Lexus reveals the all-new RX crossover

Another day, another crossover gets launched. The latest entrant to join the herd comes from Japanese carmaker Lexus and is called the RX. This urban crossover gets introduced in an all-new fifth generation iteration and gets an all-new platform, all-new styling and all-new powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid for the first time in Lexus’ best-selling model history.

Lexus claims the new design has given the RX a “coupe-like” look and that sloping roofline with pinched C-pillar certainly substantiates that. Add the 21-inch alloys, Lexus’ signature spindle grille, sharply cut bumpers and slim LED headlights just add to the new RX’s style quotient. And rounding off the flashy looks is a light bar at the rear, stretching the width of the car.

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Inside, the RX’s cabin is a similar overhauled affair like the exterior. A new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system now dominates the dashboard with fewer buttons on the centre console. The cabin on the new RX features a new more minimalistic design and comes equipped with an improved “Hey Lexus” voice control function. Heated and ventilated seats will be offered as standard along with wireless smartphone charging and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity.

The new Lexus RX sits on parent company Toyota’s new GA-K platform. That transforms the LX by an increased wheelbase of 60mm, a wider track and a weight saving of 90 kilos.

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With downsizing and electrification being the trend among all new car launches, the new RX is just another participant. It dumps the 3.5-litre V6 engine from the previous model to get powered by a host of different electrified powertrains. For instance, the most basic iteration RX 350h gets powered by a 2.5-litre strong hybrid putting out 241bhp and 324Nm torques whereas the range-topping RX 500h plug-in hybrid comes with a 371hp 2.4-litre turbo-petrol engine and a pair of electric motors giving it full-time four-wheel drive.