Lexus RX 350 – An aura of luxuriousness

The Lexus RX 350 range recently received visual and engineering upgrades, but the big news is that for the first time in South Africa there is now a RX 350 F Sport version, which we got to test last week.

I’m jumping straight to the F Sport’s engine as it has been a while since I was able to type: Powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6. With so many of today’s cars being force-fed it was fabulous to again feel low-end grunt, without any turbo lag, even if the Lexus V6’s power efforts are not over exhilarating, 221kW at 6,300rpm and torque of 370Nm at 4,600-4,700rpm.

I can already hear purists sighing as I report that the F Sport is linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with drive alternating between front and all-wheel. Although there is no stick, you can still wind the F Sport up with shiftable gear changes or use the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, now standard across the RX four-model range.

However, the auto box does provide acceptably quick shifts making for an extremely smooth power and torque delivery combination. Should you want more pull-off surge there is a Sport S+ mode that when selected, stiffens up the suspension and controls throttle opening and engine output.

On our twisty and windy test route, the RX was well mannered and handled cornering with minimum body roll, thanks to the F Sport gaining an adaptive variable suspension (AVS) system – the same found on the Lexus LC coupé – that provides variable damping control at each wheel and, according to Lexus, can automatically adjust through 650 different settings.

Moving on to the styling, the sharply-creased, angular lines and sleek LED lamps make the big Lexus appear less tall and more compact than it actually is. Our test model came with the F Sport exclusive front fascia, mesh grille insert, new front-fender and rear valance, polished black outside mirrors and brazen 20-inch split 10-spoke alloy wheels in a dark granite finish.

Inside, you will find pure luxury and refinement in a very welcoming cabin. In addition to the exclusive race-inspired instrumentation that provides real-time information such as G-force metrics and power distribution, there is also F Sport-inspired aluminium trim, a black headliner, signature race-inspired F Sport bolstered seats, a perforated leather–trimmed sport steering wheel and shift knob, aluminium accents and aluminium pedals.

The 12.3-inch infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and displays a great panoramic view when reversing or parking. We did find the touchpad, which has replaced the previous knob toggle switch, difficult to scroll with and when operating it sounded like a casino slot machine.

Packed wth a full house of standard convenience and safety features, we appreciated heated seats throughout – with front seats gaining ventilation, the 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, wireless charger, blind spot monitor, brake assist and various USB points throughout the cabin.

Although the boot of the RX is slightly small and awkwardly shaped with its full size alloy, electronic controls that are conveniently situated on the side of the rear seats, and in the hatch, make it easy to adjust the 60/40 seatbacks to drop flat and increase the initial 453 litres of hatch space.

Overall, we enjoyed the Lexus and I have to emphasise that the interior quality is truly luxurious with excellent design and class-leading materials. We can’t fault the Lexus for its refined and smooth driving abilities and I feel it is a great, comfortable open road cruiser.

The Lexus RX 350 models retail from R1,012,000 for the EX grade with the F Sport selling for R1,132,200 while the top of the range, RX 450 h SE, is available for R1,315,800. The entire RX range boasts a Lexus best-in-class seven-year/105,000km warranty and full maintenance plan.