At the motor show in New York in early April 2015, the world previews of the 4th generation premium crossover Lexus RX took place, which is the most common model of the brand in its entire history. Sales of new items in the main world markets should begin at the end of this year, but it will probably reach Russia only in 2016.
Compared to its predecessor, the new Lexus RX 350 has radically changed its image, and its design is made in a similar vein to the "junior" crossover NX. The first thing that catches your eye when examining the car is a huge spindle-shaped radiator grille, which is framed by complex headlights with LED filling and integrated "ticks" of the running lights.
This is followed by the swift side outlines of the body with angular wheel arches, in which even 19-inch wheels (optionally 20-inch) look somewhat modest, as well as a spectacular line of side glazing, rapidly falling to the rear and turning into dark pillars - a feeling floating roof.
But the back end was the least affected by the inspiration of Japanese designers - LED lights with L-shaped graphics, the characteristic shape of the trunk lid and a bumper made of sharp edges, with a small diffuser and two complex exhaust pipes.
As before, the "350" Lexus RX is available in the F SPORT version, which extols some of the crossover's exterior features. First of all, this concerns the front end, which has a different design with an enlarged radiator grille and a bumper "saturated" with aerodynamic elements. But the sidewalls and stern at the same time practically do not change - only 20-inch rims are noticeable.
Compared to its predecessor, the "fourth" Lexus RX added in size on all fronts: its length is 4890 mm, height - 1690 mm, width - 1895 mm (this means that the crossover has become 120 mm longer, 10 mm higher and 10 mm wider). The wheelbase is 2790 mm (plus 50 mm), and it rises 180 mm above the roadway (clearance).
The interior of the fourth generation Lexus RX in its architecture, design, saturation with modern technologies and quality of performance fully corresponds to the canons of the premium segment. Behind the multifunction steering wheel is a stylish instrument panel, presented in the basic versions with two dials and a color screen between them, and in the F SPORT version - a sports combination with a large virtual display area.
The central console is made in a modern style, and the leading role on it is assigned to a huge display of the multimedia complex with a diagonal of 12.3 inches, which is controlled by means of a "mouse" with a touchpad. One of the stylish elements of the interior is an analog clock between the ventilation deflectors, which fit well into its concept, below which are the “music” and “climate” control panels.
The interior of the "fourth" Lexus RX is finished with premium finishing materials - pleasant and soft plastics, genuine leather of various shades, real aluminum. The build quality is at the highest level, all elements are carefully matched to each other, the gaps between them are minimized.
For the driver and navigator, the Japanese "rogue" offers front seats with a good profile, sufficient lateral support rollers and a decent range of settings. The back sofa will easily accept three people, but two will feel especially comfortable. Standard amenities include individual air vents and an adjustable backrest, and as an option, heated outer seats and two 11.6-inch displays of the infotainment complex, mounted in the head restraints of the front seats, are available.
The luggage compartment of the fourth Lexus RX 350, in comparison with its predecessor, has slightly increased in volume - up to 553 liters. The back of the rear sofa is folded with the help of an electric drive in a ratio of 60:40, but, alas, a completely flat area for luggage does not work, and the capacity of the trunk at the same time increases to 1626 liters.
Specifications. The 4th generation Lexus RX 350 is equipped with a petrol "six" with a V-shaped arrangement of cylinders and direct fuel supply to the combustion chamber, which generates 300 horsepower (torque figures are still unknown). A bundle with it is an 8-band "automatic" and a plug-in all-wheel drive with a multi-plate clutch (by default, the crossover is front-wheel drive, the rear axle is activated when slipping). The manufacturer has not yet announced the dynamics, speed and fuel efficiency indications.
The 4th generation Lexus RX crossover is built on the platform of its predecessor and has the following suspension arrangement: MacPherson struts in front, double wishbones in the rear. Optionally, the car is equipped with an adaptive chassis Adaptive Variable Suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, which is able to adapt to driving conditions and suppress roll when cornering. The braking system is equipped with ventilated discs on all wheels, and the steering gear is equipped with progressive electric power assistance.
The optional F SPORT package (in addition to the exterior styling elements and minor differences in the interior) assumes an aggressive engine and transmission mode called Sport S +, giving the crossover "sharp habits".
Options and prices. In the Russian market, the 2017 Lexus RX 350 is sold in Executive, Premium, Luxury (with the F SPORT pact) and Exclusive trim levels.
The "simplest" version of this premium crossover is offered at a price of 3,495,000 rubles. For them you get: ten airbags, LED optics "in a circle", heated front seats, keyless entry into the cabin and start the engine with a button, an air conditioner with two coverage zones, an 8-inch "TV" of the multimedia system, as well as ABS with EBD and ESP ... and much more.
You cannot buy the maximum "fancy" copy for less than 4,276,000 rubles. Its privileges are: electrically adjustable front seats, premium Mark Levinson “music” with 15 speakers, panoramic roof, power rear sofa, four all-round cameras, adaptive adjustable suspension and blind spot tracking and parking assistance systems ...
