Lexus targets the Euros with pricing and specs for new 2023 RX revealed for Australia

Lexus Australia has confirmed local pricing and specifications of the new generation Lexus RX, set to arrive in showrooms in the first quarter of 2023.

The entry level Lexus RX350h Luxury 2WD kicks off the 2023 RX family from $87,500 before on-road costs.

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The RX350h is powered by a hybrid powertrain that combines a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, making a total 180kW and 316Nm, and uses a CVT gearbox to transmit engine power to the wheels. It can also be had in all-wheel drive for an extra $4500, at $92,000.

Even as the point of entry, the 350h Luxury is still treated to high-end features like LED headlights, front and rear fog lamps, heated and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, tinted rear privacy glass, roof rails and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The 350h Luxury can be had with an Enhancement Pack (EP) for an additional $5100 (for the 2WD) and $5500 (in AWD guise) which adds a panoramic moonroof, leather-accented seat trim, ventilated front seats, easy access seat, driver's seat memory, touch-sensitive steering-wheel controls linked with the head-up display, high-grade instrument cluster display, smart key card, and wireless phone charger.

All RX models also score a safe exit assist function, where the electronic door handles can be overridden if the system detects an incoming cyclist to avoid unexpected collisions.

The next grade up is the RX350 F Sport, which uses a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine making 205kW and 430Nm, is paired with an eight-speed auto, and features all-wheel drive.

It’s priced just short of six figures at $99,900. Aside from sportier styling, it scores Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and stronger aluminium brake calipers.

In addition, and to justify its price over the hybrid Luxury variants, it gains dynamic auto-levelling LED headlights, cornering lamps and headlamp cleaners, plus its tailgate has a hand-free ‘kick sensor’ opening function. On top of that, it also gains a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, additional interior lighting and a head-up display.

Above that, the Sports Luxury grade can be had in non-hybrid 350 guise for $105,900 or hybrid 350h for $111,900 (due to the more complex and efficient hybrid drivetrain) and adds extras like 10-way power-adjustable front seats with semi-aniline leather upholstery and four-way lumbar support and memory function, heated steering wheel with woodgrain, power-folding and reclining rear seats, heated and ventilated outboard rear seats, and unique 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Headlining the Lexus RX act is the top-spec (for Australia, at least) RX500h Performance. At a starting price of $126,000, it’s more expensive than the previous range-topping RX450hL Sport Luxury (about $15,000 less), but offers more performance and efficiency.

It’s powered by a hybrid set-up consisting of a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors, one at the front and a more powerful one at the rear axle. The all-wheel-drive RX500h Performance makes an impressive total 273kW and 551Nm. Its engine is paired with a six-speed auto transmission instead of the CVT used by previous high-spec RX models.