The Pioneering Crossover
In 1998, the RX Crossover became the world’s first luxury Crossover. Until that point, the idea of a Crossover with the handling, performance, refinement and ride of a luxury saloon was just that – an idea. Lexus made it a reality.
Built at the award-winning Lexus “Eco Factory” at Kyushu in Japan, which was strictly planned to reduce the environmental impact of plant and processes, again the latest RX is again intended to reset benchmarks for quality and customer satisfaction
The visionary of the new RX hybrid delivers not only a sophisticated performance, breakthrough technology and intriguing design, but also extraordinary low CO2 emissions for a vehicle of its size.
The Shape of Tomorrow
The stunning new RX hybrid offers all the classic space of a large Crossover, while quality lines along the shoulder and rear cabin pillar create a vibrant, coupe-like architecture.
Making full use of its impressive wheelbase, the crossover’s tall silhouette complements an elegant and reassuring stance. Lexus designers have created a powerful look that gives a very resolute feeling to the car.
Viewed for the side, fine-looking chrome window mouldings describe a graceful concave line, integrating characteristic Lexus arrowhead forms front and rear. Finished with immense precision, such details reflect the world-class quality of the new RX hybrid.
Leading-edge finesse
Contemporary Japanese design always strives for the purest possible expression. Look closer at the new RX hybrid, the intriguing design elements will reveal themselves. It’s a uniquely beautiful crossover, full of contrasts – evident not only in the exquisite detailing, but also in the way lines and surfaces flow through the car.
The new RX hybrid has been designed using our L-finesse (L = Leading edge) creative language. At Lexus, ‘leading edge’ means using the most advanced technology to make the driving experience as luxurious as possible. Technology would be nothing without delicate quality.
Exquisitely Sculpted
A striking example of the incredible attention to detail is the rear spoiler on the new RX hybrid invested by Lexus when creating a new car. Developed primarily to lower the car’s drag coefficient, it was also sculpted with great skill and finesse. Closer examination reveals a rear wiper concealed under the spoiler, and a high-mounted brake light built into it, while an integrated radio antenna does away with the need for a conventional aerial.
The New RX Hybrid
The all-new RX hybrid takes another important step forward towards minimising environmental impact and maximising driving pleasure. This is made possible by second-generation Lexus Hybrid drive, which intelligently combines a breakthrough V6 petrol engine, with two high-output electric motors and an advanced compact battery. Working together, these power sources provide a maximum combined output of 299bhp (220kW). When accelerating firmly, the driver experiences astonishingly smooth linear power, with none of the jumps or delays of a conventional transmission, achieving 0-100km/h in just 7.8 seconds.
Quite remarkably, although the RX hybrid can match the power and acceleration of V8-powered engines, the vehicle’s innovative hybrid drivetrain delivers extremely low emissions of just 148g/km of CO2. These are similar to those of a four-cylinder family hatchback.
Extraordinary Low Emissions
The breakthrough RX hybrid is fitted with a sophisticated “Full-Hybrid” system that delivers breathtaking power and extraordinary low emissions. Uniquely, compared to other hybrid systems, this second-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive offers true “zero emissions” capability – made possible by powerful front and rear electric motors. The RX hybrid both saves and generates energy. At heart of the car is a super-efficient V6 “Atkinson Cycle” petrol engine.
Aerodynamic Innovation
The new RX hybrid delivers class-leading, smooth innovation- and for good reason; smoother bodywork reduces wind resistance, which in turn reduces fuel consumption and harmful emissions. At high speeds, or in strong sidewinds, advanced streamlining also ensures quietness and stability.
Confident Drive
The new RX hybrid engages like a Lexus sports saloon, it demonstrates unshakable composure over more rugged terrain. It also cruises smoothly, with the refined, assured comfort that befits a Lexus, while around corners the RX hybrid delivers a stable, controlled ride - with none of the rolling and pitching often associated with traditional SUVs.
Dynamic Response
A key contributor to the uniquely smooth RX hybrid driving experience is the new Electric Power Steering (EPS) that is extremely progressive, highly responsive and extraordinary precise. To improve handling and high-speed stability, EPS automatically adjusts steering feel in accordance with vehicle speed. For a safe and rewarding drive, state-of-the art Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is fitted as standard to the new RX hybrid. This Lexus innovation enables all of the car’s stability and control systems to work together, ensuring a level of intervention that’s much smoother and more refined than if these systems acted independently of one another.
Intriguing Approach
A fascinating form of courteous anticipation begins at the moment when the driver approaches the new RX hybrid. The electronic key will recognise its owner in the dark and activate a “puddle light” fitted under the door, guiding them towards the car. To make life easy, comfortable and relaxing, Lexus applies advanced technology such as, to aid the driver manoeuvring in tight spaces, tiny cameras- located under the passenger-side door mirror and in the rear tailgate- will monitor hard-to-view areas and display them on the high resolution colour display screen.
Crossover Sophistication
Everything in the RX hybrid cabin communicates a message of sophisticated luxury and quality. Such as, the leather covered steering wheel. It is meticulously machine stitched, then finished by a time-served craftsperson. Sumptuous leather seating is also standard, with the highest quality semi-aniline leather available in the optional Premium Package. Extended buffing, and pressing guarantees the smoothest, most even leather possible, while ergonomically designed seats not only provide comfort and support, but are shaped to accommodate a wide range of physiques. Innovative styling and attention to detail are ever-present in the new RX hybrid: wood trim is hand-finished, windows open and close with the slow-fast-slow motion of a traditional Japanese Fusuma sliding door, and instruments dim gracefully.
Visionary Design
Drivers will sense how the RX hybrid enhances both relaxation and concentration, due to its advanced new “dual-zone cockpit”, created using futuristic ergonomic methodology to reduce the information overloaded often experienced by drivers.
Intuitive Touch
Remote Touch transfigures the way drivers interact with the new RX hybrid. Incredibly easy to use, and conventionally positioned on the centre console, Remote Touch is as natural to the driver’s hand as a computer mouse. Ergonomically optimised to reduce eye movement and unnecessary cockpit distraction, Remote Touch allows drivers and front seat passengers to control many advanced features including entertainment, climate and navigation systems.
Advanced Climate Control
The new RX hybrid air conditioning system is fitted as standard, distributes air quietly and evenly throughout the cabin without unwelcome drafts. The climate system can be powered exclusively by the hybrid battery without the engine running. The exact cabin temperatures are maintained by a variety of sensors in the interior, which monitor sunlight, temperature and humidity. Even if sunshine warms the upper body of driver or passengers, upper and lower temperatures will automatically be controlled to compensate.
Digital Entertainment
The new RX hybrid can be ordered with a 9, 12 or 15-speaker stereo system. Also, all models have an auxiliary input and USB port which enables the use of iPods or other media players. Top of the range is the 15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround system, which offers exceptional fidelity and clarity.
Effortless Versatility
The interior of the RX hybrid is highly luxurious, but also very practical. The interior design involves every centimetre of space been carefully planned to fulfil a purpose.
Seats can fold down independently or together to offer a wide variety of luggage storage options.
The rear seats can also be slid backwards or forwards to increase either boot space or rear legroom.
The luggage compartment features a luggage cover divided into two sections between the tailgate and vehicle interior.
World –Class Safety
The new RX hybrid is safe car in which to travel. The vehicle comprises advanced features such as the Head-Up Display let drivers keep their eyes on the road ahead, while Remote Touch offers seamless car-driver interaction. An Intelligent-Adaptive Front-lighting System (I-AFS) helps you to see round corners without blinding oncoming traffic at night, while a VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) offers comprehensive driver support.
There are ten airbags placed strategically around the front, side, rear and top of the RX hybrid to minimise the risk of injury during an accident.