Fifth generation for the Lexus RX, the most important model for the premium brand of the Toyota group with its 3.5 million units. The new one maintains the same length (4.89 meters) by mixing old and new style elements with more space inside. The cockpit banishes animal skins, but not quality, and embraces the tazuna (horse’s bridle) philosophy for the driver’s seat. Together with the digital instrumentation and the head-up display there is the 14 ”touch screen of the new telematics system: more powerful, upgradeable over-the-air, with cloud maps, but with only wireless Carplay. It also completes the safety and comfort equipment, with an automatic parking system capable of learning three usual parking spaces. The new RX weighs 90 kg less, has a 15 mm lower center of gravity and has three hybrid systems, all with 4-cylinder petrol engines. The first is a 245 hp “full”, the second is a 306 hp plug-in with 18.1 kWh rechargeable battery for an electric range of at least 65 km and CO2 emissions of 24-26 g / km of CO2. The third, on the other hand, is completely new because the thermal unit is a 2.4-liter turbo, coupled to an electric motor and a 6-speed automatic gearbox while for the rear wheels there is an 80 kW electric. The total power is 371 hp for a 0-100 km / h in 6 seconds, but above all a sporty response to the accelerator and driving dynamics enhanced by electrification, electronically controlled suspension and 4-wheel steering are expected. For the two “full” versions there is also a newly designed battery, with bipolar Ni-Mh. The arrival is expected at the end of the year, but it can be booked with 300 euros by taking the Omotenashi package at a bargain price which includes, among the other things, 21 ”wheels and home pick-up and delivery.
The three hybrid formulas of the fifth generation of the Lexus RX SUV
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