Lexus RX: 2nd Generation News & Information

For the ninth consecutive year, Lexus has topped the J.D. Power & What Car? UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study:

In the manufacturer rankings, Lexus ranks highest for a ninth consecutive year, receiving a customer satisfaction score of 833. Lexus performs particularly well in two of four key measures: service satisfaction and vehicle appeal. Rounding out the top five nameplates are Honda (817), Mercedes-Benz (808), Škoda and Toyota (805 each).

The fact that Lexus has managed to take this award every year since they were eligible to win is exceptional—a true accomplishment. What’s more, the Lexus RX was named the top vehicle in the survey, with the IS coming in fourth.

Source: What Car? (Thanks Stan!)

While it’s true that all car companies have been guilty of design plagiarism at some point, Chinese automaker BYD has taken it too far with their shamelessly brazen copy of the second generation RX, the S6:

These Chinese copycat designs are a rampant problem in automotive design, and what makes the situation worse is that somehow, BYD has been able to copyright the S6 design at the European trademark office. This will no doubt cause Toyota lawyers no small amount of aggravation.

[Source: Carscoop]

As funny as it may be, I think this might be the first time I’ve seen mud on a Lexus RX ever:

[Source: Coloribus]

In preparation of winter, Australia is getting a special edition of the Lexus RX 350 perfectly suited for the colder months. Here’s a breakdown of the particulars:

Added extras include bespoke 18-inch shadow chrome alloy wheels, three unique exterior colours – including Arctic Blue, Burgundy and Onyx carbon – and an accessories pack featuring roof racks, nudge bar, tow bar, headlight covers, rear bumper protector, cargo mat and reverse parking sensors.

Only 250 examples of the Special Edition RX 350 will be offered, with each vehicle featuring unique SE badging and numbered build plates, making it one of the most exclusive RX Lexus vehicles.

I’m not a big fan of the wheel design, but the nudge bar on the front more than makes up for it. (More than anything, though, I really like the rear cargo mat pattern.)

Here’s a gallery for a closer look:

[Source: Lexus Australia via The Motor Report]

Two pieces of Lexus Pebble Beach news today, first off, the much searched-for Pebble Beach commercial has surfaced on Youtube:

Not much to the commercial, it’s strictly an announcement-style advertisement, but the Pebble Beach edition color really catches my attention. It’s nice to see it on more than just the SC 430.

The other news has to do with pricing. The PBE RX 350 has been on the Lexus site since the middle of February, and costs a premium of $3,880 over the regular RX. However, the pricing for the ES 350 PBE was announced today, which will be a $4,170 option. (Remember, there’s only to be 6,000 of each model made.)

Lexus UK has debuted an upgraded backseat entertainment package for the RX called ICE, which is short for In-Car Entertainment. It consists of two eight-inch LCD screens with an integrated DVD player, USB and SD card readers, plus more:

Two pairs of infrared headphones are provided, which are about 20 per cent smaller than before, making them easier for children to use. They are now foldable for easy storage. Reception has been sharpened and there is an auto power-off function. Each tablet has a manual control panel, or a remote control unit can be used, redesigned for a superior tactile quality and ease of use.

The tablets have RCA inputs for connecting compatible games consoles and a stereo 23.5mm jack point. The screens can be operated together or independently, should passengers choose to enjoy the same playback or their own choice of video, music or gaming.

This package comes standard on the the UK RX SE-L editions, but costs £2,200 on any other version. This translates into close to $4,400 USD, making it a very expensive setup, especially when similar, less stylized options exist for less than $1,000.

Still, it’s hard to deny their attractiveness, and they would certainly be a welcome addition were you purchasing a RX SE-L anyway.

[Source: UCar Magazine]