Wayfarer review: Lexus’ luxurious RX combines style and performance in a brilliant SUV
With the latest-edition RX, find key upgrades across the board, from a styling, connectivity and safety perspective alongside enhanced driving dynamics.
Right from the entry level RX 300 Luxury (from AU$71,920) find a swathe of included features, like a 12.3-inch screen, touch-display and touchpad-type Lexus Remote Touch functionality, easy connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six USB ports.
The performance stacks-up too, with the two- wheel-drive RX 300 producing 175kW of power and 350Nm of torque from a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injected four-cylinder petrol engine. They are impressive numbers from an entry model and ramp-up in the all-wheel-drive RX 350 and RX 350L models, thanks to a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.
The X-factor goes even further with the self- charging hybrid-electric RX 450h and RX 450hL employing a 3.5-litre V6 and electric motor to deliver strong torque and fuel consumption as low as 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
Alongside the technology and power, the RX is a very comfortable car to drive in the city and on the highway. The Luxury grades of the V6 and self- charging hybrid electric variants are fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels genuine leather-accented seat material, front memory seat easy access, and front seat heaters and ventilation.
Option packs are available with a panoramic roof with front moonroof, a colour head-up display and smart key card, as well as 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, panoramic view monitor and rear door sunshades.
When it comes to safety, key features include night-time pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection for the pre-collision safety system and autonomous emergency braking.
All-in-all, it’s a brilliant release from Lexus and it comes as no surprise that it continues to be one of the company’s most popular models in Australasia.