MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Lexus has provided customers with more space, flexibility and convenience with its luxury RX Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), by installing a two-seat third row that expands seating capacity to seven occupants.
The new three-row RX 350L variants have the same premium levels of style, safety, luxury and performance that Lexus customers have come to expect.
An exterior redesign provides excellent head and leg room for the third-row passengers while offering more cargo space behind the third row than competitor vehicles.
Lexus designers extended the body by 110mm, raised the roof peak by 10mm and adopted a steeper power-operated tailgate. South African families can now enjoy more space in the luxury RX 350L.
Developed to meet frequent requests from customers and dealers, the 2018 RX 350L retains the model's sleek features while incorporating a power-fold, third-row seat and three-zone climate control. The third row can accommodate two passengers as well as a child seat, and furthermore includes two cup holders.
SEGMENT LEADING
When the 50-50 split-fold third row is upright, a segment-leading cargo length of 566mm provides ample space for a large stroller. At the touch of a button, the third row of seats can fold completely flat, liberating 432 litres of cargo space, measured to the tonneau cover.
For easy third-row access, one-touch levers on both sides of the vehicle are used to fold and slide the second-row seats forward. Slide length for these seats has been extended 45mm forward. The second row is positioned slightly higher than /for the third row, creating more foot room for rear passengers.
A new three-zone air conditioning system provides third row occupants with dedicated vents and controls. Curtain-shield airbags have also been extended to protect third-row passengers. An additional child-seat anchorage point is also included.
All RX models have 10 airbags - dual-stage front airbags, front seat knee airbags, side airbags for the front and second row seats, as well as side curtain-shield airbags.
Other comprehensive safety features include vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, hill-start assist control and tyre-pressure warning.
PRACTICALITY
The third row of seats offers Lexus drivers even greater practicality, convenience and roominess while maintaining the sleek styling and easy manoeuvrability customers always value. Standard on all RX models is a reverse camera, alarm, immobiliser and intrusion sensors.
The RX 350L is powered by the V6 2GR-FKS engine, delivering a maximum 216kW of power at 6 300rpm and 358Nm of torque from 4 600 to 4 700rpm.
Packaging requirements for the third-row seat needed a single exhaust rather than the dual system fitted to RX 350, resulting in small reductions in power and torque (5kW, 12Nm).
The RX 350L has an eight-speed sequential shift intelligent automatic transmission for a balance of linear acceleration, optimum fuel economy and smooth driving under all conditions, plus smooth shift feel.
The car is equipped with LED headlamps, daytime running lights, front fog lamps as well as a 12" audio display screen, satellite navigation, 12 speakers, 20" alloy wheels with black centre caps, smart entry and start, roof rails and rear privacy glass.
Front seats are heated and ventilated with 10-way power adjustment and driver's seat memory. Leather upholstery covers the first two rows of seats while the third row offers a durable synthetic covering to support regular folding of the seats.
STANDARD FEATURES
A moon roof replaces the panoramic roof fitted to five-door variants and the second-row seats are manual instead of power-operated. Standard on all RX models are LED daytime running lights, front window wipers with rain sensing auto as well as Electronic Multi-vision (EMV) Navigation System.
The Lexus signature spindle grille, a focal point, is set off by an elegant chrome-plated surround and LED headlights.
The 20" alloy wheel designs enhance the powerful-looking stance. All RX paint colours feature a scratch-resistant self-restoring coat, using high-performance macromolecular polymer. The RX 350L is also available in a brand new colour - Sleek Ecru, a sophisticated pearl beige.
Larger items can be carried by folding the second and third rows, offering 966 litres (to the front seat top). A three-zone climate control system (driver side, passenger side and rear) gives third-row passengers separate controls and dedicated vents.
PRICING
RX 450H - R1 222 600; RX 350L - R949 300 and RX 350 - R916 600. Prices include a four year or 90 000km maintenance plan. The exterior colours are: White Quartz, Platinum Silver, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black, Morello Red, Amber, Opulent Blue and introducing Sleek Ecru (pearl beige).
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