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As early as when the Chinese people still only called sedan sedans a car, Lexus RX was already very popular in the North American market. From its debut in 1997 to today, the cumulative sales of the RX series have exceeded 2 million units, making it the mainstay of the Lexus family. Not long ago, the fourth-generation Lexus RX also officially launched in the domestic market, priced between 418,000 and 869,000 yuan.
The appearance is still dynamic and unforgettable
Nowadays, the appearance design of Lexus family products is no longer as calm and low-key as in the past, but has changed to a younger and sportier style, especially when the NX series models were launched. , it can even be said to be a stunning sight. The exterior design of the new RX is also closer to the NX series.
The new generation RX continues the family-style ngqijin spindle-shaped front grille. The outer ring is decorated with a large amount of chrome plating. The complex lines of the entire front face are concentrated in the shape of arrows toward the center. This design makes the front of the car look extremely impactful. . The blade-shaped headlights are full of technology. Three independent LED lamp heads are arranged side by side. The arrow-shaped daytime running light at the bottom is also an LED light source. The most distinctive feature is undoubtedly the turn signal design. The turn signal composed of 18 LEDs shows a flowing water effect that lights up one after another when turned on. The fog lights are located under the headlights and adopt an inline design, also using LED light sources. Next to it is the steering auxiliary light, which facilitates supplementary light when the vehicle is turning. Its lighting range can reach 110 degrees.
The side shape of the new Lexus RX is consistent with the overall styling style, smooth and full of tension. The sharp waistline connects the front and rear fenders end to end, and the further tilted A-pillar highlights the curved shape of the front windshield. The C-pillar is painted black for the first time and is integrated with the rear window, forming a unique suspended roof design. In addition, without sacrificing rear headroom in the car, the overall visual effect of the C-pillar is more dynamic, and the lines at the rear of the vehicle are smoother.
The body width of the new Lexus RX has increased by 10 mm, reaching 1895 mm; the vehicle length has increased by 120 mm, reaching 4890 mm; and the wheelbase has been lengthened to 2790 mm, an increase of 50 mm compared to the previous model, ensuring improved interior space. At the same time, the loading capacity remains unchanged.
The rear shape echoes the front of the car, and the overall lines look very dynamic, which is also different from the square rear style of ordinary SUVs. The L-shaped taillights perfectly run from the body to the tailgate, forming a strong and wide tail stance, and the effect when lit is more eye-catching. The rear steering also uses a flowing water effect. Similarly, the entire taillight group uses a large number of LED light sources. The way to open the trunk is also very unique. It adopts an induction design. If you put your hand close to the Lexus LOGO at the rear of the car, the tailgate will slowly lift.
The interior is luxurious without sacrificing attention to details
Luxurious interior style and exquisite workmanship have always been something Lexus is proud of, and the new RX continues this tradition. The entire cockpit adopts an asymmetric design. All center consoles are made of a large number of soft and genuine leather materials, and are stitched. The overall texture is very good. The layout of the entire central control area is also very reasonable. The 12.3-inch color LCD screen at the top has a very clear picture. The entire screen suppresses reflection very well. No matter from which angle it is viewed, the picture is very clear, and the screen also adopts A split screen design.
The audio and air-conditioning adjustment buttons are located below the air-conditioning outlet, and use traditional physical buttons. In fact, I personally like these buttons with a real touch feel. They can be operated by the feel of the hand while driving, and those that require a touch screen It is not that convenient to use if you perform the operation on it. As the top model, the RX 450h uses the audio brand Mark Levinson® and has 15 speakers. Coupled with the quietness of the entire car, it achieves a theater-like effect.
The storage compartment in front of the gear lever also provides wireless charging function for mobile phones, but it currently does not support Apple phones. The rear seat heating/ventilation function can also be automatically adjusted to match the air conditioner.The wood trim patch next to the gear lever also uses the unique Lexus original laser engraving process, which perfectly integrates the rich expressiveness of wood and the sharp texture of metal. The Remote Touch information operating system has also received a comprehensive upgrade, which not only adds confirmation and return keys, but also a confirmation key to facilitate the co-pilot's operation. Not only that, the user-friendly design is also reflected in the cup holder. The cup holder of the new RX adopts a depth-adjustable design to facilitate the placement of cups of various sizes.
The three-spoke multi-function steering wheel is designed with a mix of wood trim and leather. The upper and lower sides are made of wooden patches, and the overall feel is very good. As the hybrid version of the RX 450h, the instrument panel also differs according to different driving modes, and is divided into a kinetic energy display and a conventional tachometer. The large, full-color head-up display above the instrument panel can project a series of driving information to the bottom of the windshield in front of the driver's seat, including vehicle speed, navigation and driving modes.
Lexus, which is famous for its comfort, can be fully reflected in the seats. In addition to the previously mentioned front seats, which can be adjusted for ventilation/heating, and can be linked to the air conditioner for automatic adjustment. The overall comfort of the seats is also very good. The entire seat uses a large number of complex stitching, supports 10-way electric adjustment and lumbar support, and also has a memory function. At the same time, RX also emphasizes the comfort of rear passengers. The rear seats can also move forward and backward 12cm, and the backrest angle can be adjusted within the range of 117°-123°, and the adjustment method is electric. The driving and riding space in the entire car is also very comfortable.
The newly upgraded power system
The new RX 450h uses a 3.5L V6 engine code-named 2GR-FXS. It has D-4S fuel compound injection technology and VVT-iW intelligent wide-angle variable valve timing system, thereby realizing the engine's performance in Austria. Freely switch between the Torque cycle and the Atkinson cycle, taking into account fuel consumption and power. The comprehensive output power is 230 kW/6000 rpm, and the maximum torque is 335 N·m/4600 rpm.
The transmission still uses the E-CVT continuously variable transmission exclusive to Toyota's family of hybrid models. In terms of drive, the new Lexus RX 450h uses an electric all-wheel drive system. The engine is responsible for driving the front wheels, and the electric motor and the rear independent electric transaxle cooperate to drive the rear wheels. And the torque distribution information of the front and rear axles and each wheel is monitored through the multi-function information display.
When I pressed the ignition switch, I only heard a slight sound of electricity. The vehicle still stayed there quietly, and I couldn't feel any vibration at all. At this time, lightly step on the accelerator and the vehicle is driven by the electric motor. At this time, the vehicle feels very quiet and the power output is extremely smooth. When the vehicle speed gradually increases, the engine begins to intervene, but thanks to the vehicle's noise control, there is no obvious noise in the vehicle. At this time, press the accelerator deeply, and the simultaneous power output of the engine + electric motor gives the vehicle a clear push-back feeling, and the acceleration performance is relatively good. The official acceleration time of 0-100 km/h is 7.7 seconds, which is very good for a car. It's pretty good for an SUV.
In terms of suspension, the RX 450h's performance is still dominated by comfort, but the feedback on road feel and the suppression of body undulations are pretty good. When the vehicle passes through undulating roads at a high speed, it does not feel like it is flickering, and the driving quality is very good. Overall, the car's suspension performance feels strong and tolerant, and it can handle most road conditions with ease.
The new RX 450h provides a variety of different driving modes. Different mode settings will adjust the damping of the suspension system, throttle response, and engine and chassis related parameters.
ECO mode: improves fuel efficiency and obtains a more economical driving mode by controlling engine output power, throttle response and air conditioning system. The chassis gives priority to comfort settings with lower damping;
NORMAL mode: pursues power and fuel economy. The balance, throttle response speed and engine power output are all within the commonly used range, and the suspension prioritizes comfort settings;
SPORT mode: focuses on the driver's control of the vehicle, improves the throttle response and enhances the road feel feedback of the electric power steering system , the suspension system is tougher than NORMAL mode.
Conclusion: I have to say that the new generation of Lexus RX is hard to put down, both in terms of appearance design and product quality. Abandoning the calm style of the past will attract more young consumer groups, and the attention to detail is still inherited. In terms of key selling prices, it is full of competitiveness. It is really difficult to have a reason not to choose it. (Netcom reported in Beijing on January 4, 2016)
