Swift. Not the Suzuki supermini, but more of describing how active Lexus Malaysia in bringing the updated Lexus RX series to Malaysian market, merely two month after its global debut in Geneva Motorshow. Not only that, Lexus is also offering a full house of RX variant, from the entry level RX270 all the way to the environmentalist RX450h.
The updated Lexus RX featured the spindle-themed front grille, consistent with the rest of its contemporary siblings. The popular Lexus SUV also received a new headlight inner graphic including the LED DRL that run along the bottom edge of the headlight, a totally re-profiled bumper and a new rear combi internals. Elsewhere inside the cabin, Lexus has also updated the steering wheel design, centre console box, second-generation Remote Touch Controller and 8" Electro Multi Vision Screen featuring GPS navigation. Both RX350 and RX350 F Sport gets a deeper front bumper, while the entry-level RX270 gets a more simpler arrangement with split-level lower intake.
Lexus Malaysia also brings in the F Sport version, offered on the RX350 version. This RM409,800 version is equipped with meshed upper grille, darkened 19" alloy wheel, F Sport suspension and some external badging. On the inside, the sporting intention is signalled by the alloy pedals, aluminium trim, F Sport perforated seats upholstery and the paddle shifter made an appearance.
Mechanically, all version of of Lexus RX is as per before. To recap, Lexus RX270 is powered by 1AR-FE 2,672cc in-line 4 lump with Dual VVTi valvetrain kicking 185bhp@5,800rpm and 252Nm@4,200rpm. Lexus RX270 is a front-driver only, channelled via a 6 speed automatic gearbox. It has 200 km/h of top speed, whereby the century sprint is achieved in leisurely 11s. Next up in the range is RX350 powered by 2GR-FE V6 engine with 3,456cc of displacement. This powertrain unit produced 274bhp@6,200rpm and 346Nm@4,700rpm where the drive is channelled via also the 6 speeder self-shifter, but directed toward the all four wheels. This version is a lot faster to 100km/h, achieved in 8s. Top speed is however similar to the lower powered version. Similar powertrain is powering the F Sport version. The top-line RX450h is powered by 2GR-FXE 3.5L V6 running on Atkinson cycle kicking out a reduced 245bhp@6,000rpm and 317Nm@4,800rpm. However, the gasoline engine is augmented by the 123kW electric motor at the front and 50kW motor at the rear axle, producing a total 295bhp on hybrid propulsion power. This green version topped 200km/h while century sprint is fastest among all variant at 7.8s.
In Malaysia, Lexus RX is the most popular Lexus model besides the tax-buster Lexus CT200h. The lack of equivalent Toyota version probably helps as there are no more alternative to rebadged a used Toyota Harrier running on new registration plate with the Lexus emblem. Lexus RX270 goes for RM359,800, RX350 for RM399,800, RX350 F Sport RM409,800 and RX450h at RM525,000.
Lexus RX350
Lexus RX350 F Sport
Photo source: Paultan
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