New Lexus RX 350 Review
The Lexus RX range is the most popular Luxury SUV (sports utility vehicle) in the world, most sales do admittedly occur in the US, but having said that the RX is the most popular Lexus in Europe with sales of 15,000 units in 2005.
The Lexus RX 350 was launched in 2006 as a replacement for the RX 300, now powered by 3.5 litre V6 the RX 350 boasts class leading power and acceleration, indeed it out performs all its six cylinder petrol powered rivals. Compare the RX 350 with the V8 powered BMW X5 4.4 and you can see just how impressively the Lexus performs, 0 - 62 mph is achieved in 7.1 seconds by the BMW, with the Lexus being only 0.2 seconds slower. With this performance, unfortunately, there has to be a down side and this is reflected in its fuel economy figures (not as good as they could be, but still better than the model it replaces).
As with any Lexus the ride is smooth with minimal wind and road noise, this has been improved upon still further with the RX 350, with the use of vibration cancelling engine mounts, an acoustic glass windscreen, sound insulated floor mats and more sound insulation in the instrument panels and doors.
Standard specification on the RX 350 includes amongst other things, electric seats, photo chromic mirrors and a multi zone air conditioning system. Move up to the SE level of trim and the seats gain a memory function and you also get a power rear tailgate. The SE - L has the new Lexus multimedia and navigation system plus a Mark Levinson eleven speaker stereo system.
Safety features on the RX 350 include a host of electronic gadgetry designed to keep you pointing in the right direction, whilst achieving maximum traction. Combine these with an assortment of multi-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger and roll-sensing front and rear head / side curtain airbags for both the driver and other passengers and you can see how seriously Lexus takes you and your families safety and security.
It may not be as assured off road as a Range Rover or have the grunt of the Toyota Land Cruiser, but as an all round package the Lexus RX 350 holds its own, no matter who's company it is found in.
So with all this extra power, combined with the fantastic build quality and excellent specification, it is little wonder why our American friends find the RX 350 so irresistible.
Like the looks of the Lexus RX 350 why not check out the BMW X5, the VW Touareg, the Ssangyong Rexton, the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Audi A6 Allroad Quattro or the Mercedes M Class
Finance your new Lexus RX 350 on a PCP car loan work out your monthly payments using our Car Finance Payment Calculator.
