All-New 2015 Lexus RX pricing and specification announced

Lexus’ all-new fourth generation RX crossover has arrived in Australia, bringing a dramatic new shift in design compared to previous models and the nameplate’s first ever turbocharged petrol engine.

The local line-up is the most comprehensive of any Lexus market in the world, with the range featuring the RX 200t, RX 350 and RX 450h variants in varying grade levels.

Since its introduction in Australia in 2003, the Lexus RX has achieved a strong customer base with nearly 30,000 units sold. It has contributed the most of all Lexus models to the brand’s sales volume, accounting for between 30 and 40 per cent of total sales.

Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley said the new RX built on the success of the previous generations while also broadening buyer appeal through the introduction of a new turbo model and providing increased interior space.

“The RX has been a significant vehicle for Lexus globally but also here in Australia since we introduced it to the local market in 2003,” Mr Hanley said.

“This new, fourth-generation RX takes the midsize luxury SUV to new levels with the new RX 200t model and dynamic styling, high standard specification and a new luxury interior.

“The longer wheelbase also means there is more space for rear occupants, increasing its overall comfort levels.”

Opening the range is the new RX 200t priced from $73,000 plus on-roads. The new entry-level model is the latest Lexus model to utilise the company’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine since its debut on the smaller NX 200t crossover. The new engine has since been rolled out to other models in the Lexus line-up, including the IS, GS and RC.

The turbo four develops 175kW and 350Nm – a substantial 38kW increase in power and a full 100Nm more torque than the naturally aspirated four cylinder engine it replaces in the RX 270. The engine drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission and has an average rated fuel economy figure of 9.2L/100km.

The RX 200t is available in the base Luxury grade and can be specified with multiple enhancement packs that offer additional luxury, convenience and safety features.

Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley said the addition of RX 200t to the Lexus line-up made for an ideal entry point to the new RX Line.

“The Lexus two-litre turbo engine has already been recognised for its great performance and efficiency in our NX small crossover SUV,” Mr Hanley said.

“It will also be perfectly matched to the well-balanced RX in a package that offers a high level of standard specification with a competitive price point.

“We are confident both existing and new customers will appreciate the many benefits of RX 200t,” he said.

The mid range RX 350 features an upgraded 3.5-litre direct injection V6 that develops 221kW and 370Nm – 15kW and 24Nm more than the previous generation – and drives all four wheels via an eight-speed transmission. Its rated average fuel economy figure mimics that of the RX 200t at 9.2L/100km.

Priced from $80,000 plus on-roads, the RX 350 is available in Luxury, F Sport or Sports Luxury grade levels.

Sitting at the top of the line-up is the RX 450h hybrid with a sticker of $88,000 plus on-roads for the Luxury trim. Its petrol-electric powertrain develops 230kW and 335Nm of combined system power – a 10kW increase over the previous generation RX 450h – and drives all four wheels via a CVT transmission. Average fuel economy is said to have improved by 9.5 per cent to 5.7L/100km.

RX 450h is also available in Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury grades.

The new Lexus RX Line is well specified throughout, and includes a number of Lexus firsts. In a world-first, Sports Luxury models feature wheels with coloured inserts.

Sports Luxury and F Sport grade models feature the Lexus firsts of sequential LED front indicators, and laser-cut aluminium and wood-look interior ornamentation.

Twenty-inch GAE E medium-grey alloy wheels are segment firsts as standard equipment, as are Lane Keeping Assist, wireless charger and power folding rear seats.

All models have powered and air conditioned front seats with memory, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Pre-Collision Safety System, All-Speed Active Cruise Control, Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management, rear-view camera, touch-screen satellite navigation*, power steering-column adjustment and power back door with emblem sensor.

Standard equipment across the grades also includes 20-inch alloy wheels, auto tyre-pressure sensor, LED head lamps, fog lamps and daytime running lamps, rear fog lamps, roof rails, rear privacy glass, electronic parking brake, powered and auto heated exterior mirrors with memory, dual exhausts, temporary spare wheel, auto high beam and rain-sensing wipers.

Inside, all RX models have power-operated leather-accented seats with memory, at least 12 speakers in the audio system, Drive Mode Select, Smart Entry/Smart Start, third-generation Lexus Remote Touch, nanoe E technology and wireless charger.

2015 Lexus RX pricing (excluding on-roads)

2015 Lexus RX Specification 

RX 200t Luxury standard specification:
• 10-way power front seats
• leather-accented seats
• 12-speaker audio system with DAB+ digital radio tuner#
• heated and ventilated front seats
• wireless charger
• 20-inch medium grey alloy wheels
• power rear door with emblem touch control
• three-mode Drive Mode Select
• eight-inch high definition display with satellite navigation^
• power adjustable steering column
• electrochromatic interior mirror
• rain-sensing windscreen wipers
• automatic heated exterior mirrors
• tyre pressure monitoring
• rear privacy glass
• reversing camera with back guide monitor
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• clearance and back parking sonar
• smart entry and start
• Lexus Safety System+ (includes Pre-Collision Safety System, Lane Keeping Assist, All-speed Active Cruise control and Automatic High Beam)

RX 350 F Sport specification, offering in addition to Luxury variant:
• 12.3-inch high definition multimedia display
• 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system
• adaptive variable suspension
• five-mode Drive Mode Select
• dynamic headlight levelling
• F Sport interior and exterior styling package (front and rear bumper, seats, grille, pedals, steering wheel and gear shift knob)
• sport tuned electronic power steering
• VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
• smart key card
• panoramic view back monitor
• panoramic moonroof with sliding roof
• sequential LED front indicator
• sequential LED rear indicator
• head-up display
• adaptive high beam system
• headlight cleaner
• intake sound generator
• LED high grade headlamps
• LED high grade tail lamps
• sunshade on rear passenger doors

RX 350 Sports Luxury builds on the RX 350 F Sport specification by adding the following:
• 20-inch alloy wheels with selectable colour inserts
• 14-way power adjustable seats
• heated rear seats
• power folding rear seats
• luxury front seats
• laser cut ornamentation
• laser cut ornamentation steering wheel trim