Friday, April 13, 2012

Lexus RX and RX Hybrid Phase II

Back in the beginning of the year 2009, Lexus launched the new RX crossover as a initiation to stop re-badging of Lexus models in Japan as Toyotas was because Toyota was starting to introduce the Lexus brand in Japan. They did offer first the the standard RX 350 (GGL10/GGL15) and hybrid RX 450h (GYL10/GYL15). A year later, an entry level RX 270 (AGL10) came out. Everything seems to be fine for the Lexus RX until now....


2013 Lexus RX 450h



2013 Lexus RX 270


Since the introduction of the new Lexus signature face known as the SPINDLE GRILLE last seen on the 2013 Lexus GS, the latest version of the Lexus RX now has this SPINDLE GRILLE for the 2013 Model Year, keeping it fresh after three years of existence. With this new Spindle Grille, this new Lexus RX minor change is definitely much better to look at because this is...just right. If you park this next to the Audi Q3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLK or the BMW X1, expect the unexpected because that SPINDLE GRILLE on the 2013 Lexus RX stand out the rest of them!


2013 Lexus RX 450h interior



2013 Lexus RX 450h interior


In the midst of the refined exterior, the interior has been subtlety refined as well but with a bit upside downs on it. The cassette player from the pre-facelifted RX is gone, the steering wheel is now more of a New GS, and for the first time ever, something that hadn't been done in the first place; REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM! Get it? Rear Seat Entertainment System! There are two monitors mounted behind the front seats so the passengers can enjoy watching movies or TV. When you turned on the navigation system, you would notice that it's the same thing you'd expect from the NEW GS. Happily however, the 2013 Lexus RX still offer the MARK LEVINSON Premium Surround Sound System with 15 speakers for the best sound experience.

Under the hood, the RX350 comes with the titular 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE) engine that produces 280PS of power and 348Nm of torque. Fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 Mode Cycle is 9.1km/L, so it's not what you call it economical. On the entry-level RX270, it comes with the 1AR-FE engine that produces 188PS of power and 252Nm of torque. Fuel economy is 10km/L. They do come with a 6-speed Super ECT.

Now, onto the RX450h, the LEXUS HYBRID DRIVE provides cleaner emissions and low fuel consumption as you go. The combination of the 2GR-FXE engine and the 4JM electric motor will guarantee about almost 300PS of power output. Fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 mode cycle is 17.4km/L but because this is a hybrid, it is well suited to Japan's improved "eco-car genzei" system. For zero emissions, a driver can switch the RX450h to EV mode and letting the batteries do the talking on the road but now, the RX450h comes with the Drive Mode Selector that can switch from three different modes; SPORT, NORMAL, or ECO, depending on road conditions.


2013 Lexus RX 450h F-Sport


For the first time, F-Sport is now offered on the 2013 Lexus RX. The RX350 F-Sport features a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, F Sport-tuned suspension, unique sport front bumper and mesh grille, 19-inch split five-spoke wheels in a Dark Graphite finish, and exclusive interior enhancements. Expect CVT on the RX450h F-Sport as you know it. Anyway, the tuned suspension provides firmer shocks and springs for a more engaging driving experience.

Available colors, depending on the variant, are White Pearl Crystal Shine, Quartz White Crystal Shine, Mercury Gray Mica, Platinum Silver Metallic, Black, Starlight Black Glass Flake, Garnet Red Mica, Sleek Ecru Metallic, Fire Agate Mica Metallic, and Lapis Lazuli Mica.

My comment:
So, the 2013 Lexus RX is now more better looking than the previous model and overall, this now has the F-Sport variant. On the inside, what an improvement because of the new navigation system, GS-like steering wheel, and REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM. That's good but it's not as good as the Europeans. I'd expect that these would come to the Philippines soon but not the RX270 because that doesn't cover from the JPEPA policy.



Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

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