LEXUS Malaysia has officially brought the fifth-generation RX 350 Luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) with new design elements to Malaysia.
The new designs for the fully imported RX include a new seamless grille at the front, a raised hood front edge and a lower window rear edge to provide a horizontal and low-slung posture.
It comes in the five colour options of Sonic Quartz, Sonic Iridium, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake and Sonic Cooper. All of them are paired with black semi-aniline leather and Black Ash open-pore wood trim.
The choices are based on the "Alluring x Verve" design concept, which focuses on accentuating the form of the vehicle. This is done with the strong shading of metallic colours using Lexus-original sonic technology that is not only made to stand out but changes in tone and colour depending on the lighting and angle.
The cabin continues the Tazuna concept that merges with the Omotenashi-influenced design of cutting-edge technologies. Close attention was paid to the size, shape, layout and information of switches within the cabin space to create a cohesiveness that surrounds the customisable 14-inch centre display.
Built on an enhanced GA-K platform, the new RX sits wider (+25mm) and boasts a longer wheelbase (+60mm).
The electronically controlled full-time all-wheel drive system runs on a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a direct shift eight-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire technology at its heart.
It delivers a maximum power of 279PS at 6,000rpm and maximum 430Nm torque at 3,600rpm.
It has adaptive variable suspension to control the damping force of the shock absorbers on all four 21-inch wheels for added comfort. Active noise control helps to reduce noise within the cabin space.
The new-generation RX also features an improved version of the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+). It also has a digital panoramic view monitor with a live 360-degree view of the vehicle and rear traffic cross alert.
Additionally, it comes equipped with an E-latch system for both inside and outside door handles. Paired with the blind spot monitor with a safe exit assist, it is able to warn the driver of impending vehicles or cyclists approaching from behind the vehicle.
The E-latch will disable, preventing the door from being opened and, thus, reducing an accident risk should the object appear close enough for an imminent "dooring" impact.
The RX 350 Luxury is priced at RM468,888 on the road without insurance and a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.
Meanwhile, coinciding with the launch of the SUV is the opening of the brand's first eco-friendly showroom in Malaysia.
Situated in Bandar Klang, the Lexus Klang showroom by PCM Klang Motor Sdn Bhd aims to make the brand more accessible to all vehicle owners and potential customers.
The place has been developed based on sustainable and eco-friendly values and guidelines. The new showroom is in line with Lexus' commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and is part of the brand's new chapter that includes the continued pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2050.
It is designed with the latest green building technologies and is fitted with sustainable materials that are said to have a longer life span than traditional building materials.
The showroom also features energy-efficient LED lighting and motion sensors to help reduce the building's energy intensity and water usage.