Lexus RX focuses on a refined and spacious cabin

The Tazuna cockpit with its lavish detail, effectively makes the driver feel more at one with the car. The contemporary approach is evident from the moment you open the door: surfaces are clean and uncluttered, helping create a sense of space and refinement.

What you experience is the result of an evolution of Lexus interior design, as project chief designer Jota Kusakari explains, “We challenged ourselves to create a simple yet thoughtful space that didn’t rely on ornamentation.”

The new design simplicity can be seen in the way the dashboard sweeps in a clean, continuous form, taking in the metre hood, instrument panel and door trims. The car’s new e-latch electronic door release system positions the handles lower, allowing the upper section of the door panels to be shaped as a natural extension of the instrument panel.

“Embodying the Tazuna concept, the cockpit design realises a space that allows the driver to have a deeper, more intuitive connection with the car, enabling them to control it as intended,” said Kusakari. This rationale is witnessed in details such as co-ordinated arrangement of the information sources – centre console display, metres and head-up display – so their contents can be viewed with just a small adjustment of the driver’s eyeline.

The cabin’s relaxing, reassuring design is even reflected in the way you can communicate directly with the car. The new “Hey Lexus” on-board assistant is ready to respond to requests and commands using natural, conversational speech. Tell it that you’re hungry and it will recommend nearby places to eat; mention that you’re cold and it will adjust the air conditioning.

Authentic SUV practicality

The interior design is perfectly appropriate for an SUV. Thanks to clever packaging and design, there’s more knee room for rear seat passengers and a better view both to the side and ahead, helped by the car’s lower belt line and the wider forward field of vision. Access has been made easier with a lower hip-point and adjustment of the easy access power adjustment. For family trips, the rear load compartment matches the current RX for capacity, despite the new model having a shorter rear overhang; the space has been achieved by design solutions including a thinner back door, a more upright rear suspension design and a lower load height.

More details will be shared closer to the launch timing. Lexus South Africa plans to introduce the new RX in line with its global release early in 2023.

Source: MotorPress