Lexus premiered its new luxury crossover, the RX, online to the globe on June 1st Japan Time.
Since our establishment in 1989, Lexus has always maintained a spirit of innovation and continues to take on the challenge of providing new technologies and value to its customers. Based on the “Lexus Electrified” vision announced in 2019, we will achieve a significant improvement in fundamental performance using electrification technologies and provide electrified vehicle solutions such as HEVs and PHEVs. By 2030, we will achieve a full lineup of BEVs in all categories, and by 2035, we aim to sell 100% BEVs globally, contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
The original RX 300 pioneered a new segment―the luxury crossover―when it debuted in North America in 1998. Building upon this, in 2005, Lexus launched its first HEV model, the RX400h, the world’s first hybrid luxury crossover. As a pioneer of electric vehicles, we have always pursued both excellent driving performance and environmental performance, and from 1998 to the end of April 2022, we have sold a cumulative (provisional) total of approximately 3.5 million vehicles in approximately 95 countries and regions. As a Lexus core model, it has evolved with the support of many customers around the world.
The new RX, now in its fifth generation, is a pioneer in the luxury crossover market and has undergone a complete renewal because it is a core model of Lexus.
The first challenge was to create a car that was fun to drive and one that could have dialogue with the driver. The “Lexus Driving Signature” evolves even further by thoroughly improving the vehicle’s fundamentals, while maintaining the refined ride and high level of quietness that are the origins of the Lexus brand.
Following the RZ, DIRECT4 all-wheel drive force system using electrification technology is available on the new RX500h F SPORT Performance. This precise four-wheel drive control works in conjunction with a newly developed hybrid electric system to maximize the front and rear wheel grip and provide posture control. With DIRECT4, drivers will notice an invigorating, direct, and torque-filled driving experience. In addition, a variety of powertrains are now available. The RX will fulfill its mission as a global core model that contributes to the realization of a carbon-neutral society, while staying close to the increasingly diversified needs and lifestyles of customers.
The second challenge was to transform the design. For the exterior design, Lexus takes on the challenge of creating a unique identity through the use of the “spindle body”, which provides ample cooling functionality with a powerful design style that conveys the new driving experience. The interior design is based on the human-centered Tazuna concept, which aims to create a driver’s seat that allows a deeper and more intuitive connection between car and driver for exhilarating driving, as well as a spacious and comfortable passenger space.