Lexus has just revealed the 5th generation Lexus RX SUV.

This is a completely reinvented model, opening a major new chapter for this iconic SUV. The pioneering RX has become a Lexus bestseller over the last two decades. With more than 3.5 million units sold worldwide since its introduction in 1998 – of which 300,000 in Europe – this 5th generation RX is pivotal to the brand’s future ‘Lexus Electrified’ strategy.

Koji Sato, President of Lexus International: “For the all-new RX we were determined to keep the Lexus DNA of supreme quality, ride comfort and refinement and elevate the driving experience to the next level, delivering a unique Lexus driving signature”.

Together with the recently launched NX and newly revealed RZ, RX will help build the ‘Next Chapter’ of the Lexus brand. These three models represent the strongest offensive yet in the D-E Premium SUV market, the heart of Lexus’ business.

Lexus has further developed its new ‘Next Chapter’ design language for the new RX. This includes a new ‘spindle body’ that was achieved by integrating the spindle concept into the entire front of the vehicle. The RX team also found inspiration in the rich RX design heritage. The result is a car that is instantly recognisable as RX, but with a more dynamic, elegant and confident character.

Inside, the driver-centred ‘Tazuna’ cockpit focuses on giving the driver direct, intuitive control of the vehicle, following the principal of ‘hands on the wheel, eyes on the road’. It also improves the driving experience, with its intuitive and clean layout, enhanced by a new 14″ touchscreen.

alongside the RX 500h performance hybrid, Lexus also presents the RX 350 with a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering higher performance than the current model.

To craft the new RX’s bespoke ‘Lexus Driving Signature’, Lexus optimised the SUV’s fundamentals such as the centre of gravity, inertia specifications, weight reduction, rigidity, and powertrain to create a more natural dialogue between car and driver. The improved handling and responsiveness come from an enhanced GA-K platform that delivers excellent body rigidity and a low centre of gravity.

Leveraging Lexus’ world-class safety technology, the RX offers the 3rd-generation Lexus Safety System+, with improved Pre-Collision System, new Proactive Driver Assist and Extended Safety Package. The RX also features the latest multimedia platform with Hey Lexus Smart Voice Assistant and the Lexus Link app.

To make the cabin more driver-centred, Lexus developed the Tazuna cockpit concept. Introduced first on the new NX and RZ, it is now adopted for the new RX. Taking its name from the Japanese word for ‘reins of a horse’, Tazuna focuses on direct yet intuitive control. In the cockpit, information sources like the multimedia screen, multi-information display, single-dial meter, centralised gauges and head-up display are grouped so their content can be read with minimal eye and head movement.

“A powerful blend of Tazuna cockpit design and luxury SUV spaciousness, with materials like high-quality leathers and Takumi-crafted suede embossed with the Lexus ‘L’, is exactly the kind of bespoke look we aimed for when designing this new interior,” explains RX Interior Designer Jota Kusakari.

The designers sought to create a minimalist, yet intuitive and thoughtful interior space using the highest quality materials. The front seats have been redesigned to offer top-class accessibility, excellent support and heating/ventilation. To provide proper ergonomic support around the waist, a concave shape was created in the seat sides.

A significant highlight of the new RX is the availability of an animal-free leather interior, created in response to growing demand from vegan and other eco-conscious consumers. This means that on Comfort Grade not only seats, but also the steering wheel and shift-knob, are covered with synthetic leather. Here customers can choose between Black and Ammonite Sand.

An expression of the Lexus ‘Omotenashi’ hospitality, the ‘Lexus Mood Selector’ feature allows occupants to tailor the RX’s ambient lighting from a palette of 64 colours and 14 bespoke themes.

The new Lexus RX offers both ample luggage space and five luxury seats with excellent legroom. Thanks to the increased couple distance (1010 mm, +10 mm vs. previous model), newly designed seats and more intelligent packaging, Lexus were able to make the RX feel roomier inside.

By lowering the loading height by 30 mm it is easier to use. Thanks to intelligent tailgate design, the luggage compartment is now 50 mm longer. This extra length helps accommodate bulkier objects, whilst the 40:20:40 split rear seats can accommodate for items like skis or surfboards.

The new e-latch system electronically controls the door operation, making them smoother and more convenient to use.

This all new Lexus RX will arrive in Malaysia showrooms before the end of 2022.