Luxury cars, nowadays, are defined not only by the opulent amenities they offer but also by how well the vehicles align with today’s carbon-neutral trend. That said, Lexus — Toyota’s luxury division — is offering the 2023 RX with four new electrified powertrains.
The first is a hybrid motor paired to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with a high-output, low-resistance nickel-metal hydride battery that offers a high level of output and fuel economy. The aforementioned setup makes 246 horsepower (hp) with 315Nm of torque. The 216-cell battery is located below the rear seat, which allows for improved passenger comfort and storage capacity. The 2023 Lexus RX HEV can be equipped with E-Four — the marque's innovative all-wheel drive system — that places the motor at the rear axle for near-instantaneous drive force application in low-grip or acceleration scenarios.
Next is a more powerful setup that altogether makes 366 horses and 550Nm of pulling power. It has a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine coupled with an integrated power control unit and an electric motor. An 80-kilowatt-hour (kW) eAxle consisting of an inverter and a motor provides near-instantaneous power to the rear wheels. It also uses a high-output, low-resistance nickel-metal hydride battery. Shifting is done by a six-speed automatic gearbox. The said option is available on the RX 500h F Sport Performance all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant.
The other electrified powertrain alternative — to be made available at a later date — is the nameplate’s first plug-in powertrain. It combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an 18.1-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery and rear E-Four motor to provide powerful acceleration and full-time all-wheel drive.
The 2023 Lexus RX also retains an internal combustion engine (ICE) option. Available is a 275-hp turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that features advanced technologies like a center injection system (for more stable combustion), lightweight, spherical lipless pistons (for high-speed combustion), and a continuously variable capacity oil pump (to modify discharge volume based on running conditions). A short-ratio eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission offers an improved shift control program for smooth acceleration and deceleration.
Other performance amenities featured in the 2023 Lexus RX include the thoroughly-revised suspension including MacPhersons at the front and a five-arm multi-link setup at the rear. It also packs a set of two-piston calipers with 13.39-inch — front and back. Optionally available are six-piston aluminum calipers with 15.74-inch front rotors. Likewise, Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) is available for the 2023 Lexus RX F Sport Performance model which provides impressive maneuverability.
As expected from a luxury model, the 2023 Lexus RX boasts premium exterior appointments that match its new electrified core. A spindle body — rather than a spindle grille — reflects the new expression of Lexus design. The front end provides a seamless and strong presence that redefines the look of luxury sport utility vehicles (SUV). Enhancing its features are available 19- and 21-inch wheels. At the rear is a single lens taillamp.
The 2023 RX will be offered in 10 exterior color options depending on the chosen grade: Ultra White, Eminent White Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl, Iridium, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Copper Crest, Nori Green Pearl, Nightfall Mica, and Grecian Water.
Inside the 2023 Lexus RX, the tazuna concept (a design vision inspired by the Lexus Driving Signature) intuitively orients all essential controls and information within the driver’s reach and forward sightline and directs the space’s expansive, minimalist layout.
The front seats have been designed for accessibility, superior ergonomic comfort, and excellent holding capability, even during the longest of commutes or road trips. Passengers in the available 40/20/40 power split-folding rear seat can charge their mobile devices on two USB Type-C outlets (six USB ports are found throughout the vehicle) or an available single AC power socket. The rear seats are available with power folding capabilities and available cooling and heating functions.
It also offers an available Qi-compatible wireless mobile device charger and USB connection.
The 2023 Lexus RX also has a standard 9.8-inch or available 14-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system. It features a glass screen with a high-adhesion, anti-reflective coating to realize a vivid display. Things like cloud navigation, intelligent assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are just some of the things one would find in the luxury SUV.
The 2023 RX will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada and Toyota Motor Kyushu. It is expected to go on sale later this year. Price is expected to be released soon.
Photos from Lexus
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