Lexus Trademarks TX 350 and TX 350h: What Does It Mean?
Lexus adds TX to its treasure trove of model name trademarks, which could mean a longer RX is coming.
Long Game
Lexus, like all other automakers, is selling a lot of SUVs and crossovers these days. So it's really no surprise that it's working on making even more. And now we know what two of them might be called, as the automaker recently trademarked both TX 350 and TX350h, signaling what could potentially be a proper elongated, three-row version of the popular RX.
Photos: Lexus
High Demand
Of course, the RX 350L already exists for those that need a third row in that particular vehicle. Problem is, it doesn't offer much space for human-sized humans. Meanwhile, Lexus dealers have been asking for a proper three-row RX for years now, one that's more affordable and smaller than the LX and GX.
Photos: Lexus
Out in the Open
Earlier this year, Lexus USA dealer council chairman Carl Sewell III made it a point to say that Lexus dealers wanted such a vehicle. "I think every dealer would raise their hand for that product, certainly," he said. "One of the big things we've been working on over the last two years on council is our premium luxury utility vehicle lineup for the future. Right now, we’ve got a really strong sub-$50,000 lineup. But when we look above that, we've got some great product today, but what do those products look like for the future?"
Photos: Lexus
Filling the Void
Meanwhile, a number of Lexus' competitors already offer a proper three-row SUV in the RX's segment. This includes vehicles like the Cadillac XT6, Kia Telluride, and forthcoming Acura MDX. It's safe to say that a more spacious RX would fill a big void in the automaker's lineup.
Photos: Lexus
Many Questions
Of course, trademarks are not proof that anything is actually going to happen. Also, Lexus last trademarked the TX name back in 2009 before letting it go in 2017. But the fact that it has once again trademarked the name could indicate that it intends to do something with it, eventually.
Photos: Lexus
