Following the success of the GS model launched earlier, Lexus adds the genre favourite RX... and introduces a green GS.
Photos: Low Fai Ming
Lexus is on a roll here - following the success of the GS, it now has the GS Hybrid and new RX range to spoil local buyers even more.
When Lexus launched the first RX in 1998, the model created the Luxury Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment in the automotive industry. The RX offered the proposition of the first ever car that combines all the flexibility, practicality and durability of a SUV with the handling, performance, refinement and ride of a luxury sedan.
Lexus’ foothold within this vehicle segment was further strengthened with the launch of the World’s first Luxury Hybrid SUV — the Lexus RX Hybrid — in 2005.
The new Lexus RX model range will continue the brand’s progressive outlook as the pioneering luxury SUV manufacturer, raising the benchmarks within the segment, providing owners with the perfect combination of luxurious comfort, space and driving performance.
The new RX face-lift incorporates the brand’s signature spindle grille and Lexus’ unique L-finesse design philosophy — both of which were introduced in the new Lexus GS model range launched earlier this year. The result is a bolder and more exquisite frontal design for the new RX, translating into a powerful and imposing road presence.
The new RX face-lift will be incorporated throughout the entire RX range, consisting of the 187 bhp RX 270, 277 bhp RX 350 and 299 bhp RX Hybrid. The new RX sees the debut of the most dynamic and sporting variant in the RX model range, the RX F Sport, catering to customers seeking a sportier and more evocative drive. For environmentally cautious drivers, the RX Hybrid will be equipped with the World’s most advanced Hybrid Drive System that enables the RX Hybrid to deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, while improving driving performance.
The all new Lexus GS Hybrid is the most efficient and environmentally friendly variant of the GS family. The GS Hybrid will be available in a choice of Luxury or F Sport options, bringing the total number of variants in the GS family to eight. This extension to the GS model range will help to cater to a wider range of preferences and options within the mid-luxury segment, providing an automobile that delivers an evocative performance yet remaining friendly towards the environment.
The brand currently offers the largest range of class-leading Hybrid vehicles in its model line-up. To further the brand’s market and technological leadership within the segment, the Lexus GS Hybrid comes equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system — an advanced petrol-electric hybrid drive-train, enhanced and improved from the brand’s industry leading first generation system. Lexus first launched its award-winning first generation Hybrid Drive system in 2002 making it the first premium automobile manufacturer to offer a Full Hybrid vehicle.
With the new second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system, the new GS Hybrid promises to deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while providing an exhilarating driving performance. The new Hybrid Drive system also provides the car with significant improvements in every area, especially in space, efficiency, ride comfort and driving dynamics.
With a total system power output of 345 bhp, the GS Hybrid will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 250 km/h. Conversely, fuel consumption has been reduced by over 23% to 6.2l/100 km, and CO2 emissions have fallen to 145 g/km, one of the lowest in its class.
The RX 270 is priced between $244,000 to $262,000, RX 350 between $273,000 to $284,000 and RX Hybrid between $295,000 to $314,000. For the GS Hybrid, price is between $301,000 to $311,000. All prices include COE.