Test drive Lexus RX 350 2016
Content
The Lexus RX series of SUVs is known to fans of the brand as a typical urban business and premium class cars. These cars are especially fond of women and men over middle age.
Each of these crossovers boasted a high level of comfort, stylish exterior and sleek interior design. The RX, however, was never a racing or sports car.
That all changed with the release of the NX series in 2014. The new car has shown that the premium segment can outperform any sports sedan or SUV. Therefore, creating a new model of the RX-series, Lexus engineers realized that they would have to come up with something special. Otherwise, the novelty will not overtake its brother in the struggle for the love of car owners.
The RX 350 arrives
And so he was born - the RX 350 of the fourth model generation. Its design is more like a spaceship. Angular lines of window openings, beveled light fixtures, a huge "pseudo-braided" radiator grill with a large brand nameplate. All this attracts the eye and makes you admire.
Only at the back of the car did it leave some hints of its roots. Otherwise, the design idea seems to have worked on a blank slate.
The car has become larger compared to its predecessors. Now its length is 4890 mm with a length of 4770 for the NX350.
Updated interior Lexus RX 350
But the main thing is waiting inside. This is where the designers played their best. In the salon, not only beauty and luxury become visible, but also pragmatism. Each element carries a functional meaning.
The dashboard along with the console is huge. They fit a lot of buttons, lights and controls. Buttons and switches are also present on the steering wheel spoke and driver's door.
Elements such as a touchscreen navigation system and a circular drive mode selector only enhance the feel of a spaceship. Although many experts scold the company for the location of this very selector, in fact, a small circle next to the cup holders practically does not interfere and does not strike the eye.
There are no complaints about the performance of the salon. No gaps, smooth joints, neat seams on the seats, natural finishing materials.
The salon has become a little more spacious. Rear passengers can now sit quietly without hindering each other when traveling. There is clearly more room for tall people here than in similar cars from competing brands, although outwardly the car added only 10 mm.
A unique solution is the ability to tilt the backrest of the rear sofa. Previously, few could boast of this, even in business cars.
Technical specifications
As stated earlier, the RX series has never been racing or sporty. Unfortunately, the new RX350 is no exception.
It would seem that when you press the accelerator pedal, the engine starts to growl cheerfully, but the speed is not picked up as sharply as you want.
By the way, the engine is gasoline with a volume of 300 horsepower. It is completed with an 8-speed "automatic". For every hundred of the way, the engine requires from 15 to 16,5 liters of gasoline, depending on the driving style.
The steering wheel of the car does not have accurate feedback. The movement of the car to the side begins only after a significant turn of the steering wheel to the side, with a slight deviation, the car will simply ignore it.
The same applies to the already mentioned mode selector. Switching to sport mode does not provide any additional dynamics or better handling. It's just that the distance between the speeds on the automatic transmission is slightly shifted towards decreasing.
The new RX350 stops just as gracefully as it accelerates. Therefore, it is better to completely forget about the sport mode and be content with a calm measured ride in a luxury car, without trying to leave the first traffic light.
Summing up
Otherwise, the novelty has remained true to its ancestral roots - maximum comfort and elitism for premium passengers.
After all, it was for such people that this luxurious car was created. And the price of the starting configuration speaks for itself - from 3 million rubles in the “base” and at least 4 million in the upgraded “Sport Luxury” configuration.
By the way, this package includes such chips as electric rear seat adjustment, an advanced dashboard, a panoramic roof with a slight tint, parking assistance systems and all-round visibility while driving.
Video test drive Lexus RX 350 2016
