Fifth-gen Lexus RX launched

Lexus has launched the new RX hybrid SUV in India, with prices starting at Rs 95.80 lakh for the RX350h Luxury variant, and going up to Rs 1.18 crore for the higher-performance RX500h F-Sport+ variant (both prices, ex-showroom, India). The Lexus RX was unveiled in India at Auto Expo 2023.

Lexus has priced the RX competitively – earlier models have generally been priced higher than rivals – and hence, the delay in launching it in India. Here’s a detailed break up of the prices of the new Lexus RX:

2023 Lexus RX powertrains
The new Lexus RX is available with a choice of two powertrains. The first is the RX350h Luxury, which is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to a CVT, and, in combination with the electric motor, develops 250hp and 242Nm. It gets an all-wheel drive system as standard that's capable of doing 0-100kph in a claimed 7.9 seconds, with a claimed top speed of 200kph.

The RX500h F-Sport+ gets a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol engine paired to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. In combination with the e-motor, it produces 371hp and 460Nm of torque. With all-wheel drive as standard, the RX500h can do the 0-100kph dash in 6.2 seconds (claimed) and go on to a claimed top speed of 210kph.

Lexus uses a bipolar nickel-metal hydride battery in the new RX – RX350h features a 259.2V battery, while the RX500h gets a 288V battery.

2023 Lexus RX exterior and dimensions
The new RX adopts Lexus’ Alluring X Verve design language and emulates the ‘spindle body’ appearance of the new RZ electric SUV. The RX500h gets the F-Sport body kit that has some visual differences over the standard model. Where the latter gets chrome accents outside, the F-Sport gets piano black accents. 

The RX measures 4,890mm in length, 1,920mm in width and 1,650mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,850mm. Compared to the previous generation, the new RX has the same length and height, but is now 25mm wider with a 60mm longer wheelbase. 

2023 Lexus RX interior and features
Lexus has incorporated its Tazuna, Japanese for rein, concept for the fifth-gen RX, which it defines as being “human-centric” with an aim to connect the driver to the road for better concentration. 

The RX features a heads-up display, a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless charger, wireless Apple CarPlay – Android Auto is wired – and a panoramic sunroof. Lexus is offering a choice of three interior colours – Black, Dark Sepia and Solis White – and two trim options that include sumi woodgrain and medium bamboo brown.

2023 Lexus RX rivals
The fifth-gen Lexus RX rivals the Mercedes-Benz GLE, which is priced between Rs 90.90 lakh-Rs 1.09 crore for its diesel variants. However, Mercedes also has a petrol-powered GLE 450, but it is temporarily unavailable. Other rivals of the RX include the BMW X5 (Rs 98.50 lakh-Rs 99.90 lakh), Jeep Grand Cherokee (Rs 78.50 lakh), Range Rover Velar (Rs 89.41 lakh), Jaguar F-Pace (Rs 77.41 lakh) and Audi Q7 (Rs 84.70 lakh-Rs 92.30 lakh).

*all prices ex-showroom. 

Also see
New Lexus RX video review
Lexus RX review: The Zen Experience