LuxuryCarMagazine En Luxury Car Review and News
New York, NY — Taking more than a few hints from its smaller NX sibling, the Lexus RX debuted in New York with a new look, upgraded engines, and added body stiffness ad strength.
On the styling front, the RX’s spindle grille, triple LED headlamps and ne fog lamps. The flared front fenders are a nice touch, too. Another distinctive styling addition are blacked-out c-pillars, which do well to provide a “floating” roof effect similar to that which is seen on the new Nissan Murano. There are new 20-inch wheels, too, surrounded by squarer fenders.
If you want an even more unique look, then the F-Sport model provides a blacked-out front grille, special wheels, different instrument cluster and special colours.
It’s nice that the 2016 RX gets these additions, but the overall profile is very similar to what we’ve seen previously from Lexus’ bestselling crossover, although it’s said that the new car’s profile reduces drag and wind noise. That’ likely helped along by the aggressive creases along the doors and quarterpanels.
Two powertrains will be available: a 300 horsepower V6, and a 300 hp Atkinson-cycle hybrid; non-hybrid models will get 8-speed automatic transmissions as standard. That’s up from 270 hp on the current-gen model.
In the handling department, Vehicle Stability Control and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, combined with intuitive all-wheel-drive, will surely provide the confidence-inspiring handling that Lexus is known for. If you want a little more rambunctiousness, then the F-Sport models add adaptive suspension and active stablizers for a more aggressive handling set-up.
Inside, optional laser-cut ornamentation, a 12.3-inch monitor and optinal heads-up display are on-hand to modernize the interior. The new seats, meanwhile, help provide rear-seat passengers with more legroom and heated and reclining seats.
Expect the 2016 RX-Series in showrooms near the end of summer 2015.
