Lexus has announces the sales of their new line up the RX350 in Japan as of today. The hybrid version, the RX450h is on sale this year's April. As all of you know that the RX series is the luxurious SUV that Lexus has been proud of. It is capable of taking drivers day to day basis with luxury in mind. The new RX350 is a crossover between a luxury sedan and the functionality of SUV. The new RX350 surpasses the highest demand for environmental and safety performance of a 21st century luxury vehicles.


The RX350 features the awesome but absolutely silent operation V6 gasoline engine that Lexus has been famous for. The 280PS 3.5Liter V6 engine is mated with a 6 speed automatic transmission (ECT). For maximum SUV capability, the RX350 features an AWD system for off road duties. The AWD features an Active Torque Control system that optimizes torque to the front and rear wheels depending on driving conditions such as vehicle speed and road surface, achieving both excellent fuel efficiency and responsive handling.

The new RX350 uses a new exterior design based on the Lexus design philosophy 'L-finesse", it combines a powerful wide track stance with sophistication characteristic of a Lexus vehicle. The front consist of a single, solid form from the hood to the bumper. The exterior frame of the front grill extends to the headlights, which have the unique Lexus 'arrowhead' profile. The smooth and simple door handles feature touch sensors.

One of the key features of the RX350 is the LED headlights, 19inch Aluminium wheels, hard disk drive HDD navigation system features a center console mounted "Remote Touch" interface that allows easy remote control of on screen functions. It also features a first of its kind, a white organic electro luminescence (EL) multi information display that boast high contrast and outstanding visibility from a wide angle.

As for the hybrid version which is the RX450h, it is equipped with an advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system and the E-Four system which incorporates the first Lexus V6 3.5 Liter engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle. Combined with a new inverter with excellent cooling performance to raise fuel effieciency, the result is the power of a 4.5Liter engine but with environmental performance that is one of the best in class in the world. The RX450h features a switch engaged Eco Drive mode that prioritizes fuel effieciency by aligning driving force with accelerator use and by putting air conditioner into a low energy consumption mode.

In the safety department on both of the models, Lexus adopted the use of the Intergrated Safety Management Concept which aims to create vehicles that do not cause accidents. Lexus uses Side monitors that enhance safety by enabling driver to clearly view the area near the left side of the vehicle and avoid obstacles that may lie within the turning radius. Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system comes as standard which these device integrates control of drive power, steering and braking to achieve handling performance and high active safety performance. There's a total of 10 airbags used in both of the models which consist of dual stage supplement restraint system (SRS).

[Source: Lexus Japan]