The RX 350 and hybrid RX 450h models remain available in front- or all-wheel drive, and the sporty, AWD-only F Sport trim level is now available on the 450h as well as the 350.
The RX350’s upgraded 3.5-liter V6 is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission (which was previously available only on the F Sport model). It’s estimated at 300 horsepower. The RX 450h’s Atkinson-Cycle 3.5 V6/electric motor powertrain is also expected to deliver around 300 hp combined.
Adaptive Variable Suspension, which monitors and adapts shock-absorber damping and steering feel based on driving conditions, is a newly available feature. The lengthy list of available safety gear includes Lane Departure Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision System, Panoramic View Monitor, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Available luxury features include a color heads-up display, heated outboard rear seats, panoramic sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system with 11.6-inch dual screens affixed to the front-seat headrests.
The 2016 RX should arrive in Lexus showrooms by the end of 2015.
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CG Says:
The RX was definitely due for a redesign–the current-generation model debuted for the 2010 model year. Given that the buyer demographic for the RX is significantly older and more conservative than the audience for the NX, we’re a bit surprised that Lexus went as bold as it did with the new RX’s styling. It looks like an NX on a larger scale, which might be a shock to the traditional RX customer. Still, we expect the 2016 RX to deliver a truly luxurious cabin, and perhaps a more dynamically engaging driving personality than its predecessor.