Like many events of its kind, the New York Auto Show is the place to see the newest models and concepts unveiled by car makers. First set up back in 1900, it’s now a popular venue for manufacturers to share with the world what they’ve been working on.
You might think that the biggest exhibits are from American car makers. But it’s often companies from further afield that steal the show! One such example is Lexus, the Japanese luxury car maker owned by parent company Toyota. At this year’s event, they unveiled the new 2016 Lexus RX.
According to officials at the Lexus stand, the RX is the company’s best-selling model in their 26-year history! On first impressions, it looks as though the new 2016 Lexus RX will exceed people’s expectations.
Lexus make no secret of the fact that the RX has sold more than 2.1 million units globally. Or, to put it another way, that’s three out of every ten cars that Lexus builds! The Japanese car maker is pinning its hopes on the new 2016 model making a bigger dent in the luxury SUV market.
So, what is it about the new 2016 Lexus RX that has got the motoring press all hot and bothered? Keep reading to learn more!
A mean front end
Looking at the new Lexus RX, one can immediately spot that the car offers a fresh, chiselled exterior. According to Inchcape Lexus, the new RX makes an even bigger impact on its target audience than the current generation! And it’s easy to see why. Just take a look at the front-end shot in the image a little earlier in this blog post.
It boasts a wide front-end with the company’s signature logo and spindle grille. The front of the car also looks has a more-aggressive stance, thanks to the front bumper. And lest we forget the “triple-L” LED headlights that wrap around the sides!
LED DRLs (daytime running lights) also add to the meaner front-end stance, as does the muscular wheel arch flares. Lexus says these features help to enhance the car’s already sophisticated and sporty looks.
Distinctive styling cues
Walk around the new 2016 Lexus RX, and you’ll find the smooth flowing lines from the front arches hard to miss! In fact, they continue all the way to the rear of the vehicle. It also boasts a flowing roofline, another styling feature that helps to improve the aerodynamics of the car.
As standard, the new model will come with 19-inch alloy wheels but you have the option to upgrade to larger 20-inch rims. Apparently the upgraded wheels can get customised with colour-coded wheel inserts. Lexus are clearly aiming the new RX at people that want their cars to match their individuality!
The petrol models come with twin exit exhaust tailpipes. Something which no doubt seeks to enhance the already sporty appearance of this SUV.
There’s no denying that Lexus want to take on the likes of the BMW X5 with their new RX model. If you’re in the market for something different to the familiar German model, the Lexus RX should end up at the top of your shortlist!
Head towards the back of this new for 2016 SUV, and you’ll notice the trend for sculpted yet flowing lines continues. As does the use of LED lighting technology. The L-shaped LED taillights help to make driving on the road safer both for RX drivers and other motorists.
New luxurious cabin
New for the 2016 Lexus RX is a redesigned luxurious interior. It features high-quality trim, which the firm say is laser-cut using specialist Yamaha technology. Some of the features to adorn the RX include a full-colour HUD (head-up display). It projects vehicle information on the driver’s side of the windscreen.
Looking over at the centre console, one can’t help but notice the information display area. It comes with a 12.3-inch display that offers full-screen GPS navigation and is situated at the top of the display area.
Lexus have moved the leather shift lever away from the centre console. They say their reasons for doing so are to maximise space for the front seat occupants. It also makes it easier to operate the controls in that area.
More space and entertainment for rear passengers
There is also some good news for rear passengers of the new 2016 Lexus RX. They are treated to more leg and knee space than what is found in the current generation model. That means they can enjoy a more comfortable seating position, especially on long journeys.
A first for the rear passengers is heated outboard seats! Now people sitting at the back can enjoy the features that only people up front could benefit from in the past! There is also a 60/40 power-folding second row too.
Rear passengers can also enjoy the benefits of the rear entertainment system. Fitted to the back of the front headrests are 11.6-inch dual screens.
Panoramic moonroof
All occupants of the car don’t have to “make do” with a small sunroof up front anymore. That’s because the 2016 Lexus RX comes with a panoramic moonroof as standard!
It enables more natural light to enter the cabin of the car. A welcome feature if you live in a cloudy part of the world, such as the UK!
More power under the bonnet
Lexus have not yet revealed full details of what will power the 2016 RX model. But, what we do know is that they are planning to offer two engine choices. The first is an upgraded 3.5-litre V6 direct injection unit. It will be capable of delivering over 300 brake horsepower as standard.
The other option will be a hybrid unit based on the V6. It will produce similar power when combining the hybrid and petrol powertrains. An all-new eight-speed automatic gearbox will also make an appearance on the new model.
Lexus hopes that by offering powerful engines with low CO2 emissions, they can target many segments in the SUV market. In other words, they want business users to drive the new RX home too!