LEXUS RX: The lineup comes with a completely new turbocharged performance hybrid and the first plug-in hybrid electric

By Ali Mphaki

The Lexus RX brand switches into the fifth gear with a fresh-faced local line-up comprising four derivatives at launch.

All-new from ground up, the newcomer retains its DNA and resists the temptation to veer away from its basic formula birthed 24 years ago when it pioneered the global luxury SUV market.

Drawing inspiration from the model’s design heritage, the RX team has produced a car that is instantly recognisable, but with a more dynamic, elegant and confident character, what the company refers to as Lexus “next chapter” design.

In line with this philosophy the RX team used high-rigidity foam around the back door aperture to provide lightweight reinforcement; Adopted a twin-latch mechanism for the bonnet to contribute to the overall rigidity of the car’s front end with the most notable being the change of the front wings from steel to aluminium.

No detail is too small: the covers for the fuel filler and the RX 450h+ charging port have been switched from steel to resin.

At the rear there is a new multi-link set-up that is engineered for better lateral stability and handling higher levels of torque

The new line-up comes with a wider choice of powertrains including three electrified options: *RX 500h, Lexus’  first performance-focused turbocharged hybrid, *RX 450h+, the first plug-in hybrid electric for RX, *RX 350h, a new self-charging hybrid electric model, *RX 350, 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine.

The old naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine in the RX 500h has been ditched in favour of a new turbocharged 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder unit, which delivers 205 kW and 430 Nm to all 4 wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The entry-level Lexus RX 350h  powertrain combines an 2.5-litre 4-pot with hybrid components to generate a peak system power figure of 184 kW (Lexus doesn’t quote a torque figure for the hybrid element, though the petrol mill makes 239 Nm). Drive is sent to all 4 corners through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the claimed consumption comes in at 5.4 litres per 100 km.

There’s also the RX 350 F Sport employing the same turbocharged 2.4-litre unit as the standard RX 350 but adding F Sport goodies inside and out. These include a striking body kit (and grille), black 21-inch alloy wheels and model-specific bolstered sports seats.

Indoors, the driver-centred “tazuna” cockpit focuses on giving the driver direct, intuitive control of the vehicle.

The automaker following the principle of ‘hands on the wheel, eyes on the road’ says Lexus optimised the SUV’s fundamentals such as the centre of gravity, weight reduction, rigidity, and powertrain to create a more natural dialogue between car and driver.

What Lexus want us to know is that the car literally shrinks around the driver providing a nimble,agile driving experience.

The RX benefits from an improved Pre-Crash System. It is also available with Lexus’ Safe Exit Assist, a feature which debuted in the all-new NX. Linked to the electronic door release, this system prevents doors being opened into the path of vehicles or cyclists approaching from the rear.T

The RX comes well equipped, with items such as a powered tailgate, LED headlamps (with adaptive high beams), heated/ventilated seats (fore and aft), a heated steering wheel, 10 airbags, a panoramic sunroof, a digital rear-view mirror, adaptive cruise control, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, wireless smartphone charging and adaptive variable suspension all shipping standard.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

CAR AND DRIVER UK:

While other compact luxury crossovers take a sporty approach, the 2024 Lexus RX goes for a soft-riding, relaxed demeanor.

It gets up and goes pretty well, running to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds at our test track, but it fails to inspire spirited driving in the same way rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the Porsche Macan do.

If you’re okay with that, the RX delivers a creamy ride, an upscale cabin, and a luxury presence—which are all traits it has been offering for several generations.

It retails from R1 424 000 to R1 684 000 for the Lexus RX 500h F Sport.

MOTORING:

Briefs

BIGGEST US AUTOWORKERS STRIKE

US autoworkers and the big three US vehicle makers were in a race against time on Thursday to stop the industry’s biggest strike in generations.

With the White House pushing for a resolution, the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the car companies still appeared far apart as a midnight deadline to agree to a new union contract approached.

If the UAW and the car companies, General Motors, Ford and Stellantis, fail to reach agreements for 150,000 workers, thousands could walk out on Friday in planned “stand up” strikes aimed at individual auto plants. It would be the first time workers at all three auto companies have gone on strike.

Under the planned strike strategy, autoworkers would strike suddenly at targeted, individual plants, with additional locations following to pressure the automakers to come to an agreement at the bargaining table. A rally is planned with the UAW and Senator Bernie Sanders in Detroit on Friday to kick off the looming strikes.

CHEAPER TO CHARGE EVs IN INDIA

India ranks as the third most affordable country in the world to charge an EV. Based on research by Australia-based aggregator Compare the Market, Argentina, Malaysia and India were the three most affordable countries in the world to charge an EV, while Denmark, Italy and Germany were among the most expensive.

The research compared the cost of charging for the latest-gen Hyundai Kona EV in 50 different countries around the world, and ranked them based on the cost of electricity used per 100km of driving.

It also calculated how much one would save in fuel costs by driving an EV instead of an ICE vehicle.

The research showed that it costs Rs 231 to fully charge the Kona EV in India; Argentina ranked first at Rs 113, while Malaysia was second at Rs 157.

The countries that followed us with affordable EV charging rates were the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, China and Turkey.-AUTOCAR INDIA

ALFA THE KID

Images of Alfa Romeo’s forthcoming city SUV, which will be smaller than Tonale and debut as the Italian brand’s first EV, have leaked online.

Known internally as ‘the kid’, the new model will be Alfa’s smallest model since the Mito supermini and will share the same e-CMP platform as the Jeep Avenger.

The leaked images were published on Instagram and come months ahead of the small SUV’s official reveal, confirmed for the first half of 2024 – a long way out from today.

Alfa is yet to give the new SUV an official name, although it has confirmed it won’t be called ‘Brennero’ as some European reports have previously suggested.

ONE MORE THING…

DRIVERS of electric vehicles could be set for massive fees because only three per cent of mechanics can deal with basic repairs.

And of the three per cent of grease monkeys who are qualified to work on Electric Vehicles ( EVs), the majority are employed at manufacturer dealerships. 97% of active auto mechanics aren’t qualified to work on electric cars.

The shock findings were revealed in a report by the UK’s Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

There are similar issues on the other side of the Atlantic.

Mechanic Craig Van Batenburg told the Chicago Tribune that there issues over the training needed to repair EVs.

He added that many mechanics had been put off the training courses due to fears of electrocution.He added that many mechanics had been put off the training courses due to fears of electrocution.-The Sun,UK