This press pack accompanied the UK launch of the RX 350 in April 2006. Some changes were made to the model range during its time on sale, which can be tracked using the Timeline feature available on the Lexus RX 350 archive web page. Additional assets and information relating may be obtained from the Lexus press office if required.
THE NEW LEXUS RX 350
Superior performance for the world’s
most successful luxury SUV
KEY POINTS
· New 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with Dual VVT-i
· Most powerful six-cylinder unit in premium SUV segment – 272bhp (276 DIN hp) and 342Nm of torque
· Best-in-segment acceleration and fuel economy for conventional V6 petrol engines: nought to 62mph in 7.8 seconds, 25.2mpg combined cycle consumption
· All-round gains in refinement, performance, economy and emissions compared to previous RX 300’s 3.0-litre V6
· New control logic for by-wire throttle and automatic transmission gives sharper response
· Steering retuned for improved response, sharper feel and extra assistance at parking speeds
· Improved noise and vibration measure for quieter performance at all engine speeds
· Viscous coupling added to centre differential to provide limited-slip effect, improving traction and stability
· New Lexus Multimedia and Navigation pack
o High-resolution seven-inch Electro Multi Vision display screen
o 11-speaker Mark Levinson premium hi-fi
o Six-disc in-dash DVD changer
o DVD video playback function
o WMA and MP3 files playable from disc
o Lexus Navigation system with faster route calculation, improved graphics and Electronic Traffic Avoidance
o Bluetooth for hands-free mobile phone operation
o Lexus Parking Assist Monitor with colour display
o Voice command function for audio, climate control, communications and navigation
o Rear passenger DVD screens
o Fitted as standard on RX 350 SE-L, optional on SE model
· Specifications unchanged from RX 300 with three versions available: RX 350, SE and SE-L (SE-L gains rear passenger DVD screens)
· On sale in the UK from 18 April
· On-the-road prices from £31,890 (RX 350)
INTRODUCTION
Since launch in 2003, the RX 300 has proved a strong performer in the petrol-powered premium SUV segment, frequently topping the UK sales charts in its class. The introduction of the new RX 350 provides even stronger performance, with greater fuel economy and lower emissions, to further strengthen the model’s market position.
The key change is the introduction of a new 3.5-litre V6 engine that is not only the leader in its class in terms of power and acceleration, but which also outperforms its six-cylinder petrol-powered rivals in fuel consumption and emissions. Needless to say, the figures also mark significant advances on the previous 3.0-litre unit deployed in the
RX 300.
Introducing a new control logic for the by-wire throttle and the five-speed automatic transmission improves the driving experience, by enabling sharper response times.
The new RX 350 joins the hybrid power RX 400h to reinforce Lexus’s reputation for providing the benchmark for all-round quality, performance and engineering innovation in the premium SUV segment. It also adds impetus to Lexus’s growing share of the UK market, joining a stream of models launched in the past year that include the all-new GS and IS saloons and the ground-breaking RX 400h.
The RX 350 shares the same class-leading specifications as the previous RX 300, with the addition of a new Lexus Multimedia and Navigation pack, with a more sophisticated 11-speaker Mark Levinson premium hi-fi, now equipped for DVD video / audio playback, and an upgraded satellite navigation system that is quicker, offers clearer maps and responds to voice commands. Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls and the Lexus Parking Assist Monitor are also part of the package, which comes as standard on the RX 350 SE-L, or can be specified as an option on the SE model.
UK sales start on 18 April, with on-the-road prices from £31,890 for the entry-level RX 350.
LEXUS RX – THE WORLD’S MOST SUCCESSFUL LUXURY SUV
More than one million Lexus RX models have been sold worldwide since the original model was launched in 1997. With the newest version, the RX 350, Lexus achieves new technological heights for the vehicle, adding even more appeal to what is the world’s most successful luxury SUV. In the USA the RX is Lexus’s top-selling model and the leader in its class, outperforming its direct European competitors by a factor of more than three to one.
In Europe, 14,478 RX models were sold in 2005, contributing to a total of more than 53,000 since the model was launched on this side of the Atlantic in 2000. RX is the best-selling Lexus model in Europe, with a 21 per cent share of the luxury petrol SUV market.
In the UK, Lexus sold 4,538 RX models in 2005 of which 3026 were the RX 300 and 1,512 were the hybrid RX 400h, taking the cumulative total since 2000 to more than 16,000. For the remainder of 2006, it is aiming for around 1,000 RX 350 sales, with 1,800 targeted for 2007.
The Lexus RX is the originator of the luxury SUV as we know it today, a reputation founded on its aerodynamically class-leading styling (the lowest drag coefficient in its class), excellent dynamic performance and a comprehensive range of advanced and innovative technical features. Counted among the latter are air suspension; neural network air conditioning that mimics the working of the human brain in controlling cabin temperature; the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) that improves night-time illumination through bends, class leading satellite navigation system and an electrically operated tailgate. Active and passive safety are of the highest standard, including the first driver’s knee airbag to be offered in the segment.
NEW 3.5-LITRE V6 ENGINE
The new Lexus RX 350 offers greater driving pleasure with class-leading performance from its new, state-of-the-art 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. The 24-valve aluminium block unit is the first in its segment to adopt Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing – intelligent), an optimised low pressure loss, variable intake and exhaust valve-timing system.
The engine also benefits from hydraulic valve compensators for roller rocker valve operation, and an electrically-activated Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS), which varies the level of air induction by automatically adjusting the length of the intake pipe according to engine speed.
The result is smooth operation and excellent efficiency, delivering high performance with low fuel consumption and emissions levels. The new V6 is the most powerful, yet also the most economical of all conventional V6 petrol engines in the premium SUV market. It develops 272bhp (276 DIN hp) at 6,200rpm and 342Nm of torque at 4,700rpm, giving nought to 62mph acceleration in 7.8 seconds – better than any other petrol six-cylinder model in its class. The top speed is electronically limited to 124mph.
These figures do not conceal a penalty in fuel consumption. On the combined cycle, the new RX 350 can achieve 25.2mpg, eight per cent better than the previous RX 300 and ahead of all its six-cylinder class rivals.
IMPROVED DRIVETRAIN
The new V6 engine is matched to the same five-speed automatic transmission as the previous RX 300, but performance and economy have been improved thanks to the adoption of new shift control logic. Moving the gear lever in S mode activates a manual five-speed sequential shift system that provides better engine braking, precise control and greater driver involvement.
The permanent four-wheel drive system has a new centre differential with a viscous coupling, giving a limited-slip capability. This aids smooth delivery of the extra power available (35 per cent greater than the RX 300) and, allied to the retuned Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) systems, gives better traction and stability in all driving conditions.
SHARPER STEERING
The steering of the new Lexus RX 350 has also been reconfigured to give a more direct and positive feel. Additional assistance at low speeds makes parking manoeuvres easier, complementing the vehicle’s best-in-class 5.7m turning radius.
REDUCED NOISE AND VIBRATION
Particular attention has been paid to reducing noise and vibration levels, ensuring that, although the new RX 350 is substantially more powerful than its predecessor, it is quieter at all engine speeds.
Measures to achieve this include a new bonnet insulator, dashboard silencer and improvements to the exhaust system, while a new acoustic windscreen is used, with a special inner film that reduces noise levels in the cabin by up to 3dB.
LEXUS MULTIMEDIA AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM
The new RX 350 offers owners a combined multimedia and satellite navigation package that delivers new high levels of technical innovation, flexibility and ease of use.
Fitted as standard to the RX 350 SE-L and offered as an extra-cost option on the RX 350 SE, the package includes an improved 11-speaker Mark Levinson hi-fi system with a seven-channel 210 watt digital DSP amplifier. It will play CDs, audio and video DVDs and MP3 and WMA files stored on disc. Movies and music videos on DVDs can be enjoyed on the central Electro Multi Vision (EMV) display screen on the centre console.
The navigation system provides route calculation 65 per cent quicker than before and is equipped with a voice command system that can also be used to activate several navigation, audio, climate and telephone functions. Bluetooth connectivity is also included, for hands-free use of mobile telephones.
To complete the package, the Lexus Parking Assist Monitor makes reverse manoeuvres simple and safe, automatically providing a real-time colour image on the EMV screen of the area immediately behind the vehicle when reverse gear is selected. The images can also be overlaid with guidelines for extra help when easing into a parking space.
LEXUS RX 350 AND THE UK MARKET
Pricing
The new RX 350 goes on sale in the UK on 18 April, priced from £31,890 on the road. Full price and insurance group details are given in the table below.
MODEL / OTR PRICE / INSURANCE GROUPRX 350 / £31,890 / 16E
RX 350 SE / £36,040 / 16E
RX 350 SE Multimedia / £38,990 / 16E
RX 350 SE-L / £42,505 / 17E
Cost of ownership
The new RX 350 requires servicing every 10,000 miles (Health and Safety Check) with major servicing required at 20,000 mile intervals. In line with all other Lexus models, the RX 350 is sold with a three year / 60,000-mile warranty with three year paint and 12 year anti-perforation warranties.
The new RX 350 engine utilises longer life components for ease of servicing. These include air filter replacement at 40,000 miles, spark plug replacement at 60,000 miles and coolant replenishment at 100,000 miles.
Leading on equipment and value
The new Lexus RX 350 follows the example set by the RX 300 in delivering class-leading specifications and value for money. Compared to other six-cylinder petrol-powered premium SUVs, it provides unmatched luxury equipment levels at an unmatched price.
For example, the BMW X5 3.0i SE is priced at £690 more than the RX 350 SE on-the-road, yet is not so well specified. To bring the BMW up to the level of the Lexus would cost more than £7,700, making the X5 more than 21 per cent more expensive than the RX 350 SE.
It is a similar picture where the Mercedes-Benz ML 350 SE is concerned, a vehicle that costs £3,925 more in the first place and which would then need an additional £4,040 spending on it to achieve Lexus-matching specification. The same goes for the Volvo XC90 T6S Geartronic and the Volkswagen Touareg 3.2 V6 Tiptronic, which are both more expensive and less well-equipped than the RX 350 SE.
Full details of the competitor price and specification comparisons are provided below.
MODEL / LEXUSRX 350 SE / BMW
X5 3.0i SE / VOLKSWAGEN
Touareg 3.6 V6 Tiptronic / VOLVO
XC90 T6S Geartronic / MERCEDES-BENZ
ML 350 SE
On-the-road price / £36,040 / £36,730 / £35,915 / £37,415 / £39,965
Automatic transmission / ü / £1,490 / ü / ü / ü
Cruise control / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
CD autochanger / ü / £295 / ü / ü / £360
Sunroof / ü / £1,170 / £710 / £850 / £880
Trip computer / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
Side airbags / ü / £250 / ü / ü / ü
Electrically adjustable front seats / ü / £2,195 / £1,020 / £600 / £660
Heated front seats / ü / £320 / ü / £225 / £320
Reclining rear seat / ü / û / û / û / û
Electronic traction control / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
Stability control / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
Adaptive front lighting / ü / û / û / û / £1,100
Climate control air conditioning / ü / ü / ü / ü / ü
Alloy wheel size / 18in / 18in / 18in / 18in / £720
Specification adjusted price / £36,040 / £43,800 / £38,460 / £39,090 / £44,005
Absolute specification adjustment vs. Lexus RX 350 / - / £7,760 / £2,545 / £3,050 / £7,965
Price position versus RX 350 / - / 21.5% / 6.8% / 8.5% / 22.1%
DRIVING DYNAMICS
· New 3.5-litre V6, most powerful and economical six-cylinder petrol engine in the premium SUV segment
· 272bhp (276 DIN hp) at 6,200rpm and 342Nm of torque at 4,700rpm
· Nought to 62mph in 7.8 seconds, fastest of all six-cylinder luxury SUVs
· Combined cycle fuel consumption 25.2mpg, an eight per cent improvement on the previous 3.0-litre V6