#15
LEXUS RX 2024
Imagine driving down an open highway in the new Lexus RX, where the kilometres pass like clouds in an unbelievably peaceful sky. Slip into the driver’s seat and feel as if you are in a tranquility temple for car enthusiasts – a place where peace of mind is as important as horsepower.
The feeling is of Lexus having meticulously crafted every element, from the soft leather to the subtly delicate interior details. While this is not an SUV for high-speed movements, it offers a smooth power delivery that complements its opulent appearance.
The RX 350’s turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine generates 205 kW of power. While not setting your hair on fire, there is a feeling of tranquility in how easily the RX 350 integrates into the highway traffic, thanks to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission that handles everything. If you need a little more oomph, Lexus offers the RX 500h, a hybrid sports variant with 274 kW of power on tap. It does not turn the RX into a racing star, but into a fuel-efficient premium SUV.
On open road, the RX drives like a relaxed companion who knows how to unwind. Its suspension is perfectly calibrated for comfort, gliding over bumps and potholes with the assurance of a high-end luxury saloon. Don’t expect it to be a master of quick bends; it’ll lean into the curve with grandeur. Rival SUVs, such as the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, have quicker handling, but they lack the RX’s serene ambience and presence, which is one of its main appeals.
The RX’s interior demonstrates Lexus’ attention to detail. Inside, it feels more like going into a high-end lounge than a standard SUV cabin. The seats are as supportive as a memory foam mattress, with several adjustments to ensure that everyone, from the driver to the backseat passengers, finds their ideal position. The second seat offers enough car legroom, and while there is no third row, the huge cargo capacity compensates. You can pack all of your bags, camping gear, and possibly even your pet’s entire toy collection without breaking a sweat.
The Lexus RX Interface multimedia system greets you with a vast 14-inch touchscreen. It’s easy to use and responsive, and it has all of the standard tech features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Mark Levinson sound system is the cherry on top, transforming the interior into a personal concert hall with 13 speakers that transcend even the most questionable road trip music. And, if you’re traveling in unknown terrain, the heads-up display maintains important information in your field of view, which is always an advantage for keeping a comfortable driving demeanor.
Of course, no car is without its quirks, and the RX is no exception. While the multimedia system is attractive, it is not the fastest in the luxury segment. And, while the touchscreen placement is remarkable, it may take a bit of a stretch for the driver – so you may end up performing an accidental exercise if you need to reach for it too often.
As the hours pass by and the odometer reads, the RX maintains its calm. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring gently reduce the stress of highway driving, allowing you to confidently navigate traffic. Lanes change? No problem, due to the reassuring blind-spot monitor. The RX feels like a travel friend cheering you on, ready for any adventure you have anticipated, whether it’s a weekend in the mountains or the daily grind and school runs.
In an era when luxury SUVs aim to be everything to everyone, the Lexus RX 2024 sticks to its strengths: providing a smooth, precise driving experience in an attractive and practical body. This is hardly the SUV for speeding through mountain passes or dominating racetracks. Instead, it’s your solid co-pilot, who makes every kilometre a comfortable and peaceful experience. If you appreciate a Zen-like driving experience, don’t need to hear the noise of the engine, and rather the sound of a decent audiobook on a high-quality sound system, the RX 350 2024 could be the luxury getaway you didn’t realize you needed.
