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Another world
Lexus RX 500h
© press-inform – the press office
In Europe, the Lexus RX has been a minor supporting player in the full-size SUV league for the past 20 years. Things have been very different in the USA since 1998, because here the noble Japanese is a real competitor for the Mercedes GLE, BMW X5 or Range Rover Sport.
The German premium competition in particular has often smiled at the Lexus RX in its past four generations. In Europe and especially the local core market in Germany, the RX, like the other Lexus models, may not have played any role, but things are very different in the United States. More than 3.5 million models have been sold worldwide since 1998 – but not even a tenth of them in Europe. The noble offshoot of Toyota would like to change that and is making a new attempt with the fifth generation. The new model has remained the same as before and has remained true to its comfort character without making any great demands on driving dynamics. Surprisingly, the new Lexus RX, based on the revised GA-K platform, is not available with six or eight cylinders, nor as a pure electric version.
Instead, the three engine variants RX 350h, 450h+ and 500h are only on the road with 2.4 and 2.5 liter four-cylinders, which are obligatorily coupled to electric motors. In its hybrid versions RX 350h and 500h, the unchanged 4.89 meter long Lexus RX has a nickel-metal hydride battery, which most of its competitors have not used for a long time. Both are normal hybrids without charging at the socket. While the RX 350h delivers 180 kW / 245 hp, the big brother RX 500h offers a much sportier 273 kW / 371 hp thanks to its 2.4 liter turbo engine. The standard consumption per 100 kilometers is 6.4 or 8.2 liters. While the front electric motor was installed between the combustion engine and the six-speed automatic in the RX 500h, a smaller electric motor with 80 kW / 109 hp works on the rear axle. The Lexus RX 450h+ is likely to be much more interesting for many customers as it is currently the only plug-in variant. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder is also supported by an electric motor powered by an 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. 225 kW / 306 hp enable a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and a consumption of 1.1 liters per 100 kilometers. Purely electrically, the range should be around 65 kilometers. Only the RX 500h comes with a six-speed automatic; the other two engine variants rely on a continuously variable CVT automatic transmission.
Due to the increase in wheelbase and in particular the increase in width, the fifth RX model generation should not only offer improved handling, but the occupants can look forward to more space. Inside, the Lexus design is as puristic as it is elegant, with a 14-inch touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. In addition, the RX offers numerous driver assistance systems, automatic parking and a digital rear-view mirror. “Outstanding quality, comfort and refinement: We wanted to keep these Lexus DNA traits in the new RX while taking the driving experience to the next level to create a unique Lexus Driving Signature,” said Koji Sato, President of Lexus International. Compared to the largely identically dimensioned predecessor, the Lexus RX slimmed down by 90 kilograms. In addition, the center of gravity dropped, which should bring more dynamic handling, especially in connection with the optional 21-inch wheels.