Facelifted Lexus RX launched in Malaysia

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.

Small gallery of the facelifted Lexus RX Series can be found after the jump.

2013 Lexus RX gains spindle grille & F Sport version

Lexus will updated the its luxury SUV, depicted by the leak brochure here whereby the RX range with the new corporate spindle grille, as well as adding an F Sport version for a sportier ride, handling-wise as well as aesthetic-wise. At the front, the facelifted RX features a spindle grille outline - consistent with the rest of newer Lexus range, an LED DRL in the headlamps and also sporting a new design front bumper.

The changes at the back are more subtle, with the rear bumper retained its service for the second half of the RX life cycle. Meanwhile, the rear light graphic has been updated with more red elements in the lens.It can be seen in the leaked scanned brochure below.

Lexus will also update the interior of the RX, which is one of the first Lexus model to break free from the Toyota corporate parts bin with its distinctive Instrument Panel layout and design. Apart from the new color scheme for the cabin, Lexus also will be offering for the first time a rear seat entertainment systems. 

Not unlike the recently introduced GS model, the RX model also will be offered with the F Sport version. In the same mould as the BMW's M Sport in-house tuning, the F Sport will be offered with a host of chassis and styling tweaks to enhance its sport appeal. This option is offered on RX350 and RX450h, where the entry-level RX270 is left out for the moment. Buying an F Sport trim will give buyers a honeycomb mesh inserts in the front bumper, tinted lighting, all around skirting, larger alloys and an interior enhancement including sports seat, steering wheel and alloy pedal. The interior color also is very likely to be a sport-tuned dark environment for some serious dose of adrenalin.

The official debut of the facelifted RX is expected to happen soon. One more photo after the jump.