Lexus Manila Inc. launches the New LX and RX

Lexus Manila Inc. recently launched two important models, the refreshed Luxury SUV, the LX and their Luxury Crossover, the RX.

The LX 570 is refreshed with a new look and features that keeps the vehicle in its place as Lexus’ flagship premier Luxury SUV combining overall luxury with true off-road capability. Barely any surface of the New LX was untouched, only the door panels were carried over from the 2015 model. The front end was restyled and the Lexus signature spindle grille, framed by elegant satin chrome trim and complemented by distinctive new standard LED headlights, turn signals, fog lights, and cornering lamps.

This new LX570 gets a new eight-speed automatic transmission which replaces the former six-speed greater performance and efficiency. This system also controls the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which continually adjusts shock absorber damping rates while driving, ensuring optimal comfort even as the road surface changes. There’s an ECO drive mode, which adjusts powertrain responses and air conditioning for fuel-efficient driving; COMFORT optimizes AVS damping to help deliver the smoothest ride possible.

SPORT S mode dials up powertrain response and dials down power steering assist to yield a sportier driving feel, and SPORT S+ mode adds firmer damping control from AVS to prioritize handling agility.

A robust body-on-frame structure gives the LX 570 the ability to deliver a silky smooth ride on pavement, or to take a pounding off-road. Equipped with a Torsen® limited-slip locking center differential provides full-time four-wheel drive. This responds real time to changing conditions, automatically adjusting the torque distribution as needed. Off-road, the driver can lock the center differential for driving over challenging surface conditions.

Inside the LX 570, you get the addition of ventilated middle row seats. Standard equipment is the Climate Concierge which automatically monitors the temperature of the four separate climate zones and adjusts not only the fans, but also the temperature of the seats.

This is the ideal vehicle for getting away from it all while still being entertained and connected. The dual screen Rear Seat Entertainment System has dual 11.6-inch screens instead of 7.0-inch screens. You also get a new 12.3-inch display with Remote Touch Interface (RTI) that keep the LX 570 on the cutting edge.  With the 12.3-inch screen, Navigation gains full-screen map capability. There are menu shortcut buttons on the side of the screen and the screen can be split into two sections to different functions simultaneously, such as navigation, audio and climate control information. The new Remote Touch Knob controller can be used to operate climate control, audio, phone, navigation and more.

The front view of the new RX has Lexus’ signature spindle grille, with a chrome-plated border and triple L-shape-LED headlamps. The L-shaped LED has 18 individual LEDs that surround the headlights and not only act as turn signal indicators.

The LED rear combined L-shaped taillights envelope the tailgate, wrapping forward around the rear fender sections, giving it a powerful and wide stance. The blacked-out C-pillars, make a floating- roof effect never before seen on a Lexus.

Seven colors are avilable: Graphite Black GF (Glass Flake), Amber CS (Crystal Shine), Deep Blue MC (Mica), Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Red Mica CS, and White Nova GF. All RX models feature a highly scratch-resistant self-restoring coat on the body paint using a high-performance macromolecular polymer. The high elasticity of the material helps to improve scratch resistance, such as from car washes or fingernail marks around the door handles, with a high level of gloss retention that helps maintain the initial gloss and color of the paint over a long period.

Stylish aluminum wheel options are available for the RX, including a 20-in. 10-spoke wheel set for the Premier and Hybrid models, and an exclusive 20-in. multi-spoke wheel set for the F- Sport model. Optimized for five passengers, the RX’s lowered rear floor section has a seating position similar to that of the rear-seat passengers in the flagship Lexus LS luxury sedan. It has improved rear cargo space, larger than competing crossovers within the segment with room enough to fit hefty items including up to four large suitcases or multiple golf bags.

New and exclusive on the RX450h is the Touchless Power Back Door, a Lexus first, which opens the rear hatch by placing a hand near the Lexus emblem.

There are two available powertrains, The 3.5-liter direct-injected gasoline V-6 engine (2GR-FKS) puts out 291hp at 6300 rpm with 360Nm of torque at 4700 rpm. Or the completely reengineered 3.5-liter direct-injected V-6 hybrid engine (2GR-FXS) produces a combined system output of 308hp at 6000 rpm with 335Nm of torque at 4600 rpm.

Safety features and technologies for all RX models include SRS airbags; dual-stage and dual-chamber front passenger’s airbag, driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, rear side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers; There’s also the vehicle theft deterrent and engine immobilizer system.

All F SPORT models boast excellent handling, attributed to the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system which adjusts the damping force of the shock absorbers at each wheel in response to surface conditions and driver inputs along with the Active Stabilizer System that suppresses body roll in depending on the road surface. There’s also the sound generator, available on RX350 and RX450h , which enhances the F SPORT driving experience, using air intake pulsations to tune engine sound to produce frequencies that are perceived to be pleasant to the ear during acceleration in the mid- to high-rpm range.

The interior is styled to match the vehicle’s sportiness. The F SPORT has highly supportive quilted seats and Dark Rose is an exclusive interior color. Standard is the perforated leather-wrapped shift lever and three-spoke sport steering wheel with F SPORT badge. Aluminum interior trim accents, drilled non-slip lightweight aluminum accelerator and brake pedals and foot rest add character.

Prices are as follows:

RX450H                  5,978,000

RX350 F Sport       4,938,000

RX350 Premier      4,068,000

LX 570                      7,648,000

Photos by Neil Pagulayan and Lexus Manila Inc.