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2018 Lexus RX 350L, RX450hL are here to fill your 7-seat needs
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...c7d460a436.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...cb87227593.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...cf6f29e417.jpg The Lexus RX is the Japanese automaker's best-selling model, moving nearly twice as many units so far this year as the runner-up, the Lexus NX. Considering the state of the crossover-crazed market, that should be a surprise to absolutely no one. Still, customers demands more, and automakers are happy to deliver. Currently, Lexus has a three-row crossover-shaped hole in its lineup. Soon, that gap will be filled by the new seven-passenger 2018 RX 350L and RX 450hL. Sure, you can get three rows in the GX and LX, but traditional SUVs like that aren't selling nearly as well as more fuel efficient and more affordable car-based crossovers. The RX 350L and RX 450hL are based on the standard and hybrid RX variants. The pair have been extended by 4.3 inches to help accommodate an extra pair of seats. The angle of the rear window has also been changed to make sure third-row occupants have a reasonable amount of headroom. The RX's second row folds in a 40/20/40 split. Access to the third row is granted with a lever that slides the second row up and forward. The second row also sits slightly higher than the third, creating some much needed footroom. Tri-zone climate control is available, and gives those in steerage control of their own ventilation. A pair of cup holders keeps drinks from ending up in the hair of those sitting up front. The third row folds flat when not in use. Like the standard RX 350, the RX 350L is powered by a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and is available in both front- and all-wheel drive. The RX 450hL comes standard with all-wheel drive. It's powered by a 3.5-liter V6 and two electric drive motors. Total power output is 308 horsepower. An EV mode allows the hybrid to run on pure electricity for a short amount of time. The models go on sale early next year. |
Interesting. They using the old body style. People will buy it anyways, regardless of how cramped or slow it will be.
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Was always kinda cool that the RX was a 5 seat SUV. This third is just to make people think they can use it. Can't imagine there will be any room for cargo with 7 people aboard.
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the third row seats look very similar to the third row seats on our '13 honda pilot touring (minus the cup holders in the middle). It's typically folded down and when used reserved for my daughter and nieces and nephews < the age of 8 :) I'm glad to see the RX finally have that option
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Wonder if it folds flat when not in use.
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So they didn't facelift it. Interesting. It appears this will be the lame duck model, with only a year or two on the market before the short wheelbase model gets facelifted. Not a good return on the tooling dollar. Or, they will stretch out the timeframe for both. Poor timing in my opinion. This should have been released either when the current RX debuted or when the facelift debuts.
And check out the prison cell interior compartment back there. This is the fallout of over-styling the exterior and having a beltline that is too high. |
Hit with the ugly stick is the first thing that comes to mind.
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Originally Posted by LexsCTJill
(Post 10042774)
Can't imagine there will be any room for cargo with 7 people aboard.
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Originally Posted by LexsCTJill
(Post 10042774)
Was always kinda cool that the RX was a 5 seat SUV. This third is just to make people think they can use it. Can't imagine there will be any room for cargo with 7 people aboard.
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2018 Lexus RX L First Look
https://s.yimg.com/lo/api/res/1.2/zC...2b3403148f57bd
Like the standard-length RX, two powertrains will be offered including a 3.5-liter V-6 with 290 hp and a 263 lb-ft of torque in the RX 350L and a hybrid powertrain that combines the 3.5-liter V-6 with two electric motors and a nickel-metal hybrid with a total output of 308 hp in the RX 450hL. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard on the RX 350L, but the RX 450hL comes with a CVT. Front-wheel drive comes standard on the RX 350L, and all-wheel drive is optional. All RX 450hL models come standard with all-wheel drive. The RX 350L comes with drive modes—Normal, Sport, and Eco—and the RX 450hL adds a fourth, EV mode. All RX Ls come standard with the Lexus Safety System+ suite, which bundles together lane keep assist with steering assist, automatic high-beams, adaptive cruise control, and the Pre-Collision System (forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking) with pedestrian detection. Optional features include a head-up display, a Mark Levinson premium audio system, navigation with a 12.3-inch screen and Lexus’ touchpad/mouselike controls, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree camera system, and 20-inch alloy wheels. Expect the 2018 Lexus RX L to go on sale early next year, slotting between the two-row RX and the larger GX. |
Overall, better than I had expected.
The real weakness here, at least to me, is the rear cargo space with the seats up. One of my few complaints with my Highlander is how little cargo room there is left when all seats are up. This new RX, at 7 cu ft, has about half of what my Highlander has back there (13.8 cu ft). This was way overdue and I think it's going to sell like crazy. |
Looks good but if I wanted a seven seater, I'd opt for the GX.
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Nice that they added Three Zone Climate Control.
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the real weakness to me is how it looks... :eek1:
but it will sell https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...c7d460a436.jpg |
Originally Posted by bitkahuna
(Post 10043044)
the real weakness to me is how it looks... :eek1:
but it will sell |
Meh, I'm over the looks thing. It doesn't bother me anymore. I'd own one.
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Those rear cup holders looks like they were made by WeathterTech.
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Originally Posted by RX469
(Post 10043116)
Those rear cup holders looks like they were made by WeathterTech.
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Its not nearly as hideous as I thought it would be, and it will sell incredibly well. Lots of vehicles I'd buy first though.
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Originally Posted by bitkahuna
(Post 10043044)
the real weakness to me is how it looks... :eek1:
but it will sell https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...c7d460a436.jpg |
Oh, I look down on it for sure lol
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Originally Posted by Lexlife123
(Post 10043072)
My sister has a 16 gx. I €™m a Lexus fanboy but I will recommend it to anyone. Looks like a Lexus from outside. Inside is pure garbage. I €™ve always loved how the 4rx looks inside out. Now with a 3rd row it is a no brainer.
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Climate Control??
Looking at the pictures, it seems the climate controls for the rear are in the 3rd row?? I looked closely at the 2nd row and nothing but vents were there. Why would they put the climate controls in an area that's used less?
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I actually quite like the proportions here and the extra 4 inches really makes the floating roof design flow better. The current one is a bit of a mess. At the same time, because its practically the same size, the 3rd row is unusable.
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Not something I would necessarily buy, but get ready to see some big sales-figures on it. My guess is that the factory probably won't be able keep up with demand....and that could mean dealer price-gouging.
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It actually reminds me of the Toyota Fortuner, a Hilux-based SUV with folding third row seats. Those back seats aren't meant for long distance trips although short drives to the mall would be fine. If you really want three row seating with lots of cargo space, you'd better get a bus... Even a huge JDM van like the Alphard or Elysion has very little space aft of the third row seats.
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As much as my wife likes her 17’ RX350, didnt like its limited cargo. I would of bought this just for the few extra inches in the rear instead....i predict this will sell like hotcakes!! |
A few more observations:
- The grey model shown in the video has a lowered suspension, making it look sportier and more cohesive than it actually is. Is there an air suspension on these things? I've never seen one that low. - One easy improvement would be the addition of nicer stock rims. The current units are flowery and Hot Wheels. - The current MDX sells extremely well in my neck of the woods. I think the third row and realistic prices has much to do with that. This RXL should pick up that slack nicely. - Where are the tailpipes on the gas model? No one has mentioned the cost-cutting there. |
RX350 currently is the same length as the 3 row highlander. The RX350L is with 1/2 inch of the MDX. Looks to have about the same space in the 3rd row also as the MDX so should compete quite well (been in the MDX, 3rd row is good for storage but not much else). Most that I see with a 3rd row seem to hardly, if ever, use them. Those that do need them, have a van or Tahoe/Expedition type vehicle.
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Originally Posted by jer
(Post 10043537)
RX350 currently is the same length as the 3 row highlander. The RX350L is with 1/2 inch of the MDX. Looks to have about the same space in the 3rd row also as the MDX so should compete quite well (been in the MDX, 3rd row is good for storage but not much else). Most that I see with a 3rd row seem to hardly, if ever, use them. Those that do need them, have a van or Tahoe/Expedition type vehicle.
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I'm amazed it took them this long. Should've been done 10 years ago.
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I wouldn’t assume people don’t use 3rd row seats often. Many don’t, but many others, like me, use them all of the time. The lack of a third row is the only reason we didn’t get another RX.
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In french but you can browse through the pictures
https://www.guideautoweb.com/galerie...-sieges/?im=13 |
Originally Posted by praveenc
(Post 10043304)
Looking at the pictures, it seems the climate controls for the rear are in the 3rd row?? I looked closely at the 2nd row and nothing but vents were there. Why would they put the climate controls in an area that's used less?
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Originally Posted by Sulu
(Post 10043284)
That bottom-up angle does not do it justice; it is NOT a normal, everyday angle and exaggerates that front grille. Standing next to it, we would be looking down at that front end, not up at it.
http://www.petmd.com/sites/default/f..._1545230_2.jpg |
Originally Posted by PeeVee
(Post 10043603)
In french but you can browse through the pictures
https://www.guideautoweb.com/galerie...-sieges/?im=13 https://i.gaw.to/photos/3/1/6/316653..._de_sieges.jpg |
will they make it in F Sport?
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