....and here enters the Lexus RX

With global sales of up to three million since the start of its manufacturing journey, Lexus has now brought a new fourth generation RX range to the party. We had a taste of the updated model range in the wet Western Cape weather last week and with all that gloom the Lexus RX lightened things up.

The luxury SUV segment has seen some heavy weights being launched this season and Lexus is ready to compete with their facelifted RX range. The Lexus brand is known for their luxury self-charging hybrid vehicles and has been leading in the alternative fuel cars for years. Launched in four derivatives, RX350 EX, RX350 L EX, RX450h SE (hybrid) and the new addition, the exciting RX 350 F Sport.

Looks wise, I quite like the evolved new striking features, the L-shape mesh pattern in the front and rear combination lamps is a winning idea, making the car appear aggressive and elegant at the same time. Think of it as a female wrestler, looks good but you don’t want to mess with it. The F Sport has noticeably black outer mirrors contrast with the exterior colour, with the F Sport emblem on the front and rear, and jet black plating on the back door garnish. You have seven colour choices in the EX, EX L and Hybrid SE including two new additional colours, Ice Ecru and Terrane Khakhi which in my opinion will definitely make you stand out. The F Sport colour package also has additional colours, white Nova and a spicy Heat blue contrast they call it.

Now let’s talk what’s under the hood. The RX350 EX and F Sport carry a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine producing 221kW with 370Nm of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. While the RX350 EX L is at 216kW and a torque of 358Nm and RX450h SE with an electric motor produces 230 kW with 335Nm and said to have a sprint of 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds. The RX F Sport showed off its impressive agility and reliable tyre technology at the wet Outeniqua Pass in George.

The Lexus RX model range has a few exciting features about its interior, what excited me the most was the on-board Wi-Fi hotspot, and get this , all new Lexus models come standard with Wi-Fi including FREE GB data. Yes. FREE!! (DO NOT SNAP AND DRIVE). You also get 4 additional USB charging pots and you know how you always struggle with where to put your phone in the car? Well not here, there is a smart phone holder. Competing in this segment with the likes of the BMW X5 with this interior may be a bit tough, as far as refinement is concerned the competition might give Lexus a run for their money. They have a 12.3 inch touch display with Android Auto and Car Play. The Lexus remote has been changed from knob to touch pad much. The Interior designs of the RX350 EX, EX L and Hybrid have two new additional colours, stylish I must say while the F Sport only has two options which is the black and flare red.

What’s new in the safety department? The Japanese car maker offers their world first blade scan AHS (Adaptive High Beam System) which provides finer and deeper automatic forward illumination making it easier to see pedestrians on road margins.

What do I think? The luxury SUV segment is filled with many options, the Lexus RX model range has a lot to offer. But, will it be enough as the consumer is really spoilt for choice? That remains to be seen. Lexus does have an upper hand in that the brand comes packed with features that usually come as optional in other luxury brands.