What Do Current Lexus RX Owners Think of the New Design?

[krew]

krew

WardsAuto has an interview with Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken on the 2016 next-generation RX and what the new design means for existing owners.

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[Lasse J. Nordvik]

The spindle grille and bold design in general has become a huge part of Lexus' identity,and to back down now would be a catastrophic mistake. As for the new RX's design I think it's absolutely perfect. It does have similarities with the previous model in the overall shape and proportions,there's a healthy chunk of NX,the way the hood/bonnet curves down into the grille and the shape of the tail lights have a certain RC flavour and the "floating roof" design and certain elements in the interior hints at the LF-LC. I'm going to make a prediction that couldn't be less daring and say the the RX's success will continue. ;-)

 

[RAL]

We've owned a '10 and a '13 (current generation) RX. We just traded for an NX. Glad to read though that despite the NX cannibalizing RX sales somewhat, it is also bringing in prospective new buyers who decide for the RX! What a coup for Lexus! An NX selling so well (demand may even outstrip supply) . . . AND . . . the NX is likewise being a catalyst for increased RX sales!

It took me a while to warm up to Lexus' new design language and in particular the spindle grille. But like krew, growing familiarity with the grille brought me around. It is remarkable how the spindle grille has evolved since the first one to appear on the current GS. And a big change from current base RX spindle to 2016 base RX spindle of which I am a fan! The new sharp angles at the bottom corners are much more cohesive with the overall design. Have to say I am not a fan yet of the new RX triangular fog lights . . . IMO they call a little too much attention to themselves, especially on lighter colors, whereas the new spindle should be the focal point.

The new NX design parked next to the RX we traded, accentuated the huge difference in design language. I was a little dubious of the new RX's floating rear roofline. But, I think it is a great expression of newly revised L-Finese. And with the lean NX design language, the new RX looks great in photos especially in black. Moreover, I think it will look all the more impressive in real life. And after living with the current RX interior for almost 6 years, it was time for the update for sure. The new interior is absolutely stunning! The wood, the stitching, the way it all comes together to fit into a modern luxurious design is remarkable. I think they have hit this one out of the park.!

Admittedly, I have to say I feel a twinge of disappointment that we didn't wait for the new RX. But, the new NX works so well for us. Much more fun to drive than our RX and though the numbers say it is smaller than the current RX, it doesn't feel smaller.

The last few times I have been at our Lexus dealer (as recent as yesterday) . . . it was quite obvious the RX is continuing to sell like hotcakes! I spotted two technology specialist acclimating RX deliveries to the new owners. I couldn't help but think to myself: "you people don't know what you will miss by not waiting for the redesign." IMO Lexus will sell as many new RX as fast as they can build 'em!

 

[PTien]

With any design, its going to be hard to please everyone.
I think Lexus has to look to the future and get new customers that would not normally consider the brand.

If that means losing some previous customers then so be it (some of them are probably pretty close to not buying any cars anymore, if you know what I mean)

 

[RAL]

With any design, its going to be hard to please everyone.
I think Lexus has to look to the future and get new customers that would not normally consider the brand.

If that means losing some previous customers then so be it (some of them are probably pretty close to not buying any cars anymore, if you know what I mean)

So if I understand your implication . . . the older one becomes the less interested you are in buying a car? bit of a stretched stereotype don't you think?
My Dad lived to age 82 and he never lost his passion for buying cars!

Or maybe I should ask: "What do you mean?"

 

[VooDooXT]

I love the new design of the Lexus. Bold, aggressive and sportier which I think it's good for a brand. For me what make Lexus a Lexus is it's a good car with superb reliability.

 

[Onelog]

So if I understand your implication . . . the older one becomes the less interested you are in buying a car? bit of a stretched stereotype don't you think?
My Dad lived to age 82 and he never lost his passion for buying cars!

Or maybe I should ask: "What do you mean?"

I think they more mean that most of us that buy a new vehicle plan to own it for around 5 years(or you would more often consider a lease), but some people may not be thinking 5 years ahead once they get to a certain age... it's a little morbid, but true.

 

[RAL]

I admit I'm too thin-skinned when it comes to my age. Getting old is not for the faint-of-heart! You young guys enjoy it while it lasts . . . Yeah, I remember people telling me that too. It's funny . . . in your mind you never get older than say 30 . . . until you look in the mirror!

 

[corradoMR2]

As a three-time RX owner, I loved our latest '13 RX F Sport's design. But I do like our new NX's more aggressive look. With this said, how can I not like the RX's similar overall design to baby brother?

 

[DaigorT]

Sorry Lexus. This new RX just gives people the impression of Lexus designers trying too hard to be different and unique but fails horribly. An elegant and yet simple, lasting design that can stand up against time does not require a giant gaping mouth, multiple body lines and side panel bulges, and what's the reason to have alloy wheels with 20 spokes?

People who wants to be brand loyal can say whatever they like to explain the presence of the things that I'd pointed out on this new RX but really, if you folks look around this RX is just plain unpleasant to the eyes. Anyone seen pictures of the new Jaguar F Pace SUV? Simple clean side panels, proportional face layout without that big mouth yet clearly recognized as a Jaguar vehicle. Also Lexus designers please look around, a drooping, downward C pillar is a design no no for almost any car, van, SUV, truck..... And the new RX has that!

Another horrible looking car, also trying too hard to impress, be different and failed is the 2016 Nissan Maxima. That thing has an unnecessary ugly face, and that same mistake of a downward, drooping C pillar design. I have 2 lexus in my household, I use the current model RX350 but if you ask me if I would want to trade in for the new RX based on the exterior looks, my answer is a definite no. The new interior is very nice but the exterior of a vehicle can put off a lot of people. How often do you hear people commenting how nice an interior of a particular car?

 

[DaigorT]

 

[PTien]

So if I understand your implication . . . the older one becomes the less interested you are in buying a car? bit of a stretched stereotype don't you think?
My Dad lived to age 82 and he never lost his passion for buying cars!

Or maybe I should ask: "What do you mean?"

Actually what I mean is, when Lexus first released back in the early 90's it did a great job in attracting new young buyers, just think about how many rappers quoted Lexus in their songs in the 90's.
A lot of those buyers have stayed loyal in the brand and that has been a strong part of the Lexus base and its strategy. But lets be honest, those buyers aren't going to be around forever, and if Lexus doesn't do something to attract new younger buyers (as its trying to do) its base loyal customers will slowly but surely disappear.

I completely agree with you that passions don't disappear just because you get older but Lexus is a business and needs to continue to grow and build a new customer set. Not just keep their loyal customers happy

 

[CIF]

Sorry Lexus. This new RX just gives people the impression of Lexus designers trying too hard to be different and unique but fails horribly. An elegant and yet simple, lasting design that can stand up against time does not require a giant gaping mouth, multiple body lines and side panel bulges, and what's the reason to have alloy wheels with 20 spokes? People who wants to be brand loyal can say whatever they like to explain the presence of the things that I'd pointed out on this new RX but really, if you folks look around this RX is just plain unpleasant to the eyes. Anyone seen pictures of the new Jaguar F Pace SUV? Simple clean side panels, proportional face layout without that big mouth yet clearly recognized as a Jaguar vehicle. Also Lexus designers please look around, a drooping, downward C pillar is a design no no for almost any car, van, SUV, truck..... And the new RX has that! Another horrible looking car, also trying too hard to impress, be different and failed is the 2016 Nissan Maxima. That thing has an unnecessary ugly face, and that same mistake of a downward, drooping C pillar design. I have 2 lexus in my household, I use the current model RX350 but if you ask me if I would want to trade in for the new RX based on the exterior looks, my answer is a definite no. The new interior is very nice but the exterior of a vehicle can put off a lot of people. How often do you hear people commenting how nice an interior of a particular car?

I can't speak for anyone else, but for me, the interior of a car is very important, arguably more important than the exterior. The interior is where I spend most of my time with a car. While exterior is of course important too, I don't sit there all day outside in a chair staring at my vehicle. Different people of course will react differently to the new RX's styling. Lexus knows this, and is expecting this. My two cents is that I personally comment all the time on how nice or not nice a particular vehicle's interior is. In the end it's subjective.

 

[mikeavelli]

We don't own a RX but I had a RX 300 in the family and my wife had a 400h. My wife at first thought it was a car and after seeing it more pretty much told me she would love to have it. She loves the styling and I do as well.

I just overall am never really a fan of the melted soap or super curvy look and I'm glad Lexus continues to show sharp lines and creases.

 

[krew]

Sorry Lexus. This new RX just gives people the impression of Lexus designers trying too hard to be different and unique but fails horribly. An elegant and yet simple, lasting design that can stand up against time does not require a giant gaping mouth, multiple body lines and side panel bulges, and what's the reason to have alloy wheels with 20 spokes?

People who wants to be brand loyal can say whatever they like to explain the presence of the things that I'd pointed out on this new RX but really, if you folks look around this RX is just plain unpleasant to the eyes.

Interesting perspective. In my mind, the new RX is one of the most futuristic new designs out there. You might see it as Lexus designers trying too hard, but I see it as progressive and forward-thinking. It's a tough line, and not for everyone admittedly.

How often do you hear people commenting how nice an interior of a particular car?

Depends on how many people you have in your car! I hear it all the time. ;-)

 

[Carmaker1]

We've owned a '10 and a '13 (current generation) RX. We just traded for an NX. Glad to read though that despite the NX cannibalizing RX sales somewhat, it is also bringing in prospective new buyers who decide for the RX! What a coup for Lexus! An NX selling so well (demand may even outstrip supply) . . . AND . . . the NX is likewise being a catalyst for increased RX sales!

It took me a while to warm up to Lexus' new design language and in particular the spindle grille. But like krew, growing familiarity with the grille brought me around. It is remarkable how the spindle grille has evolved since the first one to appear on the current GS. And a big change from current base RX spindle to 2016 base RX spindle of which I am a fan! The new sharp angles at the bottom corners are much more cohesive with the overall design. Have to say I am not a fan yet of the new RX triangular fog lights . . . IMO they call a little too much attention to themselves, especially on lighter colors, whereas the new spindle should be the focal point.

The new NX design parked next to the RX we traded, accentuated the huge difference in design language. I was a little dubious of the new RX's floating rear roofline. But, I think it is a great expression of newly revised L-Finese. And with the lean NX design language, the new RX looks great in photos especially in black. Moreover, I think it will look all the more impressive in real life. And after living with the current RX interior for almost 6 years, it was time for the update for sure. The new interior is absolutely stunning! The wood, the stitching, the way it all comes together to fit into a modern luxurious design is remarkable. I think they have hit this one out of the park.!

Admittedly, I have to say I feel a twinge of disappointment that we didn't wait for the new RX. But, the new NX works so well for us. Much more fun to drive than our RX and though the numbers say it is smaller than the current RX, it doesn't feel smaller.

The last few times I have been at our Lexus dealer (as recent as yesterday) . . . it was quite obvious the RX is continuing to sell like hotcakes! I spotted two technology specialist acclimating RX deliveries to the new owners. I couldn't help but think to myself: "you people don't know what you will miss by not waiting for the redesign." IMO Lexus will sell as many new RX as fast as they can build 'em!

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Yes, I do not like the triangular fog lights either nor does my sister (owns 3 Lexus vehicles), as well as the pillar design. Partly a reason why I have suggested that she wait for the 2016 LX or just forget about crossovers/SUVS entirely. She's adamant about another Lexus, but feels her current 2008 RX is outdated and does not want another NX, especially the US version. It looks very striking in person, but that floating roof interpretation isn't pleasing to me. Fits better on the LC, that inspired it via the concept LF-LC.

By the way, the Spindle Grille did not first "appear" on the GS. It might have been the most official debut of that design signature and that was only because the current GS (L10) was launched after the design mandate, which immediately preceded the full line-up appearing with this grille. The Lexus LX570 is some eastern territories had an early version of this grille from February 2010 and that went into production in late 2009. Lexus already was headed in this direction design wise by 2008, as seen in the production CT200h. Bear in mind, I refer to dates of internal developmental creation and not launch dates.

The GS (L10) was pretty much designed by the end of 2009 with this in mind, later debuting in August 2011 and out in early 2012. I remember Lexus hinting at a recent design approval in December 2009 and that being the "next GS". By April 2010, Lexus Design had a finalised L10 body design (4GS), mid-stage design programme on XE30 (IS), as well as early stages of the AZ10 (NX) and XC10 (RC) ongoing (both were frozen in 2012). Development of 200 LX, AL10 (3RX), and LS (XF40 III) face-lifts was also taking place. Alternatively, the XV60 (ES) design had been recently approved for fall 2012 launch. Not with a Spindle Grille fascia, as by late 2009 much of the design work on the 6ES was complete (shortly after XV40 5ES refresh). In April 2010, the Spindle Grille was then mandated across the range and thus face lifts got the grille by force by the end of 2010, but more than anything the 2013 ES (XV60).

It was quite disjointed looking on that car, but has been fixed with the new XV60 II (ES facelift) that was probably approved during the first half of 2014. The new RX design would've been frozen/finalised in mid-2013, even though the new LS (XF50) might be parallel to that and due much later (RWD models on new platforms require 30+ months at Lexus after prod. design freeze).

As you see, the GS did not really have that grille first. The CT200h and LX570 did. Marketing efforts gave the impression that the GS introduced it, because of the 2011 LF-Gh that previewed it and a need to give the GS the spotlight after being overshadowed so often.