Lexus RX: 3rd Generation News & Information

It appears that another smaller-displacement Lexus model will be joining the ES 240 in the Chinese market after spyshots were captured during a domestic road test:

According to Chinese website Sohu, the RX 270 will become the entry-level model in Lexus China‘s RX lineup, and will feature a 2.7L 1AR-FE inline-four gasoline engine, producing 187 horsepower and 252 Nm of torque.

The introduction of lower-displacement models in China is a necessary strategy due to the country’s imposition of high excise taxes in 2008. These taxes targeted vehicles with 3.0L or higher engine displacement, which meant prior to the ES 240’s introduction, all of Lexus China’s vehicles were subject to the 25% to 40% excise tax.

[Source: Sohu.com (translated)]  (Thanks Ouan and Foo Foo!)

I’m late to the party on this Lexus RX commercial that debuted at this year’s Superbowl:

I’ve been driving an RX 450h for the better part of three months, and I have to admit, this commercial captures much of what my final review will focus on. The RX’s best feature is how well it fits into everyday life.

(Thanks Dan!)

Intellichoice announced their annual Best Overall Values of the Year awards at the Chicago Auto Show last week, and Lexus was well represented. The IS took the Luxury Sports Sedan/Wagon category and the RX was named the best overall value in the Luxury Crossover category and the Best Crossover/SUV value over $28,000.

Read the Lexus press release

Lexus Japan is offering a two unique customization options for the Lexus RX 350 & RX 450h, starting with this aggressive under-spoiler:

Hard to judge with only the front-end visible, but it’s similar to the LX 570 Sport Luxury package we saw last week in that it doesn’t seem to fit all that well.

The other option of note are these LED fog-lights:

They may be expensive (¥136,500 / $1,529 USD), but they would be fantastic paried with the RX 450h LED headlights. Hope to see them as an option here in North America.

[Source: Lexus Japan via Club Lexus]

I’m now halfway through my time with the 2010 Lexus RX 450h— after six weeks, the interior controls and options has become second nature, and that familiarity has increased my appreciation of the design decisions throughout the cabin, particularly with the steering wheel layout.

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Travelled: 1077km (669 miles)
Gas Mileage: 8.8l/100kms (26.7 mpg)

The second and third week of my 2010 Lexus RX 450h road test blended in together as I powered through day after day of holiday visiting, a pile of snow and ice, and a lengthy head cold. It was in this blur of activity that I started to get a real feel for the crossover.

I took the opportunity to drive friends and family around as much as possible, and the RXh was optimal in every regard—the interior is spacious & inviting, but without the drawback of a vehicle that’s hard to manoeuvre or park. Driving is a brisk, pleasant experience; the RXh performs exceptionally well as a barrier from the elements.

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