The Embargo for driving impressions were lifted today. The new RX reviews are starting to trickle out. Although I think the exterior is not the greatest looking, this new RX is going to be a monumental home run for Lexus. Compared to a MKX which already looks 10 years old, the RX is sure to form some sort of impression.

 

I hate it when they say the RX copied the Murano's floating roof when it's the Murano that copied the LF-LC's world's first floating roof design that came out more than 2 years earlier.

 

it looks like a giant IS i guess.



first drive:

http://www.autoblog.com/2015/09/08/2...-review-video/

i find this side profile pretty awkward but it will likely sell like hot cakes. there's more lines than the london subway system.

 

A lot of lines, angles and creases going on. Sales won't miss a beat though.

 

Wow, I love it! Much more masculine.

It looks like the NX concept with all the aggressive lines and creases (and what should've been production-wise).

Can't wait to test drive one.

 

Sigh. Too bladed for me. Looks like something out of a Yu-gi-oh hairstyle cartoon. It'll sell no doubt but I'll have to pass and perhaps that's a blessing. Phew.

 

I'm not sure I'm ready to call the RX a success because it's way better than a Lincoln. It will be a success because it's an RX, and it's got a track record of years of success behind it. Given the Lexus nameplate and reputation, I think it's unlikely that Lexus would lose more customers than it gains because of making the styling more aggressive. To me, the issue Lexus will have is if the styling is too trendy, they will be forced to restyle earlier in the life cycle, rather than pushing the design for an extra year or 2.

 

I dislike the Lexus logo proximity sensor for the rear hatch. It is like they didn't want to do the foot sensor for the sake of being different and now they end up with something that is less effective. It is much easier to wave your foot when your hands are full then to use an elbow. Also, what about closing with your hands full? You still have to use your finger to push the button when you could use your leg.

 

I agree, but this model will always be labeled a copy cat of the Murano since it was for sale first.

That being said I don't care for the floating roof at all. It doesn't come across to me as a luxury car design feature. It especially stands out like a sore thumb in the white and silver models. If you get a darker color it blends in more or less.

I found the Autoblog first drive review one of the better ones I've read lately. More thorough than I expected.

 

I've seen a few out on the road already. It looks premium and inoffensive; there's plenty of people out there looking for just that.

 

I was hoping the 450h's drivetrain would be a major improvement over the 3rd gen. After 6 years, the best they can do is tack on another 13hp? MPG/acceleration remains essentially the same. Regardless, I'm anxious to find out how much quieter it is. The 3RX is very noisy for a 'luxury' vehicle.

 

will be interesting to see how female buyers (who i would bet drive 80% of rx purchases) respond.

fixed for you.

 

Well, the Lexus design can be used with just your elbow.

 

Which is fine and I don't doubt that. But Lincoln needs to make a statement and perhaps a bold one and the MKX does not do it. The RX on the other hand will generate a response for or against and that is what it's all about. It will turn some heads.

 

Shouldn't have been one to start with. The whole idea of embargoes is nonsense.