South African luxury SUV enthusiasts have a new option to consider as the latest Lexus RX has officially landed on local shores. Offering a compelling alternative to established rivals like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE, the fifth-generation Lexus RX brings a fresh look, enhanced rigidity, and an array of new engine choices to the market. Here’s an overview of the South African lineup, complete with pricing details.
Unveiled in Japan in mid-2022, the fifth-generation Lexus RX boasts the benefits of the Toyota-backed luxury brand’s cutting-edge GA-K platform. This platform not only contributes to weight reduction but also enhances overall rigidity. While retaining the same length as its predecessor at 4,890 mm, the new RX gains 25 mm in width, measuring 1,920 mm, and extends its wheelbase by an extra 60 mm to reach 2,850 mm.
The new Lexus RX lineup in South Africa comprises four enticing derivatives, each offering a distinctive blend of performance and luxury.
- Lexus RX 350 (Starting at R1,424,000): The base model replaces the old naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine with a new turbocharged 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder powerplant. This engine generates 205 kW and 430 Nm of torque, delivering power to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Lexus RX 350h (Starting at R1,458,300): This model combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with hybrid components, producing a total system power output of 184 kW. The torque figure for the hybrid element is not specified, but the petrol engine generates 239 Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and fuel efficiency is impressive, with a claimed consumption rate of 5.4 liters per 100 km.
- Lexus RX 350 F Sport (Starting at R1,543,200): Building on the standard RX 350’s turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, this variant adds F Sport enhancements both inside and out. These include a striking body kit, a distinctive grille, black 21-inch alloy wheels, and sporty bolstered seats.
- Lexus RX 500h F Sport (Starting at R1,684,300): The flagship model combines the new 2.4-liter engine with Lexus’ hybrid system, resulting in a total peak power output of 273 kW. Like the RX 350h, the torque figure for the hybrid system is not provided, but the petrol engine produces 460 Nm. Interestingly, this all-wheel-drive variant employs a 6-speed automatic transmission.
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All Lexus RX models come generously equipped with features such as a powered tailgate, LED headlamps with adaptive high beams, heated/ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, 10 airbags, a panoramic sunroof, a digital rear-view mirror, adaptive cruise control, a premium 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and adaptive variable suspension.
Here’s the pricing breakdown for the Lexus RX lineup in South Africa:
- Lexus RX 350 – R1,424,000
- Lexus RX 350h – R1,458,300
- Lexus RX 350 F Sport – R1,543,200
- Lexus RX 500h F Sport – R1,684,300
Added Value: Warranty and Maintenance. To enhance the ownership experience, all Lexus RX derivatives in South Africa come with a 7-year/105,000 km warranty and maintenance plan. Maintenance intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000 km, ensuring peace of mind for owners.
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