RX 2023: features and price of the new Lexus turbo hybrid

Brussels (Belgium) has hosted the world premiere of the new RX of lexusthe fifth generation of the emblematic crossover of the Japanese brand, a “totally reinvented” model with a more dynamic style, a weight reduction of ninety kilograms and three electrified engines.

The versions available on the European market in 2023 will be the RX 450h+, which debuts the company’s benchmark plug-in hybrid technology; the RX 350h base hybrid, an efficient alternative to smaller displacement petrol and diesel engines; and the RX 500h, the first turbocharged hybrid with new DIRECT4 rimpull technology.

With an exterior double-point body design and an interior finish that offers the driver direct control over the vehicle, the new generation of the iconic SUV -Sport Utility Vehicle, for its acronym in English-, complements the “most important offensive” of Lexus to date in the premium crossover market, alongside the recent launch of the NX and the announcement of the RZ.

The director of Lexus Europe, Spiros Fotinos, has confirmed that this debut plays a “fundamental role” in the future strategy of the ‘Lexus Electrified’ brand because it forms part of the “next chapter” of the automotive company’s products.

In the opinion of Fotinos, the fourth generation self-charging hybrid RX350h is ideal for drivers who want to “make the leap” to non-plug-in electric vehicles, while the RX450h+ constitutes a “natural step” for users accustomed to the brand and the RX500h it is aimed at a specific market, made up of customers who “prioritize” performance.

This is one of the three versions that Lexus presented, and that will be marketed from 2023. (Agencia EFE /)

Along these lines, Lexus’ product planning and marketing manager, Bart Eelen, has indicated that the plug-in version will be at “the center” of the entire range, since the technology it offers responds to the demand of a sector that is promoting their employment towards sustainable mobility.

Thus, the 450h+ has a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder plug-in hybrid electric motor, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with 18.1 kWh and an additional rear electric motor, which will allow the car to generate a power of 306 CV and a range of up to 65 kilometers in electric mode, in the absence of homologation.

Features and prices

In terms of dimensions, the new range maintains the length of 4,890 millimeters (mm), increases the width by 25mm and lowers the roof height by 10mm, compared to the previous version of the RX, giving the vehicle a bolder presence with a 15mm lower center of gravity.

It also includes a new generation multimedia system with a 35.4 centimeters (14”) touch screen as well as being equipped with the latest active safety and driver assistance systems that incorporate the third generation of the Lexus Safety System+.

The production of the new generation of RX will begin in October and its marketing in Europe will begin between the months of January and February 2023, with a sales forecast of 12,300 units on the continent, as announced at the press conference. press.

In Spain, the company forecasts a sales figure of 500 copies for next year, of which 70% would correspond to the 450h + plug-in version, 20% to the 500h sports model and 10% to the 350h hybrid.

On the other hand, according to the Lexus website in Peru, the previous hybrid versions of the RX maintain prices that range between US$73,000 and US$83,000. The new model presented for 2023 could be over 80 thousand dollars.

(With information from EFE)

Source: Elcomercio