The original Lexus RX was launched seventeen years ago and this was also the time when it redefined the automotive industry with its luxury characteristics for a mid-size utility vehicle. Now it is somehow normal to a priori perceive SUVs as luxury cars. The good news is that the RX model has continued its presence during the years and its next generation version of the 2016 model year is near debut. Lexus announced that the vehicle will be revealed at the auto show in New York on 1st of April.
Next to the announcement, the company also released a teaser image and a video to promote the future premiere. The short film is pretty expressive and gives a glimpse of the “full volume” luxury that the new RX will incarnate. This is very promising and imbues us with the thrills to expect the best.
In addition, below you will find a lightened version of the picture above so you can see more details. Judging from it, it looks like the fourth generation RX has been entirely redesigned. It appears to be sleeker and closer to the ground, and in fact – to have this sedan-like stance.
At the rear we see completely different taillights from the outgoing model as well as more prominent wheel arches. At last, the slim stance creates a flow-like impression that is further emphasized by the lower roofline, thin door handles and angular design.
Lexus RX 450h Advance has been released and it comes to offer more than enough equipment than before. It features the added luxury of a Mark Levinson premium 7.1 surround sound system as standard and runs on the exclusive machined and shaded 19-inch alloy wheels. But the highlight here is the audio system which performs exceptionally due to its carefully engineered array of 15 speakers, including a 200 mm subwoofer. All this is set to support an exceptionally wide frequency range and reproduces perfectly vocals and instrumentals.
The sound package also comes with DVD player rear-view camera and Lexus’s Remote Touch audio and navigation control system. In the 450h Advance are also provided Lexus Premium Navigation and Bluetooth.
Furthermore, the model also benefits from more features which impact its contemporary looks. These include a deep front bumper with integrated fog lights and LED headlights that incorporate Lexus’s I-AFS auto-adaptive system. The latter moves the lighting beam in line with the steering to give better illumination through bends and at junctions.
Next, Lexus is offering the model with a choice of either a sunroof or fixed panoramic roof. There is also wide range of features that reflect the quality, innovation and efficient performance of a hybrid SUV. To name some, they include Smart Entry and Start, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, heated, eight-way adjustable front seats, heated, auto-diming and folding door mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers and rear privacy glass.
Lexus RX 450h is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and a powerful electric motor. Both they generate the maximum output of 295 hp (217 kW). The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is estimated at less than 8 seconds. A second electric motor on the rear axle ensures the all-wheel drive performance when conditions require extra grip. The official combined cycle figures are rated at 44.8mpg and 145g/km.
The company is offering the model in five exterior colours: Velvet Black, Arctic Pearl, Mercury Grey, Satin Silver, and Celestial Black. They can be matched with one of the following trims in the interior: ivory, light grey, black and saddle tan, and an optional Wood Pack.
Lexus RX 450h Advance has a starting price of £48,495.
2013 Lexus RX 450h full hybrid luxury SUV comes with new sharper lines which contribute to its powerful stance and new looks. It also will enchant its customers with higher equipment specifications and an attention-grabbing new F Sport model.
The styling changes in the Lexus RX 450h resolve around the spindle-shaped grille. The latter is in fact the new trademark element in new Lexus design. The result is that now the RX 450h has much stronger and individual presence.
2013 Lexus RX 450h
And this presence in addition is further accentuated by the new F Sport model. To the rear there are redesigned tail lamps. This sporty version of the RX range stands out with a deeper, more vertical front bumper and a mesh treatment for the upper and lower grilles. It runs on dark-finish 19-inch alloy wheels.
Of course, it has F Sport badging on the exterior, while in the interior continues the sportier design philosophy of the interior. Take for instance the aluminium-effect sports pedals and trim inserts, F Sport smooth leather upholstery and scuff plates with the Lexus logo in black.
Other equipment features include a head-up display, and LED headlights with the I-AFSadaptive system, black roof lining and a bespoke steering wheel with a stitched leather trim.
2013 Lexus RX 450h F Sport also comes to offer sharper driving dynamics. This is possible thanks to a lateral damper system it has. The latter enhances the stability and improves ride comfort by absorbing small vibrations.
More importantly, the RX 450h gains an additional Sport mode for its Lexus Hybrid Drivesystem. This means that when the driver selects the Sport mode, the throttle and electric power steering settings are transformed, thus gaining faster responses. Furthermore the Vehicle Stability Control and traction control contribute to the overall driving-pleasure and dynamic experience of the driver.
2013 Lexus RX 450h F Sport
What is more in the new RX 450h SE model are: LED daytime running lights, a new perforated leather upholstery and re-designed steering wheel.
The Luxury grade model adds to the aforementioned base model the following: dark-finish 19-inch alloy wheels and 12-speaker audio system with aDABdigital tuner and single-discDVDplayer.
RX 450h Premier stays on the top of the range and comes as a standard with a tilt/slide sunroof and head-up display.
2013 Lexus RX 450h key specifications:
Moreover, the customers can choose among several exterior colors, three of which are introduced here for the first time: Satin Silver, Burgundy Red and Atlantic Blue. They are going to be available for the entire range.
At last, there are a lot of new accessories added to this Lexus, which will contribute even more to the practicality and the style of the car. For example, the Lifestyle Pack offers front and rear under-run protective plates and roof rails. On the other hand the Protection Pack provides rubber floor mats, protective bumper film, mudflaps and a cargo net.
Lexus has just announced the prices for number of its models: for the all-new 2013 GS 450h hybrid luxury sport sedan, the complete 2013 RX luxury utility vehicle line, and a price adjustment to the 2012 IS luxury sport sedan.
The first one – 2013 Lexus GS 450h, comes equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system, and delivers 338 horsepower (245 kW), while achieving 31 combined city/highway mpg.
The model will arrive at dealerships in a month with a starting price of $58 950.
In details the 2013 Lexus GS 450h will complete the GS lineup comprising of GS 350 and GS 350 F SPORT. As mentioned already it has a total system power output of 338 horsepower (245 kW), delivered from the powerful V8 engine. Although it is a V8, it can exceed most V6 engines in fuel economy with best-in-class EPA estimated ratings of 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. That makes the 2013 Lexus GS 450h a certified as a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV).
Secondly, the new GS hybrid also features Lexus Drive Mode Select which comes additionally to the Normal, Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ modes available on the GS 350. What GS 450h does is that it adds an EV mode, which allows the driver to travel a short distance at low speed using only the hybrid battery pack.
Moreover, the vehicle has impressive available options which help improving the occupant safety. They include:
Pre-Collision System, which uses the radar sensors shared with the Dynamic Cruise Control System to provide early warning of upcoming objects that might result in a collision as well as to apply braking force in the case of an impending collision;
Night Vision System;
Heads Up Display;
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which provide a small amount of active steering torque to help maintain course and alert the driver if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to drift out of the lane.
There is also included in the GS 450h a Lexus multimedia. It will bring a host of entertainment and connectivity enhancements, including the Lexus Enform® App Suite (one-year trial subscription included) and standard enhanced Bluetooth® capability with automatic phonebook download and streaming audio.
2013 Lexus GS
Next, comes the 2013 Lexus RX line-up, which will set new standards in terms of design, technologies, engineering, and luxury innovation in the SUV segment. The line-up will be available in dealerships this month with a starting price of $39 310.
What has to be additionally highlighted here is that a model from the range – 2013 Lexus RX450h, offers V8-like performance and fuel economy similar to a four-cylinder sedan
On the other hand the 2013 Lexus RX F Sport includes the inspiring eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a sport-tuned suspension with performance dampers. Of course it was designed especially for driving enthusiasts.
In fact, the RX is the top-selling luxury utility vehicle in the U.S. for fourteen years. The 2013 models now come with upgraded and enhanced interior and exterior.
For instance the 2013 Lexus RX 450h comes also with Lexus Hybrid Drive.
In addition, a bold new face of Lexus is applied to the range: the signature spindle grille, is accompanied by a new headlamp design, LED daytime running lights, distinctive fog lamp bezels, and an aggressive new bumper. The taillamps have been also updated and the rear license plate surround complete the exterior enhancements.
How about the interior enhancements, which the luxurious and spacious RX receives? The steering wheel has been transformed and now comes with sportier design and a more comfortable and relaxing grip. Additionally, a metallic accent enhances the look of the glove box. The center console has been redesigned for versatility and easy accessibility.
The interior is now available in Ebony Bird’s-eye Maple wood trim and Saddle leather interior. In those options, rich, detailed contrast stitching is used on the seats, center console and door-mounted armrests.
Furthermore, four new exterior colors are available for the RX range: Silver Lining Metallic, Claret Mica, Deep Sea Mica, and Fire Agate Pearl, Matador Red Mica and Cerulean Blue Metallic.
The special 2013 Lexus RX 350 F SPORT also comes enhanced. In particular the car was designed with the aim to engage driving enthusiasts with performance and styling. Its upgrades include:
Eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters;
Newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels with dark graphite finish with 235/55R19 tires front and rear;
New and unique sport front bumper with mesh grille;
F SPORT tuned suspension with front and rear performance dampers;
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM).
2013 Lexus RX 350h
The RX 350 F SPORT is also available with black leather-trimmed seats which have white contrast stitching, black headliner, and aluminum pedals and footrest. What is to be a debut here is the eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Model Year
Model Name
MSRP
2013
RX 350 FWD
$39,310
2013
RX 350 AWD
$40,710
2013
RX 350 F SPORT AWD
$47,000
2013
RX 450h FWD
$45,910
2013
RX 450h AWD
$47,310
At last the 2012 Lexus IS luxury sport sedan range which will come with the initial price of $33 795.
2012 Lexus IS F
Here it is, the new Lexus RX line… sort of. Currently, the models on display at the Geneva Motor Show represent an update of the existing RX line – the MY2013 specimens include minor redesigns, all-new on board technology, greater exterior and interior color schemes, new steering wheel, a revised instrument binnacle and a second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI). Also, the RX 350h and 450h models will now come in F Sport versions as well. Every single one of these RX models can have a Front-Wheel-Drive setup or an All-Wheel-Drive one.
The newfigure of the RX is already common for all GS cars since April – a spindle grille with chrome surrounds now adorns the front. The headlights are new and are complemented by LED Daytime Running Lamps that take the shape of Lexus’ signature arrowhead design.
Lexus RX 350h (2013)
The F Sport versions get shadow chrome 19-inch alloys, unique mesh grille inserts and some badges. Also, exclusive for that trim is the black and grey leather-accented interior. Bucket seats, alloy pedals and an LFA derived steering wheel (standard for all RX versions) complete the sporty feel. Exclusively, the 350h F Sport also features paddle shifters neatly mounted behind the fore mentioned steering wheel. Thus, the drivers can exploit the performance potential of the six-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i)that comes along with the 350h. All RX models will feature an updated, second-generation Lexus Remote Touch system, making activation of on-board systems easier for driver and passenger. There’s a convenient place on the center console where you can plug in your iPod and now iPad as well, USB drive or a 12V adapter
While the engines in the new models remain largely unchanged (270 bhp from the3.5 liter V6 in the 350h and 295 bhp from the electrically assisted V6 in the 450h), the F Sport chassis do benefit from a re-engineered handling package – suspension tune and lateral performance dampers/braces.
The RX 450h hybrid on the other hand also gets some personality with a new Sport driving mode that completes the set the already existing modes: ECO and EV. That way, drivers can fine tune their style of driving and be capable of great fuel-economy feats. The FWD model of the 450h Lexus Hybrid Drive returns an EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (30 mpg combined) fuel economy ratings, while the AWD model has EPA ratings of 30 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, 29 mpg combined. Keep in mind that this is an SUV we are talking about.
When it comes to parking manoeuvres, a moment’s inattention can cause a costly mistake. Scraped alloy wheels and dented bumpers might seem part-and-parcel of modern driving, but with the new RX 450h Lexus has gone further to make life easier and safer when it comes to navigating tight spaces.
The new full hybrid luxury SUV is available with three different monitor systems that eliminate blind spots and provide handy guidelines to ensure drivers keep on the right track as they negotiate parking spaces. (more…)
Lexus targeted an advanced, yet user-friendly design for the cockpit of the new RX 450h with a focus on making key vehicle data and controls easy to access with minimum driver distraction. A key element in Lexus’s innovative approach is the new Head-Up Display (HUD), which projects essential information on to the base of the windscreen, within the driver’s field of vision. (more…)
Increasingly sophisticated on-board entertainment, navigation and information systems are among the must-have features of today’s premium cars, but adjusting and monitoring their functions can risk taking a driver’s attention away from the road ahead. Designing a centralised control system that is simple to understand, intuitive to use and likely to cause the least distraction from the job of driving was a key challenge for Lexus in designing the new RX 450h. (more…)
The new Lexus RX 450h follows on from the 2005 launch of the ground-breaking RX 400h to introduce second-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive technology.
In the RX 450h, Lexus marked the first successful dovetailing of high performance with the hybrid benefits of fuel economy and low emissions, revolutionising powertrain technology in the premium segment. The system has undergone significant development in the RX 450h. (more…)
Audi set the base price for its all-new and segment-redefining 2009 Audi Q5 crossover vehicle at $37,200. The Audi Q5 will begin to arrive in U.S. dealerships next week and will be offered in three equipment levels. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the 2009 model-year Audi Q5 Premium starts at $37,200. Pricing for the Audi Q5 Premium Plus starts at $41,500, and the Audi Q5 Prestige starts at $48,200. Prices do not include a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges.
With the new Q5, Audi will have its first crossover vehicle for luxury car buyers who otherwise might have considered buying the Lexus RX, the BMW X3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLK.
The launch of this new vehicle allows Audi its first opportunity to surpass those, and other, contenders in the popular luxury crossover vehicle segment. The new Audi Q5, with its combination of head-turning exterior and interior design, comprehensive safety features expected of a premium luxury vehicle, technological innovation and responsive Audi performance, more than achieves that goal.
“Luxury crossover vehicles appeal to a wide audience seeking both practicality and performance,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “But monotony has developed in that segment – sameness we’re certain the Audi Q5 now disrupts with its array of distinctive styling cues and forward-thinking features.”
The Q5 indeed offers plenty of unique features that give it a balance of functionality, luxury and performance. The Q5 will be the only vehicle in its segment with three-zone climate control, which lets drivers and passengers select their own comfort levels. It is the only vehicle in its segment with 40/20/40 rear seats that recline and offer fore-aft adjustment for the comfort of passengers and for balancing cargo-carrying capabilities.
Audi is also equipping the Q5 with its signature LED tail lights as standard equipment, including running lights, brake lights and turn signals. The Audi Q5 will offer standard hitch preparation for 4,400-pounds of towing capacity, which puts it at the head of its class. Also standard are roof rails with aluminum cross bars that sync with the Audi ESP system to adapt accordingly.
Audi has a strong reputation for outstanding automotive interiors and that tradition carries through in the Q5 with standard twelve-way power front seats, leather seating surfaces throughout and genuine wood or brushed aluminum inlays. Available exclusive luxury touches on the Audi Q5 include the Bang & Olufsen Sound System and the exclusive Audi drive select system that allows motorists to choose among four distinctive driving configurations.
The Audi Q5 will be the first model sold in the U.S. with available MMI Navigation plus, the third generation of Audi’s acclaimed MMI (Multi-Media Interface) system, which manages entertainment, communications and navigational information.
The new MMI Navigation plus offers a high-capacity hard disk with 40 gigabytes of memory (including 10 GB for media storage), DVD drive and an automotive grade NVIDIA™ chip for graphics processing. The added processing power allows MMI Navigation plus to render 3D maps of the entire U.S., including branded points of interest, and detailed images of buildings while offering real-time traffic information. The system also features a new, larger screen that measures seven inches from corner to corner, a vocal command recognition system that understands complete words in a variety of languages and improved joystick controls.
The Audi Q5 is derived from the same Audi-exclusive platform first developed for the A4 model range. The versatility of that vehicle platform gives the Q5 the driving comfort and performance characteristics of a luxury performance automobile and the longest wheelbase in its class. The efficient engineering and design of the Q5 also translated into shorter front and rear overhangs for better weight distribution to help stability. Audi also widened the vehicle platform to increase shoulder room inside the Q5 and to optimize the driver’s seating position for a more commanding view of the road.
The Audi Q5 will also lead the segment of AWD, gasoline-powertrain crossover vehicles in fuel economy. According to the U.S. EPA, the Audi Q5 achieves 18 mpg city mileage and 20 mpg combined – both tops in the category – along with 23 mpg highway mileage.