Over the last four years since its launch in the country, the Lexus RX has not only been the brand’s best-selling model, it’s also been the number 1 choice of buyers in the luxury SUV segment. “The Lexus RX is the best-selling vehicle in our line-up, being not just the most popular SUV, but also the most successful model historically in our range since 2009. As of June 2019, the RX has sold 1,413 thousand units since we first introduced it in the Philippines,” said Carlo Ablaza, Vice President, Lexus Philippines, Lexus Brand Department. I’ve got good news for clients and bad news for the competition, Lexus just made their best even better with the launch of the 2020 RX. Its face now gets the modern mesh grille (instead of the louvered one), slimmer headlamps, and a redesigned bumper that puts the new, sleeker fog lamps below the two air ducts on either side. There’s a sharper, slanted character line along the side, which both complements and completes its overall angular finish. It radiates from the front fender and through the door handles before fading right after the B-pillar. Taillights have kept the ‘L’ elements but have been restyled to look slenderer to match the restyled bumpers and the overall wider appearance of the rear because of new chromed exhaust tips and underbody shield. The hatch now comes with a kick-to-open sensor that makes ingress of cargo faster by 1.5 seconds. Changes aren’t only skin-deep. According to Lexus Chief Engineer, Takeaki Kato, major changes were made to its production to improve aspects from vehicle dynamics to steering input. These are Laser Screw Welding (LSW) and spot welding, increased use of high-strength adhesives, and stiffened stabilizer bars (which are now hollow and wider by 1mm). The suspension has also been upgraded to improve handling with new shock absorbers and reinforced bushings. A new feature in the RX is Active Cornering Assist (ACA). Lexus says that it’s to suppress understeer ‘when stepping on the throttle in mid-corner’. Aside from that, it’s supposed to improve the tuning of the electric power steering for a more accurate feel and response. The 15-speaker Mark Levinson system still comes standard but new to the cabin are touchscreen and touchpad options, six USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a new phone holder. Meet the all-new RX 350L Compared to the RX, this L trim is longer by 4.3 inches but still maintains the same wheelbase. The added length allows it to have power-folding third-row seats (controls are on the side trim of second row and left side of cargo area) with 50/50 split configuration and second-row seats that slide forward to increase third-row leg room. Air-conditioning vents and controls have been installed on the panel of the third-row. Even with the seats in the last row up, the layout still allows for luggage space that is covered with a tonneau that can disappear into the luggage space floor. Customers and buying tools Its development had two key markets in mind, first are successful young professionals, although Lexus Philippines has seen a wide 35 to 64-years-old demographic for the RX, and young families. The common denominators for both are the desire for dynamic design and innovation, which are key strengths of the RX and Lexus as a brand, among many others. A whopping 12 colors (with the addition of Terrane Khaki and Ice Ecru) are spread across all four trims. The Lexus RX can be had at the following price points: RX 30, P4.278 million; RX 350L, P4.758 million; RX 350 F Sport, P4.838 million; and the RX 450h, P5.078 million. From left: Lexus Manila President, Raymond Rodriguez, and Lexus Philippines Chairman, Alfred Ty. “Our RX was the pioneer in its class, and has since become an icon on Philippine roads and, of course, the world over. With the introduction of our new seven-seater RXL variant, I am certain that the RX will become even more loved,” said Alfred Ty, Chairman, Toyota Motor Philippines. Text and photos by Eric Tipan