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Lexus RX300 Review

November 2005
Filed under: LEXUS Car News | LEXUS Headlines

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Five years after the original Lexus rx300 created the luxury SUV segment and became a best seller with over 500,000 units sold worldwide, the new generation Lexus rx300 further raises the segment benchmarks. The new rx300 improves on every aspect of the outgoing model, making a quantum leap in safety, driving dynamics and refinement to move it even further ahead of other vehicles in the luxury sport utility segment.
In redefining the rx300 for its next generation of buyers, the Lexus development team concentrated on creating a vehicle that could deliver excellent dynamic performance, especially in handling and ride comfort, NVH and braking. It was determined from the outset that the new rx300 should have advanced styling, unsurpassed levels of active and passive safety and
a host of innovative features.

The power of the 3-litre transversely-mounted high-performance V6 engine is increased to 150kW (204 DIN hp) by improving the intake and exhaust systems. The powerplant, which already complies with the 2005 EURO IV emission standards, is complemented by a new five-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shift change and a new drivetrain in which the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels is controlled electronically by the Traction Control (TRC).

A more aerodynamic body and higher-performance tyres increases the top speed from 180 to 200km/h, while improving combined fuel consumption by more than 6%, achieving a best in class figure for luxury SUVs equipped with 6-cylinder petrol engines.

In addition to offering class-leading aerodynamic efficiency with a Cd figure as low as 0.33 (equipped with air suspension) and a wind noise level 5dB lower than its predecessor, the new Lexus rx300 is distinguished by bold new looks with a sporting and dynamic image. The rx300 shares styling cues with other Lexus models, with the distinctive grille design, modern, clear glass
lamps front and rear, strong wheel arches, a rising window line and a distinctive ‘c-post' rear pillar design.

The modern and distinctive shape also gives a passenger compartment that is bigger and roomier than most of its segment rivals. At 4,740mm in length, the new Lexus rx300 is 160mm longer than its predecessor and 30mm wider, with refined packaging giving an extra 100mm of wheelbase for additional luggage room length. Despite the greater length, the turning circle remains at a compact 5.7m.

A further comfort and convenience feature offered by the new generation rx300 is a power-operated rear-tailgate; automatically opening and closing at the touch of a button. It can also be activated remotely by the vehicle's key. To ensure a safe operation, the system features a warning buzzer. By receiving information from the touch sensors and the electric motor, the
system ECU can stop the door and reverse its movement when there is any obstruction to its closing or opening movement.

Rear end styling and safety are equally enhanced by lamps which use the latest LED (light emitting diode) technology rather than traditional filament bulbs. These are more energy efficient – adding up to 0.8 percent to fuel economy – and a significant active safety item. The LED elements light up ten times faster than a conventional lamp, 2 to 15 milliseconds as opposed to 150 to 200 ms. This equates to 6 metres of reaction time at 100km/h.

The new Lexus rx300 takes the lead in all areas of active and passive safety. Uppermost are the excellent driving dynamics, aided still further by Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Brake Assist technology, but additionally the new rx300 carries more safety equipment than any other vehicle in its segment. A new Air Suspension System offers a still higher level of performance and refinement. This optional feature provides
greater ride control together with an auto-leveling function, plus the ability to alter ride height through a range of 45 mm.

Intelligent AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System), a world-first for SUVs, radically improves night-driving visibility when cornering. Unlike other systems which either use additional lamps or are merely directly linked to a car's steering, the Intelligent AFS microprocessor controller calculates the optimum swivel of the lighting area from the vehicle speed and steering angle and is combined with Xenon headlights with an automatic leveling
system and headlamp cleaners for the best night-time vision.

A further aid to active safety is the use of a Lexus Parking Assist Monitor, effectively a TV camera mounted in the rear, a unique feature among luxury SUVs. When reverse gear is selected, an image appears on the navigation display screen on the rx300 dashboard, allowing accurate manoeuvring and minimising the risk of collision with low-level objects.

To further advance the model's leadership in passive safety performance the new rx300 features as standard equipment, dual stage driver and front passenger SRS airbags and a first-in-segment driver's SRS knee airbag. New Extra-large Side Airbags (protecting torso, abdomen and pelvis) and standard side curtain shield airbags offer supplemental protection for occupants in side impacts.

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