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| By Riyad Jaffer Former South African motor racer, Attorney & car enthusiast |
Premium appointments, exquisite craftsmanship and an expansive cabin are still the hallmarks of the new Lexus RX range, but the latest iteration of this pioneering luxury SUV, adds striking aesthetic upgrades as well as a whole host of connectivity and safety technology mods to its long list of virtues. Lexus has also substantially revised the chassis set-up of the new RX with notable engineering updates (some grade-dependent) in order to quell vibrations, deliver smoother, more level ride control, and reduce bodyroll.
Providing a decidedly sporty cherry on top of a very talented range is the all-new F Sport model in RX 350 guise (our test car). Now in its fourth generation, all models come standard with 20-inch alloy wheels and electrically operated sunroof. Featuring more aggressive exterior styling comprising an F Sport-exclusive front fascia, mesh grille insert, front-fender and rear valance, this athletic RX also sports polished black outside mirrors paired with brazen 20-inch split 10-spoke alloy wheels in a dark granite finish. A new 12.3-inch central display featuring touchscreen functionality has now been vastly improved. To accommodate this new feature, the screen has been moved further forward on the centre console, giving a wider viewing angle, and placing it within easy reach of the driver and front passenger. The multimedia functions can of course also be operated using a new trackpad version of Lexus’s Remote Touch Interface, or with voice control, replacing the old button-activated system. The new RX also provides seamless smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. Voice control can also be enabled via Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant if using an Android device. This is complemented by an additional four USB ports.MyLexus (identical features to MyToyota) gives access to connected services via a dedicated app, while the RX is equipped as standard with an on-board WiFi hotspot with an initial complimentary 15GB data plan (with the option to purchase additional data at any time). The third-row seats of the RX L now feature two different seating positions, they add even more leg space (+94mm) when the situation demands. Second row seats are now also electrically adjustable even for passenger access. The F Sport interior is available in two colour trims, Black and Flare Red. When it comes to standard comfort, convenience and tech features, it’s a veritable feast in the new Lexus RX ranging from steering-wheel mounted paddle shifts, an ambient lighting package and wireless charger to a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system (F Sport & Hybrid) and Head-Up Display (Hybrid). The bold F Sport perspective is obvious throughout the driver-centric interior too. In addition to exclusive race-inspired instrumentation and bold aluminium accents, you will find performance upgrades, including bolstered sport seats, a black headliner, a perforated leather–trimmed sport steering wheel and shift knob, plus aluminium pedals and more. Signature race-inspired F Sport bolstered seats provide the ideal posture, control, and visibility for enhanced driving performance. Featuring a unique foam-injected construction and designed to contour to the needs of the driver, their low position helps place the driver’s hip point as close as possible to the car’s centre of gravity, for a more dynamic driving experience. The LFA-inspired digital gauge cluster provides real-time information such as G-force metrics and power distribution.
The F Sport kit is however more than just skin-deep; in addition to inheriting the new Lexus Safety System+, which it now shares with the flagship Hybrid model, it also boasts the same Adaptive Variable Suspension found in the high-performance Lexus LC that allows you to customise the shock absorber settings for improved ride comfort or reduced body lean as you enter and exit turns. And to help provide the highest level of responsiveness, the F Sport offers exclusive drive modes: Sport S+ mode enhances steering and adjusts the Adaptive Variable Suspension, while Custom mode allows you to personalise everything from road feel to responsiveness.
The RX350 F-Sport is equipped with the tried and tested Lexus 3.5-litre V6 engine combined with a quick-shifting eight-speed transmission delivering 221 kW and 370Nm @ 4600 rpm. A great sounding engine I must admit sadly at 14.0l/100km you would be visiting the petrol station often.
On the safety front apart from a full suite of passive and active safety systems ranging from 10 airbags to the latest VSC system with Active Cornering Assist, all RX models now feature a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. But the big news is that the Lexus Safety System+ (pre-collision safety system and autonomous emergency braking) is now standard in the F Sport models. The latest version gains night-time pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection with commensurate emergency functionality. Additionally its all-speed active cruise control is now linked with new lane-trace assist.
The RX 350 F Sport model retails for R1 177 900. The entire RX range boasts a Lexus best-in-class 7-year/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. (The warranty on the hybrid battery is 8 years/195 000km.) The vehicle service intervals are at every 15 000km, alternatively once a year.
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