Ebrahim K. Kanoo, the sole distributor of Lexus in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has revealed the all-new 2016 Lexus RX, a stylish, dynamically designed luxury crossover that breaks new ground in refinement, comfort and driving performance. The reveal took place on November 21st, 2015 at the Lexus showroom.
According to Takayuki Katsuda, the Chief Engineer of the new Lexus RX, “The new RX is completely different from the current generation vehicle thanks to a new, more powerful and efficient powertrain, an improved platform with high rigidity body shell, and highly tuned suspension. Our loyal customers will be pleasantly surprised with the enhanced capability, confident driving feeling and the sophisticated ride quality which creates a superb driving experience. From a visual standpoint, the bold and outstanding styling proportions stand out without sacrificing the elegant appeal of the RX lineage.”
“This latest model of the RX continues the ‘Progressive Luxury’ vision of Lexus with sharp lines and contemporary styling in addition to significant improvements in performance combined with best in class safety technologies,” said Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, TOYOTA Motor Corporation. “With this completely redesigned iteration of the RX, we dramatically raise the bar yet again in the mid-size luxury utility segment. As always, we have been guided by the aspirations of our customers and we sincerely appreciate their support and look forward to delighting them yet again with this automotive masterpiece.”
Mr. Ayman Shehadeh, Senior Marketing Manager Toyota and Lexus at Ebrahim K. Kanoo commented: ‘The new RX’s mix of sharp creases and curves represents a bold evolution in the model’s styling, sharing the same design DNA with other recently launched models in the Lexus line-up. It adds advanced new redesigned powertrains, sophisticated safety technologies, driver aids and welcomes new convenience and technology features to make this the best Lexus sport-utility vehicle offering to date.’
The Lexus RX is available with two engine choices: the RX 350 model comes with a 3.5-litre, V-6 petrol engine mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission, while the RX 450h is equipped with a 3.5-litre, V-6 petrol engine and revised hybrid powertrain components.
Bold and aggressive design with opulent interiors
The front view of the new RX is characterized by an emboldened version of the Lexus brand’s signature spindle grille featuring a chrome-plated border and triple L-shape-LED headlamps. Together with the new front fog light/LED cornering light clusters, the RX’s face exudes an elegant yet futuristic aura.
The new RX’s rear appearance is sharpened, now exuding a sense of chiselled, rock-solid stability with the design highlighted by LED L-shaped taillights that wrap around the sides of the vehicle, creating a wider, more authoritative presence when illuminated. Other new exterior features include flush-fitting headlight washers, panoramic moon roof design, solid roof rails, redesigned Smart Entry System door handles and convenient door handle illumination.
The new RX is offered in 10 exciting colours including 3 newly introduced colours: Graphite Black Glass Flake, Amber Crystal Shine and Deep Blue Mica. All RX models feature a self-restoring coat in the body paint that helps improve scratch resistance, such as from car washes or fingernail marks around the door handles. The RX also offers a choice of 2 different aluminium wheel packages including an 18-inch seven-spoke wheel and a distinct 20-inch wheel set.
The interior carries on the RX’s impeccable balance of functionality and opulence. Having been a signature design trait for Lexus since the very beginning, the seats in the new RX are based on an ergonomic design that puts equal emphasis on comfort and accessibility, elegance and richly appointed surfaces. Five new colours have been added for the leather surfaces that include the seats and door panels—Noble Brown, Rich Cream, Topaz Brown, Dark Rose (F Sport only) and White (F Sport only) giving the interior a chic, classy aura.
With an interior space optimized for five passengers, the new RX’s lowered rear floor section helps provide a seating position comparable to that of the rear-seat passengers in the flagship Lexus LS luxury sedan. New for this model year is the available Touch less Power Back Door, a Lexus first, which allows users to open the rear hatch by placing a hand near the Lexus emblem.
Based upon the concept of Lexus’s Human Machine Interface (HMI) that allows the driver to concentrate on the road ahead with minimal distraction, a feature incorporated into the design of the new-look instrument panel is a large colour Head-Up Display (HUD) system. The redesigned instrument cluster offers the driver instantaneous information with a quick glance at its large and easy-to-read gauge faces.
RX 450h model redefines hybrid power and performance
A paragon of efficiency with plentiful power when needed, the completely reengineered 3.5-litre direct-injected V6 hybrid engine (2GR-FXS) is an evolution of the base six-cylinder drivetrain and produces a combined system output of 308hp at 6,300 rpm with 34.2kg-m of torque at 4,600 rpm. The RX 450h also features newly shaped intake ports and combustion chambers that generate a high degree of tumble inside the cylinders and improve combustion.
The hybrid-powered drivetrain in the all-new Lexus RX is the latest, most advanced iteration of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. Its key components and control systems have been enhanced and reengineered to deliver impressive fuel economy, low emissions and excellent on-road performance that will satisfy the most demanding driving enthusiast. Among other updates to the hybrid system are a design evolution of the Power Control Unit (PCU) and HV Engine Control Unit (ECU) that delivers enhanced energy efficiency, driver-friendly operation and refined performance.
Superb driving experience
Under the RX 350’s hood is an upgraded and more powerful 3.5-litre V-6 engine that brings class-leading levels of performance, fuel efficiency and reduced emissions while delivering prodigious power when summoned by the driver, with smooth and highly refined operating characteristics in normal everyday operation. Power is rated at 296hp mated with a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission to provide excellent punch off the line and robust passing power while maintaining excellent fuel economy. The available Drive Mode Select system allows the driver to choose between distinct drive settings depending upon vehicle model and equipment, which include ECO, NORMAL, SPORT, and SPORT S modes.
Audio/Multimedia Systems
Discerning audiophiles will enjoy the available 15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround System. RX offers an optional 8-inch and 12.3-inch navigation system. The available 8-inch high-definition Thin Film Transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display features a high level of contrasting clarity as well as minimal colour variation when viewed at different angles from either the driver or the front passenger seat. The 12.3-inch system features an Electro Multi Vision (EMV) display with a large high-definition Thin Film Transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display, enhanced Lexus Multimedia with new-look graphics and the handy computer mouse-like Remote Touch Interface. The available rear seat entertainment system now includes dual 11.6-inch screens affixed to the back of the front headrests with tilt mechanism.
Advanced safety technologies with Lexus Safety System+
Lexus has always stressed safety in all of its vehicles, so it should come as no surprise that the new RX has the latest safety innovations to protect its occupants. The Lexus Safety System+ integrates several of the brand’s existing active safety technologies. These include, Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB)/Adaptive High-beam System (AHS).
A plethora of additional vital safety features and technologies are included for all RX models, including 10 SRS airbags, Braking and Traction Control systems that include four-wheel ventilated power-assisted disc brakes, a four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill-start Assist Control to mention a few.
High performance F Sport model
The 2016 RX F SPORT model elevates the sporty image of the RX to an entirely new level. The first thing the driver will notice is the distinctive shape of the spindle grille and the aluminium wheel design, in addition to the exclusive instrumentation cluster that consists of an 8-inch Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that’s characterized by a large, easy-to-read circular gauge that artistically combines a tachometer and a digital speed indicator.
All RX F SPORT models boast excellent handling, thanks in part to the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system and the Active Stabilizer Suspension System. The interior of the RX F SPORT has been styled to match the vehicle’s sporty disposition. The highly supportive quilted seat that is exclusive to the F SPORT, include exclusive interior colour choices such as White and Dark Rose.
The unique perforated leather-wrapped shift lever, 3-spoke sport steering wheel with F SPORT badge, and aluminium interior trim accents, in addition to a drilled non-slip lightweight aluminium accelerator, brake pedals and foot rest, add extra flair to this exciting model’s invigorating character. It also features an optimally tuned sound generator system that provides both the driver and passengers with a sporty and exciting feeling.
The exterior features an exclusive black-out mesh grille, lower spoiler section and satin-finish chrome-plated lower protector with black side mirrors to match the grille. The vehicle’s new front fascia design accentuates a low centre of gravity, as does the new satin-finish chrome plated lower bumper section at the rear of the vehicle. Exclusive multi-spoke 20-inch aluminium alloy wheels and subtle but distinctive F SPORT badging round out its expressive exterior. A total of seven exterior colours are available, including an F SPORT exclusive, White Nova.
Visit the Lexus showroom to explore the all-new 2016 Lexus RX, call 17737773, or www.lexus.com.bh for more information or follow our social media LexusBahrain on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Snap Chat.