This is the 2016 Lexus RX
Lexus has taken the wraps off of the 2016 RX, its all-new update to the best-selling luxury SUV. Revealed at the New York International Auto Show today, the new car pushes Lexus' distinctive design language, with a huge, angular grille, "floating roof", and more aggressive stance. Inside, meanwhile, there's a greater focus on safety and infotainment, with Lexus pushing down the cost of adding on things like smart cruise control and pedestrian-spotting.
Don't underestimate the significance of the new RX. It's Lexus' single most popular model in the US, making up more than 30-percent of all the company's sales in the country last year. In the segment, meanwhile, it accounts for around 25-percent of sales across all marques.
That leaves Lexus with a potentially tricky situation to balance, following the path set by its controvesial L-Finesse design language, while at the same time keeping its more conservative customers satisfied. It's an audience that perhaps finds the Lexus NX crossover too sharp.
The result is the 2016 Lexus RX you see here. Despite looking a little smaller than the outgoing car, the new SUV has a 2-inch longer wheelbase for more internal space. Wheels are 18-inches as standard, but can be swapped for 20-inches if you prefer, and there are new LED fog lamps and LED daytime running lamps.
Under the hood there's a new, 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 gas engine from which Lexus is "targeting 300HP", mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. There'll be an RX450h hybrid model, too, and for the first time Lexus will offer its F SPORT styling and driving dynamics package on the hybrid.
The tech hasn't been forgotten, either. "Under $650" gets you Lexus Safety System+, combining features like dynamic radar cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam lights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian spotting.
The tailgate opens when you wave your hand across the rear Lexus logo, and there's space for a full-sized spare wheel under the trunk floor.
As for the dashboard, that's topped by a massive 12.3-inch display, and Lexus will also offer a color head-up display (HUD) which can project driving data onto the windshield. Trim can be augmented with Yamaha laser-cut inserts.
Above, there's an optional power panorama moonroof, and the rear seats can optionally get 11.6-inch displays mounted to the back of the front headrests.
The new 2016 Lexus RX will hit forecourts at the end of the year, with pricing announced closer to launch.
