The RX L: Europe’s First Seven-Seat Lexus Model

Luxury and enhanced flexibility

• Cabin seats up to seven people in three rows of seats
• Power-folding third row seats, leather upholstery and tri-zone climate control as standard
• Available with smart power tailgate
• Available with self-charging hybrid powertrain (RX 450hL) in Western and Central Europe from May 2018 and with V6 petrol engine (RX 350L) in Eastern European markets from February 2018
• First European appearance at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show
• Details of the UK RX L model range and specifications will be confirmed nearer the RX L’s on-sale date

The addition of a new RX L model to the Lexus RX range offers owners significantly more space on board, thanks to the provision of a third row of seats, making this the first seven-seat Lexus to be sold in Europe. The RX created the luxury crossover segment 20 years ago and has remained one of the luxury brand’s best-selling global models. The new RX L retains the stylish lines of the current RX, but benefits from increased length and highly adept interior packaging to provide accommodation for up to seven passengers.

Function and Fashion

The new RX L gives Lexus customers the option of an additional row of (two) seats, without compromising the sleek styling and easy manoeuvrability that are valued qualities of the standard-form RX. Lexus has extended the RX’s body length by 110mm at the rear and used a steeper tailgate window angle to secure comfortable leg and headroom for third-row passengers and generous, versatile luggage space.

The seven-seat version has a 40:20:40 split bench-type seat in the second row. Access to the third row is made easy, with just the pull of a lever required to slide the second row seats forwards.

The RX L has a longer load space floor behind its third row seats than its competitors, offering more versatile storage.

The two third row seats have been designed to offer the same comfort and luxury as those in the second row. The second row bench is in fact set slightly higher than the third row, creating more foot room for rear passengers. The seats are finished with leather upholstery and occupants benefit from separate air conditioning controls and vents. For extra convenience, the rear-most seats can have a power folding function and smart power tailgate is also available (simply placing a hand near the Lexus emblem opens the tailgate).

The load floor behind the folded third-row has a flat surface for easy loading. Other convenience details include a pair of third‑row cupholders, an easily stowable tonneau cover and covered slide rails.

Lexus Signature Design

The Lexus RX L benefits from the same award-winning safety, style, luxury, and performance as its counterpart five-seat RX models. The trend-setting combination of SUV versatility and luxury saloon-like comfort comes packaged in the brand’s dramatic styling mix of sharp creases and curves. The Lexus signature spindle grille has an elegant chrome-plated surround, flanked (on higher grade versions) by triple L-shaped LED headlights.

The blacked‑out rear pillars create a floating-roof effect, while the rear-end design picks up the spindle theme, with L‑shaped LED taillights enveloping the tailgate and wrapping into the rear wings. All RX paint colours have a scratch-resistant, self-restoring finish, using high-performance macromolecular polymer.

Lexus Safety

In the RX L, the full-length side curtain airbags cover all three rows.

The Lexus Safety System+ (which will be standard for most markets) includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic High Beam and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Other features available (according to model grade) include a Blind Spot Monitor, Panoramic View Monitor, Intelligent Parking Sensors, Rear Cross Traffic Braking and an Adaptive High-beam System.

The RX L has a top five-star rating from the independent safety testing organisation Euro NCAP.

RX 450hL

The self-charging Lexus Hybrid Drive system in the RX 450hL pairs a D4-S injection 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators, producing a full system output of 308bhp/230kW for strong acceleration and overtaking performance.

The E-Four all-wheel drive system is unique to the hybrid model. Instead of transfer gears and a driveshaft to the rear wheels, it uses an independent rear-mounted electric motor to drive the rear wheels when driving conditions demand.

RX 350L

The RX 350L is powered by a 3.5‑litre V6 with advanced D-4S fuel injection, which combines direct and port fuel injection systems. To maximise efficiency, Variable Valve Timing with intelligence Wide (VVT‑iW) is used on the intake camshaft, along with VVT‑i on the exhaust camshaft, allowing the engine to switch between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles.

Output figures are 290bhp/216kW and 358Nm of torque; performance and efficiency are optimised by an eight-speed automatic transmission. Using Drive Mode Select, the driver can exert more control by choosing from up to four driving modes. Normal mode provides an ideal everyday balance of performance and energy conservation; Sport/Sport+ modes put an edge on powertrain responsiveness; and Eco mode operates the powertrain at its most efficient level.

The RX 350L is available with Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel drive. Under normal cruising conditions, the system engages front-wheel drive to help reduce fuel consumption.

Continuously taking input from various sensors (such as wheel speed, engine rpm, steering angle, throttle opening angle and yaw rate), Dynamic Torque Control AWD actively governs torque distribution to the rear wheels using an electromagnetically controlled coupling in the rear differential. When the vehicle is accelerating, the system automatically shifts to all-wheel drive to help prevent front-wheel slippage. While cruising, the system reverts to front-wheel drive, and when sensors detect wheel slip, it can vary front to rear torque distribution from 100:0 to 50:50. The 4.2”-inch TFT multi-information display presents the torque-distribution status in real time (front to rear, and side to side).

Ride and Handling

Everyone on board the RX L will experience the same luxuriously smooth, quiet ride as the in the five-seat RX. Front strut and rear double-wishbone suspension systems ensure agility and exemplary ride compliance over all types of surfaces. Electric power steering yields a light and comfortable steering feel with excellent feedback. On higher grade models, the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) adjusts the damping force according to road surface conditions.

Impeccable Cabin Design and Luxury

The cabin is designed with impeccable details, including form-fitting seats and, on higher grade models, a richly finished wood trim that curves gently up from the centre console towards the glove box.

Interior ornamentation options include Matt Bamboo, Walnut, Dark Brown Shimamoku, 3D Film and Laser Cut Dark Wood. For the 3D Film, a glossy black three-dimensional embossed pattern is applied to create a high-quality design with a sense of depth.

A full-colour head-up display is available, projecting key information and data on the windscreen, so that the driver can keep their attention on the road ahead.

Multimedia Powerhouse

From powerful audio to cutting-edge displays, the multimedia choices available for Lexus RX L cover all needs. The standard display audio system includes an eight-inch screen, AM/FM Radio, Bluetooth, voice recognition microphone, micro SD card slot, an AUX mini jack, two USB ports and 12 speakers. USB ports located in the middle row allow passengers to use and charge their own multimedia devices with ease.

Higher grade models can be specified with an 835‑watt, 15‑speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround System. Its advanced Clari‑Fi™ compressed music restoration technology instils new life into digital music files.

The RX L will also be available with a 12.3 inch high-resolution split-screen multimedia display. This can provide a full-screen navigation map, or simultaneous access to audio or climate controls and other vehicle systems. Operation is by means of the Lexus’s intuitive Remote Touch Interface.

Options for the RX 450hL include heated/ventilated front and heated second row seats, a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Braking.

Outline technical and equipment specifications

RX 450h L

Lexus Hybrid Drive with 3.5-litre V6 engine, Motor Generator 1, Motor Generator 2 and a planetary-type electronic continuously variable transmission.

Total system power 308bhp/230kW

Standard E-Four all-wheel drive with independent rear electric motor-generator

37kW nickel metal hydride (Ni‑MH) hybrid battery

RX 350L

3.5-litre V6 engine.

Max. power 290bhp/216kW

Max. torque 358Nm

Eight-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i)

Available with Active Torque Control all-wheel drive

Chassis/Body/Suspension/ Brakes/Tyres

A number of cutting-edge technologies enhance structural rigidity, including high-tech body adhesives and laser screw welding; liberal use of high-tensile strength steel throughout the vehicle, and an annular frame construction process for strengthened frame sections around the front and rear doors.

20-inch aluminium alloy wheels with 235/55R20 tyres

Safety

Lexus Safety System+ includes Pre-Collision System, Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic High Beam and All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Braking are also available.

Ten SRS airbags including dual-stage and dual-chamber driver and front passenger airbags; driver and front passenger knee airbags; front side airbags; rear side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats.

Four-sensor, Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake force Distribution, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control and Hill-start Assist Control.

Smart Stop Technology automatically reduces engine power when there is simultaneous application of the brake pedal and accelerator pedal under certain conditions.

Active front head restraints help to reduce the severity of a whiplash injury in the event of certain types of lower speed rear collisions.

Panoramic View Monitor (optional)

Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience

10-way power front seats with power lumbar adjustment

Acoustic glass windscreen

Customisable vehicle settings, including personal door-lock preferences, interior/exterior light adjustments, driver’s seat Easy Exit, and window closure settings

Tri-zone automatic climate control with interior air filter

Leather upholstery

Leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with integrated audio controls

Lexus Display Audio with eight-inch colour multimedia display and 12 speakers

Power-folding third row seats

Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column adjustment

Smart Access with push-button Start/Stop

RX 450hL features additional standard equipment, including integrated navigation, 12-speaker audio system, heated/ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel.

Luxury Options (Highlights)

Power sunroof, 20-inch wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, semi-aniline leather upholstery, 15-speaker Mark Levinson® Surround Sound system, smart power tailgate and Lexus Premium Navigation with 12.3-inch display, Remote Touch controller, advanced voice control, DAB, wireless charger and more.