Lexus Launches Revised RX and NX SUV Ranges for 2019

Lexus’s premium SUV models have been primed for 2019 with new equipment grades and revised specifications that respond directly to customer preferences. The changes reassert the quality and breadth of appeal of the models, which are now all self-charging hybrids with all-wheel drive.

Lexus RX

The RX heads into the New Year with another honour to its name – judged Best Large Hybrid Car in the first DrivingElectric Awards.

Vicky Parrott, Associate Editor of the new DrivingElectric consumer news and reviews website, said: “The RX is an attractive option with its eye-catching looks, luxury and refinement, and it will appeal to buyers who want a car that’s more eco-friendly than a diesel SUV.”

The qualities that clinched the award for the RX remain firmly in place as the model moves to Lexus’s new range structure of three core grades for 2019, RX, F Sport and Takumi, giving customers a more focused choice. These trims are supported by generous option packs that allow for combinations of extra style, comfort, safety and technology features to be added with ease.

With the rationalisation of the range, Lexus has taken the opportunity to further enhance equipment specifications and options at each level, reinforcing the RX’s position as its flagship SUV.

Across the complete range, Lexus Safety System+ is fitted as standard, providing active safety systems that help prevent or mitigate collisions in the most common traffic accident scenarios. Elements include a Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Sway Warning System, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic High Beam/Adaptive High-beam System.

Key features of the entry-level RX model include 18-inch alloy wheels, smooth leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, eight-inch Lexus Navigation, DAB, front and rear parking sensors and Smart Entry.

Three option packs are now available for the RX. The Sport Pack provides 20-inch black alloy wheels, black spindle grille and black door mirror casings. The Premium Pack introduces 20-inch alloys, 12.3-inch Lexus Navigation, triple-eye LED headlamps, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated steering wheel, power tailgate and wireless smartphone charger.

The Tech and Safety Pack (offered only in conjunction with the Premium Pack on the RX) adds a colour head-up display, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Intelligent Clearance Sonar and automatic braking, auto-folding/auto-dimming door mirrors, power tailgate with no-touch sensor and a panoramic roof. This pack can also be selected for the RX F Sport.

The revised F Sport equipment list includes a heated steering wheel and power tailgate with hands-free sensor operation, in addition to established features such as F Sport spindle grille, aluminium pedal set, F Sport seats and steering wheel and Adaptive Variable Suspension.

At the top of the range, the RX Takumi gains a new power-folding function for the rear seats; the rear seats also have integrated heaters. Other differentiating features include a 15-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system, colour head-up display, 360-degree panoramic view monitor, semi-aniline leather upholstery, 10-way power front seat adjustment, memory settings for the front seats, steering wheel and door mirrors, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with automatic braking and triple-eye LED headlights with Adaptive High-beam System.

The new Takumi Pack option for the RX F Sport includes the Tech and Safety Pack content, adding power-folding rear sets, heated rear seats, Mark Levinson audio system, 360-degree panoramic view camera, card key and a panoramic roof.

The seven-seat RX L also adopts the new grade names, with the SE, Luxury and Premier replaced by RX L and Takumi.

The RX retains the same smooth, refined and highly efficient self-charging Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain, featuring a 3.5-litre direct injection V6 petrol engine and compact yet powerful electric motor. As a full hybrid system, it allows for all-electric, zero emission EV driving when conditions permit. Using the Drive Mode Select system, the driver can prioritise eco or sportier performance to suit their preference, with the hybrid system intelligently and seamlessly deploying the engine and electric motor individually or in combination.

Full system output is 308bhp (230kW), giving the RX nought to 62mph acceleration in 7.7 seconds; combined cycle fuel economy (WLTP data) is from 35.15 to 37.39mpg with CO₂ emissions from 132g/km (NEDC correlated figure). An additional electric motor on the rear axle equips the SUVs with Lexus’s E-Four all-wheel drive capability.

RX range, option packs and prices

Lexus NX

The Lexus NX mid-size SUV follows the same pattern as the RX for 2019, with new NX, F Sport and Takumi grades, with specifications tailored to meet the preferences and requirements of customers.

At the entry point to the range, the NX is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, Lexus Safety System+, heated front seats with Tahara upholstery and eight-inch Lexus Navigation. New options are the 10-inch Lexus Navigation, with larger display and enhanced functionality, and Sport Pack, adding wheels with a bronze/machined finish, black spindle grille and black door mirror casings.

The NX F Sport has added a steering wheel heater to its specification. Other items include F Sport-dedicated 18-inch alloys, exterior styling details, steering wheel and front seats with leather upholstery. The model also comes with a power tailgate, wireless charging tray and triple-beam LED headlights.

The new NX Takumi builds on the previous NX Premier model’s specification with the addition of a panoramic roof as standard. It also provides heated and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree panoramic view camera, head-up display, card key leather upholstery, 14-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. A sunroof can be added as an option.

Customers can raise the level of luxury in their NX model with a Premium Pack option that adds Smart entry, parking assist sensors, rear privacy glass, the 10-inch Lexus Navigation, LED front fog and cornering lights, a heated steering wheel, power tailgate and a wireless charger. Choosing the Premium Pack also allows customers to specify smooth leather upholstery and a panoramic roof for their vehicle.

For the NX F Sport there is a Takumi Pack, comprising Adaptive Variable Suspension, the Mark Levinson audio package, panoramic view monitor, head-up display, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a panoramic roof or sunroof.

With the introduction of the 2019 NX, all models in the range now feature all-wheel drive, using Lexus’s compact and efficient E-Four system.

NX range, option packs and prices

ENDS