On the move in any of the three new RX models (2-litre turbo 200t, 3.5-litre petrol-electric V6 hybrid 450h and, briefly, 3.5-litre petrol V6 350), the quietness is obvious.
There’s negligible tyre patter from the fender areas, and no wind noise is noticeable from the windows when travelling on the freeways at speeds of between 55mph (88km/h) and 65mph (104km/h).
Those windows (front ones are double-glazed) even stay silent while lowered or raised.
Visibility from the driver’s seat is fantastic, helped by the enlarged window panes at the base of the A-pillars, comfortably high sitting position and a variety of cameras/monitors as extra “eyes”. And the windscreen wipers are parked fully out of sight now.
In performance terms, the RX200t is a lot less urgent than the NX200t with the same turbocharged 2-litre engine, because the RX weighs over 200kg more. But in the RX, the engine is insulated “further” from the cabin and the 6-speed automatic transmission shifts more slickly.
The new RX450h offers a much tighter drive than the old one. Yet the new model is able to travel 3km to 4km further on every litre of petrol in mixed city-highway driving. It also goes into EV (electric vehicle) mode at every opportunity when in Normal mode.
The acceleration of the hybrid Lexus is significantly stronger than before, accompanied by smoother powertrain transitions between the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, electric motors and battery pack.
At the same time, the car reacts more positively to the driver’s inputs made through the steering wheel, throttle pedal and paddle-shifters (which “shift” a CVT). The regenerative braking’s pedal feel is more natural now (or less unnatural, perhaps), and the same goes for coming to a stop.
When taking a corner, the RX resists lateral body movements with surprising success for an SUV of its disposition and weight (1965kg-2105kg). The bad news is, it makes the old RX feel even more boat-like when tackling road bends.
Credit for the good handling goes to the vehicle’s active stabilisers, called Roll Skyhook Control by Lexus. It works well.
Working well, too, is the optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which adjusts the damping force automatically to keep the ride unruffled – be it on perfect tarmac or broken American bitumen.
Even without AVS, the all-wheel-drive suspension is pliant and well-balanced, but backseat occupants with sensitive backsides might find the ride quality rather busy, especially with the stiffer F Sport spec.
Lexus’ latest RX range has just made its Singapore debut, initially with the RX200t and RX350, followed by the RX450h early next year.
Lexus RX450h 3.5 (A)
ENGINE 3456cc, 24-valves, V6, hybrid
MAX POWER 263bhp at 6000rpm (total system output 313bhp)
MAX TORQUE 335Nm at 4600rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 148.7bhp per tonne
GEARBOX CVT with 6-speed override
0-100KM/H 7.7 seconds
TOP SPEED 200km/h
CONSUMPTION 17.5km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 131g/km
PRICE INCL. COE To be announced
Lexus RX200t 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1998cc
Bore x stroke 86mm x 86mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max power 238bhp at 4800-5600rpm
Max torque 350Nm at 1650-4000rpm
Power to weight 121.1bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 9.5 seconds
Top speed 200km/h
Consumption 11.9km/L (combined)
CO2 Emission 195g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050
Size 235/65 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 10
Traction aids ABS, VSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4890mm
Width 1895mm
Height 1690mm
Wheelbase 2790mm
Kerb Weight 1965kg
Turning Circle 11.6m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $275,000 (after $5k CEVS surcharge)
Warranty ?3 years/100,000km
+ Comfortable cruising, thoughtful practicality, high quality, sharp styling
– Less nimble than NX, adaptive suspension with active stabilisers isn’t standard
