Lexus RX L 2018 pricing and spec confirmed

Lexus Australia introduced the RX L seven-seater into local showrooms this week, with the four-variant range attracting premiums up to $3280 over its five-seat counterpart.

In 'Luxury' form, the RX350L and RX450hL open the line-up from $84,700 and $93,440 before on-road costs respectively, while opting for the 'Sports Luxury' grade increases either price by $16,800.

RX350L variants are motivated by a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine that produces 216kW of power at 6300rpm and 358Nm of torque from 4600 to 4700rpm.

These outputs are down 5kW/12Nm over the five-seat RX350 due to packaging requirements for the third row that led to a single-exhaust system being fitted instead of a dual set-up.

Comparatively, the RX450hL has a similarly sized bent six that develops 193kW at 6000rpm and 335Nm at 4600rpm with a 123kW/335Nm electric motor for a combined power output of 230kW. These figures match those of the five-seat RX450h.

Both powertrains send drive to all four wheels, while the RX350L uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and the RX450hL employs a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with six simulated ratios.

Thanks to the RX L's extra size, fuel consumption on the combined cycle test has taken a hit, with the RX350L claiming 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres, while the RX450hL musters 6.0L/100km. These figures are up 0.6L/100km and 0.3L/100km over the equivalent five-seaters.

Similarly, carbon dioxide emissions have increased to 224 grams per km for the RX350L and 137g/km for the RX450hL, up 1g/km and 6g/km respectively.

Standard equipment for the Luxury grade extends to rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive LED headlights, LED fog lights, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), power-adjustable heated side mirrors with memory function, a hands-free power tailgate, 20-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, privacy glass and three driving modes.

{{nid:67351}}

Inside, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-accented first- and second-row seats, 10-way power-adjustable ventilated front seats with driver memory function, tri-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, wireless smartphone charging, an 8.0-inch multimedia system, satellite navigation and 12-speaker sound system feature.

An optional 'Enhancement Pack' costs $3500 and adds a colour head-up display, a moon roof and a smart key card, while premium paint costs $1500.

The Luxury Sports grade further offers adaptive suspension, five driving modes, a 360-degree camera, a 12.3-inch multimedia system, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, 14-way power-adjustable front luxury seats with memory function, heated second-row seats with sunshades, LED tail-lights, front and rear scrolling LED indicators and 'Titanium'-coloured alloy wheel inserts.

Affecting all RX variants, the suite of 'Lexus Safety Sense+' advanced driver-assist technologies expands with pedestrian detection functionality for the forward collision warning and auto emergency braking systems.

{{nid:67354}}

Other features under this banner include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, high-beam assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and tyre pressure monitoring.

As previously reported, Lexus engineers extended the RX's body by 110mm and raised its roof peak by 10mm to accommodate the extra row of two seats, creating the RX L.

The third row is a 50/50 split-fold design that can be folded flat with the touch of a button to provide 432L of cargo capacity, while the second row's slide length has been extended 45mm forward for additional legroom.

Does the world need a seven-seat Lexus RX? Tell us what you think in the comments below.