Lexus reveals 2009 RX SUV range
November 21, 2008 by George Skentzos
Lexus has unveiled the new-generation RX 350 and hybrid RX 450h at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.
The RX 450h will become the catalyst for an all-hybrid European line-up, taking advantage of tax benefits and cost incentives for green vehicles.
However in Australia, the RX 350 will also be available from the first quarter of 2009, boasting a DOHC 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine which develops 204kW.
This figure is outshone by the petrol-electric RX 450h model which uses a new 3.5-litre V6 Atkinson-cycle engine for optimum fuel efficiency.
Total power output from the combined petrol and electric motors is expected to be around 220kW – this is 20kW more than the outgoing 3.3-litre hybrid V6 from the current generation model.
Both models are mated to an electronically controlled, sequential-shift six-speed transmission, replacing the five-speed automatic of the previous model.
Lexus has also made major improvements in its Lexus Hybrid Drive System, including an exhaust heat recovery system which reduces engine warm up time, allowing the petrol motor to be switched off earlier, more often and for longer periods to improve fuel economy and emission control.
While they may look similar on the outside, each model uses a different all-wheel drive system.
The RX 450h’s drivetrain uses a rear mounted electric motor generator which allows all four wheel wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively.
The RX 350 features an Active Torque Control system, which optimises torque depending on driving conditions.
All models in the new RX range will feature ten airbags as standard, as well as active safety features such as Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM), Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS).
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much better looking than the last version, i quite like the look of it. although not sure about it’s ‘green’ credential
Funny, as an RX330 owner I think the look is a little weird.
The grill is ripped off the IS, the headlights are from an LS460 gone wrong, the tail looks like it was tacked on from a CX-7 and the placement of the mirrors is very 2000 Magna-ish.
I don’t really like that small piece of glass where the A-Pillar is either.
Interior is mixed, it’s growing on me though I think, although the gear leaver is placed too high, it looks quite weird on the 330/350/400h and the placement of this one is even more off-putting however it may be quite practical to use as the current one is positioned so that the arm rest can be placed down while still having comfortable access to the leaver.
The previous RX copped it for having a bit of a long nose and this new one really doesn’t help in that department however the last picture definately makes the best use of the car’s lines.
First Lexus without a touchscreen-based navigation system, wonder how well it works.
I don’t know why they insist on having that horrid woodgrain.
Are the headlights a direct bolt on from the Camry???
Martin – Usually wood signifies luxury, very Lexusy. The application on the RX looks better, a lot less is used and this wood is meant to be real at least, it’s evident on mine, you can see the cut.
Wood grain is as out dated as red Velour trim.
sure it is meant to signify luxury,
but that feel died a decade ago
Still no word on whether it will offer 7 seats?
No seven seats. I think Lexus are standing by their ‘larger families should buy the GX’ (with 7 seats) – Which we don’t have here.
I can tell you now that with that slanted boot line (similar to that on my 330) you wouldn’t want to sit in the back (boot). It’s bad enough as it is loading large boxes in because you have to push them in so far (that is with the 2nd row of seats down) because you need maximum clearance between the roof and the floor which means that slant doesn’t permit large boxes (or people).
This car redefines ugly. Anything that comes out of Japan, without a Mazda badge on it should be illegal.
lol have to agree with you there.
I find this simply plain and ugly. The previous versions are better looking.
Buy yourself a Kluger and save a bundle.
It looks cross-eyed. Are these still sold in Japan as a Toyota Harrier? The old ones were.
Nothing special.
This really looks like the 2nd-gen Nissan Murano to me. They both look similar, if you ask me.
Not a fan of these Lexii, but thats just me personally.
I have never liked the look of this model the forthcoming Volvo XC60 now thats a good looker
A Ssangyong looks better than this big ugly fridge, Toyoda make some very boring bland vehicles, the interior (dash, plastics)and headlights are terrible.
I don’t like the crease line under the window, it looks as though someone has gone along the side with a key.
the back looks like the mazda cx9. previous model was much better looking.
this has lights from the camry and grille from the is250.
what a shame.
Rear lights look too, I dunno, just wrong. I think the interior is contemporary (a little too much) and that crease I agree looks out of place. I like Lexus cars generally (LS600h, IS250) but this will either grow on me or it just won’t do it…
FORD = KING OF THE MOUNTAIN, have you seen the Ssangyong C200 Concept? It actually looks…nice…
Steve
yawnnnnnnnnn,yet another soft roader that looks like it was put together from the parts bin!
Say hello to the official ride of the Mayor of Blandsville.
I dont like the interior. The old one looked better and I agree with your comments Camski. The headlights, grill, mirrors etc.
Camski, as for as similarity to other Lexus goes, i’m sure it’s a result of their new corporate identity. They want the whole range to have the same L-Finess design language.
Personally i think for a SUV it’s a nice design, honestly which SUV is genuinely good looking. For me, Range Rover is the only good looking SUV, everything else on the market is ugly compared to conventional sedan and coupe.
My biggest problem with this car though is what’s the point? Why people buy 2WD SUV? I know there’s tax incentive for 4wd to help rural region, but luxury SUV is not needed as they will never venture off road. Similar to the luxury car tax, i think a heavy tax should be imposed on luxury 4wd (i.e. SUV over a certain price bracket) to discourage people buying big, heavy gas guzzling SUV when they live in the city.
I dont like the inside of it it’s clutch is on the thingy like a honda oddesey blach!!!
The previous model was ugly. This is worse. Oh and by the way Lexus front quarter windows and door mounted mirrors are a throwback to the 1960’s.
Oh Dear – what a shocker! Slapped hard with the US/Jap ugly stick. Don’t they have a european design centre?
IS and LS have been heading in a great direction. Even GS is passsable (if a little odd) – but this is a truly ugly thing. They seem to have put together a basic shape – built a wax model – put it in the oven and then built the shit pile that came out.
How on earth are the pretty young things in the marketing department going to spin their way out of this one?
Interior looks interesting – but too Japanese in a Toyota kind of way.
LEXUS RX 2009 is the one i’ve been waiting for, but look at it, mate, im soooo despaired. Bored, ugly,…that I really dont want to hav a second look. sorry you guys Lexus designers, you r disappointed me!
I’m not a fan of this one to be honest, but I guess I will have to see it in real life.
And just to correct a few inaccuracies in the comments, Camski this is not the first Lexus with a non touch screen satnav. The very first Lexus with non touch screen was the IS300. Had a pop up screen on top of the dash in the middle (kind of like the current 1 seried BMW), and had a bunch of buttons and a joystick near the gear shift. From my own experience, it worked quite well. I am not sure about this touchpad though. I’ll check it out when it hits the showrooms.
Alan, this vehicle is not 2WD, it’s actually AWD. RX models have always been full time AWD.