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New fifth-gen Lexus RX SUV announced

Derryn Wong
01/06/2022
2022 Lexus RX - CarBuyer Singapore

Lexus’ large SUV, the RX, gets new styling and platform, RX 500h performance model, estimated Singapore arrival end 2022


Japan – Lexus has announced the fifth-generation of its large sport utility vehicle (SUV), the RX. Running on the new Toyota GA-K platform and using the new-gen drivetrain choices that debuted on the NX midsize SUV, the car also brings updated ‘spindle body’ styling, and more technology to one of the most historically successful Lexus models. 

2022 Lexus RX - CarBuyer Singapore - RX450+ rear view
2022.03.28

There will be a gasoline RX 350, full hybrid RX 350h, plug-in hybrid EV RX 450+, and in a first for Lexus, a sportier hybrid model, named the RX 500h F Sport Performance which looks to be positioned similarly to an Audi S or BMW M Performance model. 

2022 Lexus RX - CarBuyer Singapore - RX500h frontal view
The Lexus RX500h is a high-performance model that’s a new addition to the Lexus model lineup

The new car replaces the fourth-gen model that debuted in 2015 and was facelifted in 2018. There is no official word on arrival or pricing of the new RX for Singapore, but we expect it to reach our shores by the end of this year. 

2022 Lexus RX - CarBuyer Singapore - Sonic Copper rear view

If you’re wondering about that eye-catching paintjob in our lead image, it’s an all-new colour named ‘Sonic Copper’.

New platform and expanded footprint

2022 Lexus RX - CarBuyer Singapore - GA-K platform
The Lexus RX runs on the GA-K platform that also underpins the Lexus ES

The new RX runs the TNGA-based GA-K platform, which also underpins the Toyota Camry and the Lexus ES. The new platform sees an increase in stiffness and rigidity, 

Lexus says the overall centre of gravity is 15mm lower, plus widened tread for the front (15mm) and rear (45mm), which should give neater handling if the current Lexus IS is anything to go by. Overall weight is reduced by up to 90kg and weight distribution is supposedly improved too. 

2022 Lexus RX - CarBuyer Singapore - GA-K platform
Material choice and engineering techniques account for the improvements to the platform

Compared to before the RX is the same lenght (4,890mm vs 4,890mm), slightly taller (1,695mm vs 1,685mm*) and quite a bit wider (1,920mm vs 1,895mm). The wheelbase sees a significant increase of 60mm, going from 2,790mm to 2, 850mm, which should translate to more interior space. Currently there has been no mention of a seven-seat model – the fourth-gen saw an RX L model with seven-seats. 

*Depending on exact spec. Previous RX was 1,685mm to 1,705mm depending on wheel size 

Lexus debuts ‘spindle body’ styling 

2022 Lexus RX - CarBuyer Singapore - Rx 450 + Spindle Body Grille
‘Spindle body’ styling incorporates the spindle grille motif into the body

Lexus has opted for lower, longer, and wider dimensions the better to emphasise the sleek styling. Lexus doesn’t term this a coupe-SUV, but it sure looks like one. 

The dramatic plunge of the rear roofline is best seen in the blacked-out C-pillar section which has a chrome strip above it. 

2022 Lexus RX - CarBuyer Singapore - RX 450+ - rear view

We’re now quite used to the Lexus spindle grille design signature, a nod to parent company Toyota’s beginnings as a loom-maker. The RX introduces ‘spindle body’ where the grille is no longer discretely-styled or clearly delineated, but blends into the body on the upper section. 

2022 Lexus RX - CarBuyer Singapore - RX 450+ front view

Above that, the top of the bonnet/end of grille also projects outwards and upwards far more, giving the car a more ‘hammerhead’ look. You can also see the spindle motif in the styling of the rear surface, and just like the NX there’s a light strip with ‘LEXUS’ spelt out below it. 

The current Lexus NX previews a lot of tech we’ll also see on the RX

Updated drivetrains: Turbo, hybrid, PHEV

Lexus RX 350 drivetrain : Petrol-only with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, AWD optional

The new RX uses similar drivetrain tech as seen on the newest NX midsize SUV. You can read our Singapore reviews of the NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450+ here. 

Four RX drivetrain variants have been announced. Lexus has not announced specific performance details just yet, but expect them to be close to the related NX drivetrain models. 

RX 350 : Comes with the T24A-FTS 2.4-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox. Available as a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive model. Expect 275hp and 430Nm and 0-100km/j in around eight seconds, slightly less for the AWD model. 

2022 Lexus RX 350h drivetrain: 2.5-litre non-turbo engine, full hybrid, battery pack at the rear, electric motor driving rear wheels

RX 350h : Full hybrid model with the 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine as seen in the NX 350h and RAV4 Hybrid. This will have around 240hp and 316Nm, and expect acceleration to be around the nine second mark for 0-100km/h. 

2022 Lexus RX 450+ drivetrain: 2.5-litre non-turbo engine, dual electric motors, lithium ion battery pack in floor of vehicle
2022 Lexus RX 450+ drivetrain: 2.5-litre non-turbo engine, dual electric motors, lithium ion battery pack in floor of vehicle

RX 450+ : Plug-in hybrid EV model with 2.5-litre non-turbo engine, dual motors, electric all-wheel drive, lithium ion battery with 18.1kWh capacity. Electric drive range and charging time are not revealed yet. 

Page 2: Lexus has made a rival to Audi S and BMW MPA cars with the first RX 500h F Sport Performance model

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Tags:

Hybrid large Lexus luxury PHEV rx rx350 RX350h RX450+ RX500h SUV

About the Author

Derryn Wong

CarBuyer's former chief editor was previously the editor for Top Gear Singapore and a presenter for CNA's Cruise Control motoring segment.

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