven years will reach Australia, with sharpened styling, overhauled technology and a range of powerful new hybrids.

The 2023 Lexus RX large SUV has been revealed, and an Australian launch has been locked in – though exactly when is yet to be confirmed.

Lexus‘ fourth all-new product in the last 12 months, the new RX is the first in seven years, and brings the company’s BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 rival in line with the fresher styling, high-tech interior and upgraded hybrid powertrains of the latest NX medium SUV.

All versions of the new RX offer five seats, with the seven-seat RX L dead for 2023 – though rumours suggest a larger Lexus TX SUV is in development for launch next year, with three, more spacious rows of seats.

Four variants of the new RX will be offered globally, comprising just one pure petrol model – RX350, now with turbo power – and three hybrids, one of which offers plug-in capability. The Australian model range is yet to be confirmed.

The new Lexus RX’s styling draws inspiration from the smaller NX, with slim adaptive ‘triple-beam’ LED headlights, sharp surfacing along the side, a full-width LED tail-light bar, and ‘LEXUS’ script across the tailgate.

The current RX’s signature rear pillar design lives on, joined on hybrid models by a unique body-coloured insert in the top of the front ‘spindle’ grille. Alloy wheels up to 21 inches in diameter are available.

F Sport models – and the flagship RX500h F Sport Performance – gain unique front bumpers with mesh inserts and bespoke 21-inch aluminium wheels, plus body-coloured lower cladding on the F Sport Performance.

Inside, the links to the NX continue with a version of Lexus’ new ‘Tazuna cockpit’ interior design theme, with a large infotainment screen and digital instrument display integrated into panels oriented towards the driver.

The centre screen measures either 9.8 or 14 inches across, and incorporates the Toyota group’s latest software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, and a ‘Hey Lexus’ voice assistant.

The instrument display in front of the driver measures approximately eight inches across, and is joined by a head-up display, and an overhauled centre console with a smaller gear selector and, at last, no more touchpad controller for the infotainment system.

Other interior highlights include a panoramic glass roof, tri-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and five interior colour schemes.

As mentioned, four powertrain variants will be offered globally: the RX350 petrol, RX350h and RX500h hybrids, and a flagship RX450h+ plug-in hybrid, the lattermost being a first for the RX.

Powering the RX350 is the same 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine as the NX350 – replacing the ageing 3.5-litre petrol V6 – sending 205kW and 430Nm to the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission for a 7.2-7.5-second 0-60mph (97km/h) time.

More popular are likely to be the hybrids, led by the RX350h, pairing a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with various electric motors for a combined output of 179kW, available exclusively with all-wheel drive. It’s capable of a 7.4-second 0-60mph (97km/h) dash.

Stepping up to the RX500h swaps the 2.5-litre non-turbo engine for the RX350’s 2.4-litre turbo motor, increasing combined outputs to 270kW and a claimed 550Nm – making it the most powerful Lexus hybrid currently on sale, and capable of 0-60mph (97km/h) in 5.9 seconds.

Details are scarce on the RX450h+ plug-in hybrid flagship, though it’s expected to draw from the NX450h+ PHEV’s 2.5-litre petrol engine, electric motors and 18.1kWh battery, which in the smaller vehicle develop 227kW, and offer up to 80km of claimed driving range.

The RX500h is offered exclusively in F Sport Performance form – a name debuted on the IS500 F Sport Performance V8 sedan, denoting a sportier model one step below the full F high-performance range.

Over lesser variants, it gains six-piston front brake calipers (also used on the F Sport), rear-wheel steering (with up to four degrees of movement), sportier 21-inch wheels and tyres, body-colours and black accents, and a synthesised sound generator.

Crucially, the RX500h F Sport Performance is fitted with Lexus’ Direct4 all-wheel-drive system, which uses acceleration, cornering speed and steering angle sensors to adjust the front-to-rear power split on the fly between 100:0 and 20:80 for maximum performance and traction.

As the driver turns into a corner, the power split sits between 70:30 (front to rear) and 50:50, changing to between 50:50 and 20:80 on the way out of the corner for “exhilarating cornering performance”, according to Lexus.

Underpinned by the Toyota group’s TNGA-K platform (shared with the NX and Toyota Kluger), the new RX is no longer than its predecessor at 4890mm long, but measures 25mm wider (1920mm), 10mm lower (1695mm) and 60mm longer in wheelbase (2850mm).

The new car is reportedly 90kg lighter than the model it replaces, while the wheelbase is 60mm shorter for improved manoeuvrability at low speeds. Lexus notes a 50mm-longer rear luggage space, 30mm-lower load height, and improved entry and exit into both rows.

Aiding driving dynamics is a 15mm-lower centre of gravity, 15mm wider front and 45mm wider rear wheel tracks, MacPherson strut front and redesigned multi-link rear suspension, aluminium steering components, and clever tuning to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.

The new RX features the Japanese brand’s Lexus Teammate assisted driving tech, with semi-autonomous driving capability in traffic jams (in certain markets) at speeds up to 40km/h, and an automatic parking system that can be controlled from an app while standing beside the vehicle.

Other advanced safety features include autonomous emergency braking (with support for intersections), adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, and safe exit assist, enabled by ‘E-Latch’ electronic door handles.

With an available app, the owner’s smartphone can be used as a digital key to unlock/lock the doors, and start the engine.

The 2023 Lexus RX has been confirmed for Australia – though exact arrival timing remains unclear.

Prices are likely to rise over the current model, which costs from $73,136 to $110,460 plus on-road costs in five-seat form.

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