Lexus RX Series: RX 350 & RX 450h

Motoring Channel Staff - 21/November/2008

Los Angeles, America — Showing off an interesting new look and a range of new features, luxury car technology leader Lexus took the wraps off the next generation RX 350 and RX 450h.

Shown for the first time, the two models were exhibited at the 2008 Los Angeles and represent a number advancements for the mid-sized Lexus SUV range.

Apart from the new look, the third generation Lexus RX series benefit from upgraded interiors with more high tech features including:

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
 Remote Touch controller
Voice Recognition systems
NavWeather
Heads-Up Display projection

The voice recognition system is one of the more advanced features of the vehicle, allowing everything from the satellite navigation to the heating to be controlled purely via voice.

If voice control doesn't work for you however, the new Lexus RX 450h and RX 350 systems can be navigated by the "Remote Touch" controller, that is being likened to touch-based computer mouse.

Even the level of haptic feedback, or touch sensitivity, can be fine tuned making the cars systems easy to use. 

Expect BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz to look very closely at this new Touch Control technology for potential cloning purposes, though it could be said that Lexus copied BMW's heads-up display.

Under the skin, the two new Lexus RX models make use of 6-speed automatic transmissions and 3.5-litre 6-cylinder petrol engines.

The Lexus RX 350's engine outputs 205kW (275hp), a slight improvement over the previous model, and when it goes on sale in 2009 can be ordered in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations.

The Lexus RX 450h is propelled by the same 3.5-litre V6 but is augmented by an electric motor. 

This hybrid model outputs a combined 220kW (295hp) but uses less fuel than the non-hybrid RX 350 model. 

Built in Japan, the new luxury SUVs can be optioned with LED headlights with automatic high-beam switching, 19-inch wheels, radar cruise control and a new side-view monitor. 

The side-view monitor system works by using a camera mounted in the passenger-side view mirror, allowing the driver to check for obstacles.

Like all Lexus models, a high end Mark Levinson surround sound audio system is available, as is a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

Safety has always been a key issue for Lexus and the new RX series come with 10 airbags as standard plus active headrests.

Driving aids include things like vehicle stability control, hill assist control, and an adaptive front light system.

Optionally available is the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which according to Lexus "relies on millimeter-wave radar technology to recognize a possible frontal collision and primes the brake assist and retracts the driver's and front passenger's seat-belt in anticipation of the crash". 

Lexus will begin selling the all-new 2010 model RX 350 in North America from February 2009, followed by the RX 450h.

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