Lexus Unveils New RX450hL SUV In India
Lexus India has unveiled the all-new RX450hL luxury SUV, revealing evolutionary changes to the brand’s core model which helped establish the luxury SUV segment globally when it was first introduced in 1998. The RX is available for booking from October 2019. Now in its fourth generation, the car boasts of additional third-row seating, and an elegant and dynamic exterior, combined with a highly functional interior. The new model is priced at INR 99,00,000 (Ex-showroom New Delhi).
The RX 450hL exterior retains a powerful appearance, while the character line that runs from the front of the vehicle to the rear has been improved, giving the RX’s overall appearance exceptional flow and consistency. The result is an elegant, dynamic exterior that emphasizes Lexus’ new design language. The BS-VI compliant, 3.5-liter engine of the new RX 450hL allows a dynamic driving experience and better performance. The V6 Atkinson Cycle engine features Dual VVT-i and advanced D-4S fuel injection system to deliver exhilarating performance with outstanding drivability, excellent fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions.
With the new RX 450hL, Lexus continues to stay committed to self-charging hybrid electric vehicles. Speaking on the launch, P B Venugopal, President, Lexus India, said “RX 450hL is a self-charging hybrid electric vehicle that offers luxury, space, quietness, craftsmanship and elevates the senses with every moment of the journey. The improved technology, design, and attractive pricing will surely make RX 450hL a desirable car for our discerning guests. We take the introduction of the new RX as our continued commitment to the Indian market and valued addition to our existing line of offerings.”
One of the biggest changes to RX is the enhancements that contribute to driving pleasure resulting from changes to the suspension and increased body rigidity. Lexus Chief Engineer Takeaki Kato was determined to deliver pleasurable driving experience through agile handling and exhilarating driving pleasure. The improved handling creates a unity with the vehicle through its steering response and rides comfort. It was realized by making a lightweight, high rigidity body structure from hot-stamp, high-tensile steel, and aluminum, with strategically positioned reinforcements, the extensive use of spot welds and body adhesives, and advanced production technologies including laser screw welding. RX features Active Cornering Assist (ACA) which results in a truly linear steering feel, allowing the RX to accurately trace the desired driving line in all types of conditions. The redesigned RX’s shock absorbers are now equipped with a new Friction Control Device (FCD) which further reduces high- frequency vibrations caused by minute road surface imperfections. The shock absorbers also enable the RX to conduct flat cornering and achieve exceptional responsiveness.
RX450hL boasts of a comfortable theater-style seating that allows excellent visibility to occupants in each successive row. The futuristic design of the distinctive 3-eye, energy-efficient L-shaped LED lamps with integrated LED DRL creates a signature Lexus arrowhead-shaped illumination. The advanced LED turn signal lamps illuminate sequentially from the inner side to the outside of the headlamps. LED lamps integrated into the front bumper reduce power consumption while providing a bright beam, allowing excellent visibility for safe driving during the night.
The RX features a new touch-display screen in addition to the Lexus-original remote touch interface. Besides this, smartphone usage is also incorporated into the design, with a new phone holder and USB port, plus connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also allows voice control via native cloud connection, or customers’ phones to Apple Siri or Google Assistant, similarly, owners can also select either Lexus navigation or smartphone versions for navigating.
