New Lexus RX SUV revealed in New York

The new Lexus SUV has been revealed at the 2015 New York Motor Show with new styling, more room and more refinement than before. On sale late 2015.

[nggallery id=2088 template=customlinks]

When Lexus teased a new RX recently, it was clear they were heading down a similar design route to the new NX.

Which they have, but they’ve also managed to make the new RX look like an evolution of the old RX, rather than something so new and radical that it might turn off Lexus’ more traditional buyers. A clever trick.

So we get a new RX SUV that’s got a big spindle grill up the front and lots of sharp creases dotted around the body, is bigger and more luxurious – with the promise of more refinement and better economy and performance – and looks very modern, yet feels familiar and reassuring too.

Inside there’s a 12.3″ Infotainment screen dominating the eyeline away from the view ahead, and a big heads-up display dominating looking forward, lots of high-end wood and leather on display, more room thanks to a 50mm stretch in the wheelbase which allows reclining rear seats to be fitted (heated too) and a general feeling of upmarket going on.

There’s a petrol V6 engine option for the RX, but the UK won’t be getting it and will carry on with the RX 450h as the only engine option, with around 300bhp on offer.

You will also be able to have an RX F Sport model which, although not getting more power, will look the part with cosmetic tweaks inside and out and will get an active stabiliser system and a Sport S+ mode too.

The RX is the most successful model Lexus has built, accounting for around 30 per cent of all its sales – ever. On paper, it probably competes against cars like the new Mercedes GLE, the BMW X5 and even the Range Rover Sport, but in truth it has a demographic all its own.

And they’re going to be pretty happy with the new Lexus RX when it goes on sale at the end of 2015.