Lexus presents Next-Generation Luxury

Riding on the success of the Lexus NX compact crossover, Lexus Manila is giving its bestselling RX midsized crossover and massively capable LX large SUV a sharp makeover as it caps off a record-breaking 2015. Now sporting the Lexus brand’s new design language, advanced drivetrains, and world-class dynamics and comfort, both of these new offerings bring luxury and comfort to the next level.

Since its Philippine debut in 2009, the Lexus RX has been a strong seller because it manages to combine the flexibility of a SUV with the driving comfort of a luxury sedan. Now, the all-new RX adds an extremely athletic exterior with a mix of sharp creases and curves. It’s a bold evolution of the model’s styling—the same design DNA seen in the recently launched Lexus models.

The front-end is striking with its signature spindle grille featuring a chrome-plated border. Sandwiching the grille is a pair of LED headlamps with three lighting elements. The L-shaped headlights is accompanied by 18 individual LEDs that act as turn signal indicators illuminating sequentially from the inside section outward—a first for Lexus.

The Lexus design theme also dominates the rear. The rear combination lamps form an L-shape and wraps around the tailgate and rear fender sections, creating a powerful and wide stance. The blacked-out C-pillars also provide the look of a floating roof, something never seen in a Lexus before. Seven colors are available for the RX, all of which feature a highly scratch-resistant, self-restoring coating which uses a high-performance macromolecular polymer. Finally, the RX comes with a range of 20-inch alloy wheels with the F-Sport receiving an exclusive multi-spoke design.

Inside, the Lexus RX is highly optimized to ferry five passengers in opulence. A lowered rear floor section helps provide rear seating comparable to that of the rear seats in the flagship Lexus LS. In addition, it has a larger rear cargo space (the biggest among competing crossovers in the segment) thanks to the new suspension design. This enables the Lexus RX to swallow up to four suitcases or multiple golf bags. New and exclusive to the RX450h is the Touchless Power Back Door that allows users to open the rear hatch by simply placing a hand near the Lexus emblem.

Lexus engineers have answered the call to provide the Lexus RX even more power and versatility thanks to its range of engines. For 2016, it’s available with a 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 engine (2GR-FKS) with or without hybrid powertrain componentry. As standard on the RX350 and RX30 F-Sport, the 3.5-liter V6 delivers leading performance, fuel efficiency, and smoothness with an output of 291 hp at 6,300 rpm and 360 Nm of torque at 4,700 rpm. Meanwhile, the RX450h gets a completely re-engineered hybrid V6 engine with a total output of 308 hp at 6,000 rpm and 335 Nm of torque at 4,600 rpm. Both engines are mated to a new 8-speed automatic.

Adding more individuality and sportiness, the RX F-Sport is also available. Elevating the RX experience to an entirely new level, the F-Sport adds a variety of visual and performance enhancements. The most noticeable is a revised instrument cluster with an 8-inch LCD and large, easy-to-read circular gauge that combines both the tachometer and digital speed indicator. Other interior upgrades include quilted seats, unique leather-wrapped shifter lever, F-Sport three-spoke steering wheel, and aluminum accents and pedals.

Dynamically, it receives Lexus’s Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) which controls the damping forces of the shock absorbers at each individual wheel. Combine that with the Active Stabilizer System, the RX F-Sport corners with almost no roll while adjusting to uneven road surfaces with ease. Finally, the sound generator enhances the driving experience by pumping in engine noises during mid to high-rpm driving. The F-Sport models also receive the all-weather security provided by an all-wheel drive system.

Meanwhile, the most capable luxury SUV, the Lexus LX receives a bold new look and features that cement its reputation as the brand’s premier flagship SUV.

Lexus designers have resculpted almost every surface of the Lexus LX (the exception being the door panels) to give it an even imposing appearance. Up front is a bolder rendition of the signature spindle grille framed by satin chrome and complimented by new standard LED headlights, fog lights, and cornering lights.

Aside from the stronger styling, a new 8-speed automatic replaces the old 6-speed box giving the Lexus LX enhanced performance and efficiency. This new gearbox is mated to a 5.7-liter V8 with Dual VVT-i producing 362 hp at 5,600 rpm and 530 Nm at 3,200 rpm. Careful tuning has also been done on the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) which continuously adjusts shock absorber damping rates while driving ensuring optimal comfort even as the road surface changes. The driver can also select a preferred setting with the Drive modes which alters several vehicle settings including engine response, transmission shift points, and even the way the AVS behaves. There are four modes: ECO, COMFORT, SPORT S, and SPORT S+.

A robust body-on-frame construction gives the Lexus LX the foundation to take on any sort of terrain. A Torsen limited-slip locking center differential combines with full-time four-wheel drive. The driver can lock the center differential for driving over challenging surface conditions.

Inside, the 2016 Lexus LX gets a full dashboard-to-tailgate revision. In the Philippines’s tropical climate, the second row ventilated seats ensures consistent comfort throughout any weather condition. The Climate Concierge also automatically monitors the temperature of the four separate climate zones and adjusts not only the fan speed, but also the temperature of the seats.

The Lexus LX now comes with a dual-screen Rear Seat Entertainment System that uses larger 11.6-inch screens to help keep the rear passengers entertained. A new 12.3-inch display with Remote Touch Interface (RTI) heads the list of multimedia and connectivity upgrades for 2016. With this larger screen upfront, the LX now gains full-screen navigation. The screen can also be split to two sections displaying two functions simultaneously.

“Lexus has redefined luxury by getting out of the conservative box. With the Lexus RX and LX, Lexus has combined elegance with modern expressions of boldness and fierceness without losing the sophistication and refinement of luxury,” says Daniel Isla, president of Lexus Manila.

The 2016 Lexus RX and LX are now available at Lexus Manila. The RX is available in three models: RX350 Premier (P4,068,000), RX350 F-Sport (P4,938,000), and RX450h (P5,978,000) while the LX is available in just one model: LX570 (P7,648,000).