Lexus RX: Japanese interpretation of the definition of luxury (test drive)

[[MC]Ronin[MC]]

In the Lexus RX 450h, anyone can discover something for themselves, but one thing is for sure: it will keep up with the latest fashion trends that say green is the new black

 

To be honest, I don't understand much about fashion, even though my wife is making a serious effort to get me on the right track. What I'm strong at (and she's not) are the trends in the automotive industry. And they say: green is the new black. That's why I impress her with this pearly white RX, which looks to me like a stylishly tailored suit, but with a delicate green accessory.

The Lexus name has always been used as a benchmark for luxury and style, and in recent years this aggressive design has made the sports genes of the model as well. Something I've always held on to, though the dynamics are the strongest weapon at 450h. It has yet to be discovered (except in its super attractive exterior), but the luxury and comfort of this model is truly impressive.

In 1998, Lexus launched the RX, offering for the first time an SUV with the refinement of a luxury sedan. This really poured the foundations of the luxury SUV segment. So far, no one is aware of whether luxury car buyers will be interested in this type of vehicle. But the risk is worth it, because very soon after that RX becomes the best selling model of the brand.

 

Lexus surpassed conventional thinking again in 2004 when the first self-loading hybrid was introduced - the pioneer RX 400h. Now, continuing its commitment to excite and surprise its customers, Lexus is introducing the updated RX, to which our media has an exclusive first touch.

The updated RX retains powerful and dynamic output, but at the same time, more elegant elements have been introduced to create a smoother transition from the aggressive front to the rear of the body.

Among the changes in the front stand out details such as the emblematic for the brand front grille with an impressive L-shaped pattern in the mesh structure, narrower headlight shapes, more rounded edges leading to the front bumper, and an elongated line that connects the threshold area with the bottom of the front grille, radiating power and stability. The rear design impresses with the sleeker and more powerful radiant design of the lower bumper, which blends seamlessly into the rear fenders.

And if the RX is aggressively outward looking, the interior is dominated by a spirit of comfort and luxury. Omotenashi's philosophy, which in Japanese translates as "hospitality and courteous service," is the rule here. It is an ancient concept that describes a person's ability to anticipate another's needs. The materials are exceptionally high quality and even the plastics are of the highest quality.

The model is equipped with a Head-up display on which basic information related to driving is designed. At the same time, the driver (and the passenger next to him) can interact with the car via the 12.3-inch infrared touch screen, touch pad on center console or voice commands. The connection with the car can also be made through the Lexus Link mobile application.

The Climate Concierge air conditioning system uses nano technology to clean the air in the passenger compartment and scent the seats while moisturizing the hair and skin.

The music? RX gives you the perfect opportunity to dive into your favorite Spotify set after your smartphone has paired with Apple CarPlay / Android Auto and brought apps to your central 12.3-inch touchscreen display. I choose Metallica and from the 15 speakers of the Mark Levinson Premium Surround System hammers For Whom The Bell Tolls

You can order your RX with a special wooden veneer. It is made using the same laser cut process that Yamaha Music decorates with many of its finest pianos, violins, violas and cello.

The whole process requires 14 individual steps and eight weeks during which specially trained craftsmen associate high quality African sapwood with a thin layer of aluminum.

The laser then burns the surface of the wood with fine patterns, revealing the metal below and creating a distinctive, sharp contrast between the two materials.

I should also point out the fact that the space in the foot area in the back row of seats is huge, literally. The 539L is not the largest in the class, but it is plenty. And now you can also order the RX 450hL, which will mean two more seats that carry tax relief here.

The Adaptive Variable Suspension controls the rigidity of the four shock absorbers according to the driving style and road conditions, managing to achieve an incredible 650 different suspension settings.
The Adaptive Variable Suspension controls the rigidity of the four shock absorbers according to the driving style and road conditions, managing to achieve an incredible 650 different suspension settings.
Source: News.bg
More than relieved, I felt behind the wheel when I felt the driving behavior of the new RX 450h. This is not a sports car, but don't be fooled if you need the dynamics, these 313hp bear the 2100 kg coupe in a furious gallop forward. And more importantly, the power reserve has a very good effect on the variable-speed transmission, which does not strain my senses with excessive drive load.

As for the undercarriage, Lexus engineers have focused on improving stability and handling, but at the same time increasing comfort. Increasing the strength of the bodywork has been leading to these goals. This has been achieved by increasing the number of spot welds and the greater amount of structural adhesives in the structure.

The BladeScan Type Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) high beam projects light from 12 LEDs on the edges of two semi-circular mirrors, rotating at 6000 rpm, and then light passes through the lenses. The result is even better illumination on the road without blinding the other road users.
The BladeScan Type Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) high beam projects light from 12 LEDs on the edges of two semi-circular mirrors, rotating at 6000 rpm, and then light passes through the lenses. The result is even better illumination on the road without blinding the other road users.
Source: News.bg
This sounds a little dry so I will continue with more understandable systems that play a major role in the stability and comfort of the car. The new RX is equipped with the latest generation of adaptive variable suspension. It controls the rigidity of the four shock absorbers according to the driving style and road conditions, managing to achieve an incredible 650 different suspension settings. For all AVS-equipped models, Drive Mode Select adds Sport S, Sport S + and customized Customise, enhancing driver comfort and benefits.

Suspension work is complemented by Roll Posture Control, Anti-Pitch Control, Repercussion Control and Roughness Sensing Control to adapt performance of AVS to all road surfaces and driving conditions. The result of this, in a nutshell, is to minimize body tilting and to describe bends more precisely.

While the Active Torque Control AWD on the RX 300 distributes 100: 0 to 50:50 of torque between the front and rear axles, the RX 450h is equipped with the E-FOUR system. The innovative technology relies on a 50 kW rear-mounted electric motor that, along with the powerful 123 kW electric motor and the front-axle gasoline V6 engine, directs the torque to the wheel that needs it most.

The innovative E-FOUR technology relies on a 50 kW rear-mounted electric motor that, along with the powerful 123 kW electric motor and the front-axle gasoline V6 engine, directs the torque to the wheel that most needs it.
The innovative E-FOUR technology relies on a 50 kW motor mounted