Lexus RX: 2nd Generation

Lexus South Africa continues its analogous theme with this commercial for the RX 450h, comparing it to the Namaqualand flowers found in the country:

The complexity of a hybrid system working in harmony finds a beautiful analogy in nature, with the setting also providing an ecologically-minded backdrop; still, the vehicle is billed as a performance hybrid, suggesting that it can combine the best of both worlds—efficiency and power. The video is artfully presented as well, showcasing the beautiful intricacies of nature.

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!)

The Lexus LS was named the top vehicle of 2009 Motorist Choice Awards, a US joint survey by AutoPacific and Intellichoice that “recognizes new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction”:

“Clearly, consumers still get great satisfaction from large and luxurious cars, despite the economy, rising fuel costs and manufacturers’ focus on smaller vehicles,” said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. “The highest scoring cars in this survey are Premium Luxury Cars, Large Cars, Crossovers and SUVs, whether they’re built in the U.S., Asia or Europe. This affinity for big vehicles makes the American market unique compared to the rest of the world.”

The ES & RX also took top honors in their respective categories, making Lexus the top luxury brand of the study.

[Source: AutoPacific (Thanks Safeer!) ]

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]

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:

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[Source: Lexus Australia via The Motor Report]