Launched: 2023 Lexus RX350 Luxury – 275 HP 2.4L Turbo, From RM469K

Almost one year after making its global debut, the fifth-gen Lexus RX has finally arrived in Malaysia. While the rest of the global markets get several variants of the RX, including the electrified ones, folks at Lexus Malaysia only brought in a single RX350 Luxury variant to cater the rising demand for luxury SUVs in our local market.

Fully-imported (CBU) from The Land of Rising Sun, the Malaysian-spec RX350 Luxury is powered by a 2.4-litre 4-cyl turbocharged petrol mill that delivers 275 HP and 430 NM. All power is sent to all four wheels via an electronically-controlled all-wheel drive (AWD) system, facilitated by an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox.

All in all, this setup propels the 2-tonne RX350 Luxury from nought to 100 KM/H in 7.6 seconds.

Other mechanical highlights include the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system with MacPherson front struts and multi-link for the rear axle, which grants the RX with two damping force modes (Normal and Sport), along with three driving modes – Normal, Eco, and Sport.

Fifth-gen 2023 Lexus RX350 Luxury

Lexus’s decision to underpin the new RX with the GA-K version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) grants it with a 60 MM longer wheelbase, while measuring 25 MM wider and 10 MM taller compared to its predecessor. In spite of the size increase, the car still weighs 90 KG less than the model it replaces, though all the luxury equipment offered in this Luxury variant still makes the RX350 a two tonne SUV.

The RX's front fascia, featuring signature L-shaped DRLs and new front grille, is stunning indeed

Visually, the RX350 Luxury is simply a stunning car to look at, featuring Lexus’s latest design ethos all around it. Up front, the RX sports sleek LED projector headlights with the signature L-shaped DRLs incorporated. Said lights are flanking the sizable front grille, now with seamless opening that blends in with the front hood.

The sporty slanting roofline, plus the massive 21-inch wheels make this sizable SUV seems 'small'

From the side, the RX’s sloping roofline is complemented by the rakish rear windscreen with pointed tailgate, giving it a sporty coupe SUV silhouette. Similar to the previous model, the fifth-gen RX also gets the C-pillar trims that give the illusion of a floating roof. Being a rather sizable sporty SUV, the RX350 Luxury rides on massive 21-inch wheels with sporty multi-spoke design, finished in dark chrome hue.

At the rear, the RX350 sports wide-spanning taillights with a boomerang-shaped segment inside it, complemented by the Lexus lettering instead of the iconic ‘L’ badge. Several aero parts are also present here, including the roof-mounted rear wing, as well as the lower rear bumper fins – both actually playing roles in the car’s aerodynamics, rather than just being showpieces.

Notice the slightly angled infotainment display? That's 'Tazuna' concept for you

On board, the RX embraces the marque’s ‘Tazuna’ concept, which refers to the relationship between rider and the horse. The cabin features driver-centric layout, which includes the 14-inch central infotainment display, which is angled slightly towards the driver’s seat for better reach. 

While Apple CarPlay comes with wireless, only wired Android Auto is availavbe. Weird!

Said infotainment system comes standard with voice recognition commands, while wireless mobile connectivity is only available for Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto only accessible via a physical cable. Weird move, but at least Lexus has finally ditched the ‘ancient’ mouse-like Remote Touch control and opted for conventional touch display control instead.

Aside from the angled display, drivers will also get a digital instrument cluster that is complemented by the head-up display (HUD), as well as leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters and multiple media and driving controls laced on them. 

Apart from that, the Luxury trim level grants the RX with a bevy of luxury equipment, including the leather upholstery, 64-colour ambient lighting, e-Latch electronic door release, three-zone climate control with dedicated rear vents, as well as a 12-speaker premium audio system with Active Noise Control (ANC) for better NVH performance.

On the safety front, the RX350 Luxury gets the latest Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+), which features a bevy of ADAS features including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Safe Exit Assist (SEA), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and many more.

The 2023 Lexus RX350 Luxury is set to go against the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 in the local luxury SUV segment. Being the only CBU unit amongst its segment rivals, the Lexus RX350 Luxury is priced at RM468,888 (on-the-road, sans insurance), which includes a 5-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty.

So folks, what are your thoughts on the latest-gen Lexus RX? Digging the sporty look with top-notch luxury amenities on board? Would you pick this Japanese-flavoured luxury SUV over its European counterpart? As always, leave your thoughts in the comments down below…