Lexus RX

The new RX 500h is also Lexus’s first turbocharged hybrid, developed to provide high-end electrified performance, and that’s what really makes it a game-changer.

Using a completely new hybrid architecture comprising a 2.4-litre turbo engine and six-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 366bhp. The front electric motor is positioned between the combustion engine and transmission (which has a clutch on both sides), enabling great flexibility in power delivery.

There is also an 80kW e-Axle, a compact, modular package housing a motor, gearing and an ECU, located between the rear wheels. Its compact dimensions help secure more space in the cabin and load compartment.

Power delivery is controlled by DIRECT4, an exclusive new Lexus drive-force technology which recently debuted on the RZ 450e. This intelligent system constantly balances the power and torque between the front and rear axles in any driving situation, automatically and seamlessly shifting the drive force between the two axles in milliseconds – more precisely than any mechanical system could.

DIRECT4 communicates a better feel between the road and steering wheel and delivers improved handling stability and driving dynamics at high speed. Importantly for the RX

500h, it also enhances ride comfort with instant torque that helps control body movement.

In line with the model’s high performance, the front brakes have opposed callipers. Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) determines the optimum steering angle for the rear wheels.

• 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid electric powertrain • Output: 302bhp/306 DIN hp/225kW • 0-62mph: 7.0s • CO2: 24-26g/km • Fuel consumption: 235.4-256.8mpg

Lexus drew on its electrification expertise to produce the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, which it believes will be a logical step-up for many of its current RX 450h customers.

Expected to be the best-selling RX model in the UK, it features a four-cylinder 2.5-litre hybrid engine and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with 18.1 kWh capacity. An additional rear electric motor enables full-time all-wheel drive.

The plug-in system produces 302bhp and is expected to deliver 0-62mph acceleration in around seven seconds.

Overall, it offers roughly the same output as the outgoing RX 450h, but with more torque and faster acceleration. With more of the power coming from the electric motors, driving feels effortless yet refined. It will also give significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Lexus’s target CO2 emissions (WLTP combined cycle) are than 26g/km with fuel economy of less than 235.4mpg.

The battery’s size and capacity and Lexus’s electrification know-how combine to deliver an EV driving range of around 40 miles (target

figure, pending homologation) and enable all-electric driving at speeds up to 84mph. Crucially, high efficiency is maintained when the battery charge is depleted, as the vehicle then switches seamlessly to its self-charging hybrid system.

• 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid electric powertrain • Output: 242bhp/245 DIN hp/180kW • 0-62mph: 8.0s • CO2: 143-150g/km • Fuel consumption: 41.1-42.2mpg • Performance data provisional/tentative pending homologation

The new RX 350h is characterised by the improved smoothness and efficiency of its fourth generation self-charging hybrid electric system.

This 2.5-litre petrol drivetrain provides 242b hp and 0-62mph acceleration in 8.0 seconds, performance comparable with the current RX 450h, while at the same time producing lower emissions. It will be a strong alternative to competitors with small-displacement engines and ideal for customers who prioritise comfort and efficiency.

Lavish details and flourishes are not necessarily the best way to express luxury. A “less is more” approach with design simplicity can be a much more effective way to communicate high quality, as witnessed in the interior of the Lexus RX.

This cool, contemporary approach is evident from the moment you open the door: surfaces are clean and uncluttered, helping create a sense of space and refinement.

What you experience is the result of an evolution of Lexus interior design, as Project Chief Designer Jota Kusakari explains: “We challenged ourselves to create a simple yet thoughtful space that didn’t rely on ornamentation.”

This approach in no way lessens the appeal of Lexus’ famous takumi hand-crafted luxury: “We focused on giving the trim, seats and armrests a tactile feel worthy of a high-quality interior, even paying attention to the door opening and closing feel, and the audio quality, to realise a quality that inspires the senses,” says Kusakari.

The new design simplicity can be seen in the way the dashboard sweeps in a clean, continuous form, taking in the meter hood, instrument panel and the door trims. The car’s new e-latch electronic door release system positions the handles lower down, allowing the upper section of the door panels to be shaped as a natural extension of the instrument panel.

The theme of simplicity perfectly complements Lexus’ tazuna concept for the driver’s cockpit, which rationalises the location and ease of use of the controls and information sources, so that attention is focused on the job of driving.

“Embodying the tazuna concept, the cockpit design realises a space that allows the driver to have a deeper, more intuitive connection with the car, enabling them to control it as intended.,” says Kusakari. This rationale is witnessed in details such as co-ordinated arrangement of the information sources – centre console display, meters and head-up display – so their contents can be viewed with just small adjustment of the driver’s eyeline.

The sensory quality reinforces the impact of the design in everything the car’s occupants can see, touch and hear. This takes in everything from the new multimedia system with intuitive touch screen and physical button controls, to the pleasing appearance and tactile appeal of new trims and upholsteries, the ambient lighting with a full spectrum of colour options and the reassuring sound made by the doors as they close.

The cabin’s relaxing, reassuring design is even reflected in way you can communicate directly with the car. The new “Hey Lexus” on-board assistant responds to requests and commands using natural speech. Tell it that you’re hungry and it will recommend nearby places to eat; mention that you’re cold and it will adjust the air conditioning.

The interior design is perfectly appropriate for an SUV, delivering the necessary practicality, convenience and flexibility. Thanks to clever packaging and design, there’s more knee room for rear seat passengers and a better view both to the side and ahead, helped by the car’s lower belt line and the wider forward field of vision. Access has been made easier with a lower hip-point and adjustment of the easy access power adjustment.

For family trips, the load compartment is the same as the current RX for capacity, despite the new model having a shorter rear overhang; it’s thanks to clever design such as a thinner back door and a lower load height.