The Lexus RX Thread

Lexus RX (2023) Price & Specs

The new Lexus RX has arrived in South Africa, complete with new engine options. Here’s a look at the local range, including pricing…

On the hunt for a left-field luxury SUV alternative to the likes of the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE? Well, the new Lexus RX has made landfall in South Africa, with the local line-up comprising 4 derivatives at launch.

Revealed in mid-2022 in Japan, the 5th-generation RX rides on the Toyota-backed luxury brand’s latest GA-K platform, bringing both weight savings and added rigidity. While it’s the same length (4 890 mm) as its predecessor, the new version is 25 mm wider than before at 1 920 mm. It furthermore gains an extra 60 mm between its axles, taking the wheelbase to 2 850 mm.

So, to the local range. The fresh-faced line-up kicks off with the RX 350, which starts at R1 424 000. The old naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine has been ditched in favour of a new turbocharged 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder unit, which delivers 205 kW and 430 Nm to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Next up is the Lexus RX 350h, starting from R1 458 300. This powertrain combines an atmospheric 2.5-litre 4-pot with hybrid components to generate a peak system power figure of 184 kW (Lexus doesn’t quote a torque figure for the hybrid element, though the petrol mill makes 239 Nm). Drive is sent to all 4 corners through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the claimed consumption comes in at 5.4 litres per 100 km.

How much does the Lexus RX cost in South Africa?

Lexus RX 350 – R1 424 000
Lexus RX 350h – R1 458 300
Lexus RX 350 F Sport – R1 543 200
Lexus RX 500h F Sport – R1 684 300

A 7-year/105 000 km warranty and maintenance plan (with intervals of 12 months or 15 000 km) of the same length are included in the purchase price of all Lexus RX derivatives.

www.cars.co.za

Lexus RX (2023) Price & Specs

The new Lexus RX has quietly arrived in South Africa, complete with new engine options. Here’s a look at the local range, including pricing…
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za
 
DRIVEN: New Lexus RX takes its hybrid game to the next level

With five model derivatives – almost mimicking the fact the Lexus RX is now into its fifth generation – and four powertrains, the luxury SUV covers pretty much all the bases in this segment of the market.

The new generation, which is evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, provides a mix of petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid – again re-emphasising Toyota is taking a more holistic view of carbon reduction than some, but keeping its options open and recognising some world markets may not be immediately suited to a switch to pure electric power.

In terms of looks, the front now gets a ‘spindle body’ where the signature spindle grille is integrated into the entire front of the car. The net result is it remains instantly recognisable as a Lexus but is slightly less ‘in-your-face’ than the outgoing model.

Or, as Lexus describes it: “Next Chapter design has taken the spindle shape from the signature Lexus grille which morphs into the new ‘sinewy’ body, integrating the shape into the entire front of the vehicle, creating a ‘killer whale’ profile.”

Lexus RX Pricing (September 2023)

Lexus RX350 - R1,424,000

Lexus RX 350h - R1,458,300

Lexus RX 350h F Sport - R1,543,200

Lexus RX 500 F Sport - R1,684,300

Lexus RX 450h+ - TBC on release to dealer period (Nov. ’23)

The Lexus Warranty Experience is seven years/105 000 km and for the Hybrid models, eight years/195 000 km battery warranty.

 
Review: Lexus RX 500h

Verdict

It’s difficult to disregard the significance of the RX to those who are aiming to minimise their carbon footprint. All but one of the models are hybrid. What’s more difficult to establish is exactly which vehicles rival the RX, though, in my opinion, it should run pretty favourably against the likes of the Jaguar F-Pace and Volvo XC60. They’re all stylish and have four-cylinder models with forced induction aided by hybrid abilities. The RX, though, has the advantage of being the newest and is fitted with tech that makes hybrid driving a little more exciting. I look forward to putting one through a CAR road test in the immediate future.

www.carmag.co.za

Review: Lexus RX 500h

CAR road test editor Kyle Kock drove the fifth generation Lexus RX 500h on the model's South African launch in Cape Town.
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
Has a Japanese tuner made the Lexus RX SUV... cool?

This might be the ultimate Midnight Club hybrid for sensible folk

Wald International, a tuning house that modifies vehicles from a number of carmakers including Aston Martin, Maserati and Porsche, has now woven its wand over the RX F, adding a bit more muscle to the Lexus brute. Wingardium Leviosa indeed.

Billed the ‘Wald Sports Line’ package, the upgrade retains the mesh grille but adds a more aggressive air intake design and front lip extension. You'll agree it sets off the protruding bonnet already fitted as standard by Lexus, as though it was always meant to form a part of something more… eccentric.

In between the new set of multi-spoke alloys are revised side skirts that ditch the clean straight-cut look for a more crooked pattern, leading directly onto the swooping indentations as opposed to sitting plush beneath it. By contrast, the rear of the car has seen less attention, allowing the new assemblage of black accents to take centre stage.

www.topgear.com

Has a Japanese tuner made the Lexus RX SUV... cool?

This might be the ultimate Midnight Club hybrid for sensible folk
www.topgear.com www.topgear.com
 
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