Back when the Lexus RX was released in 1998, it was the first SUV offering both front wheel and all-wheel drive models. Fast forward almost 20 years and the 2016 Lexus RX 350 is still a distinct SUV that breaks new frontiers.
The 2016 Lexus RX 350 has little changes in the design, but huge changes inside the vehicle. The design, which still resembles the old egg shaped body of the RX, has received several tweaks that make the SUV more like a sport crossover. At first glance, you notice the floating roofline and a sharply angled windshield. Combine the two together and you get an effect that shows speed. The new sporty design emphasizes sharp lines, aggressive and dynamic looks we currently see on the likes of Mazda. It will take the new buyers a few seconds to recognize that this is the same Lexus RX.
Inside is where the biggest changes are made. Once inside, the prospective buyers will be surrounded by the luxury they’ve grown accustomed to with Lexus. Inside, the car feels much larger, especially when you look at the front seats. From the outside, the cabin looks low and aggressive, but in reality, it is spacious with lots of air and light. One of the best things about the 2016 Lexus RX 350 is that the ride is smooth and whisper-quiet. The company has invested a lot to get the noise reduction to whisper-quiet levels and the prospective buyers benefit from it.
On the dashboard, Lexus has placed a 12.3 inch display showing current speed, information about adaptive cruise control, compass, eco-drive indicator, navigation and much more. To complement the main display, the company has also placed several small displays in the 2016 RX 350. And in order to manage all those displays, Lexus has also added a joystick controller to accompany the touchscreen.
The 2016 Lexus RX 350 comes with a new platform that offers better driving experience. As for the engines, the basic model is the front wheel drive RX 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295hp. The second entry model is the RX 350 with all-wheel drive which also adds smart system. The company also offers the RX 450 hybrid model, which has the same V6 engine, but also an electric motor on the front and rear wheels producing a combined power of 308hp.
The pricing of the new Lexus models is still unknown, but according to sources from the company, the prospective buyers can expect a price higher than $45,000. That will not include the all-wheel drive system, the F Sport package or the hybrid engine. The car will hit dealerships in November this year.
