Test drive Lexus RX350: synonym of comfort

The squinting Asian headlights, a tucked-in waist, a humped silhouette, a pronounced radiator grille, new rear lights – the changes in appearance are more like a facelift than absolute novelty. The image is still the same.

Compared to the previous generation, the new Lexus RX has become more modern. The headlights have narrowed, the sides have tightened, and stylish stampings have appeared. Meanwhile, the previous image is still recognizable to this day.

The interior is a fairy tale! Like at social receptions: black top, light bottom – beige carpet, high-quality leather, excellent plastic, elegant wooden inserts. Whatever your heart desires. In the Lexus RX you feel like you are in an excellent five-star hotel where guest comfort is paramount. The lack of lateral support in the front seats is partly compensated by numerous electric adjustments, heating, and ventilation.

As with any luxury brand, LED lights have appeared at the rear - a mandatory attribute of any car costing more than 1.5 million rubles.

The crown of the interior is undoubtedly the whimsical controller called Remote Touch. At first you mistake it for a mutated computer "mouse," but in reality it is simple and convenient to use. By the way, in favor of this system, the Japanese abandoned the "touchscreen" function on the display. You get used to the Lexus "mouse" after just a few minutes, and to prevent the user from missing the desired icon, Remote Touch is also equipped with feedback.

In the maximum configuration, the front seats are equipped with a mass of adjustments, heating, and active ventilation. Meanwhile, the lateral support could be more substantial.

We start the engine with the Start/Stop button – and you can tell that the Japanese heart has started beating only by the rising needles of the optitronic instrument panel. Moreover, our test car was by no means the hybrid Lexus RX450h, but a simple petrol RX350. Excellent sound insulation!

Under the hood is a modernized V-shaped six-cylinder engine with a volume of 3.5 liters and a power of 277 hp.

The central console has transformed beyond recognition. Stylish asymmetry required sacrifices, which became the climate control panel. The temperature adjustment buttons are too small, and the air flow control is completely hidden in the depths of the menu of the aforementioned Remote Touch. Otherwise, the ergonomics are flawless. Cozy and comfortable. In the back, three passengers can sit with due comfort. Fortunately, there is no central tunnel at all.

Thanks to the absence of a central tunnel, three passengers can sit comfortably in the back.

Under the hood is a slightly modernized V-shaped "six" with a volume of 3.5 liters and a power of 277 hp, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with the possibility of manual shifting. Acceleration is smooth and soft, the "automatic" clicks through gears smoothly. Somewhere from 3500 rpm the engine comes alive, and the full potential of the 277 horses under the hood hits the passengers. But in the Lexus you don't want to "floor it." This car is created for comfort and in the name of comfort.

Even in the field, the Lexus RX350 demonstrates good ride smoothness.

At the front, McPherson struts remain, at the rear the Japanese used a multi-link suspension. The ride smoothness is excellent! All small joints and irregularities disappear in the depths of the chassis unnoticed by passengers. Larger potholes are also not a problem. Even at high speed, there is no hint of aerodynamic noise in the cabin. Balm for the ears pours from the 15 speakers of the optional Mark Levinson audio system.

The trunk volume is 496 liters. If necessary, the rear sofa folds in parts, forming a completely flat floor. In the top version, the trunk lid is equipped with an electric drive. Under the floor is a full-size spare tire.

On a straight line, the Lexus stands as if glued – neither ruts nor side wind are a hindrance. Clear and adequate effort on the steering wheel makes the handling of the almost two-ton crossover simple and understandable. The slightest mischief is immediately dampened by the stability control system.

Rolls in corners are inevitable... The price for comfort. Despite this, the RX350 is stable on an arc and does not "wander" during sharp lane changes.

The base price of the Lexus RX350 on the Russian market starts from 2,226,000 rubles. The car that participated in the test was packed to the brim. The price of such a modification is 2,731,000 rubles.

There were also changes in the all-wheel drive system. Now, for connecting the rear axle in the Lexus RX, a multi-disc electromagnetic clutch ATC (Active Torque Control) is responsible. That is, in the normal state, like, for example, the Toyota RAV4, the "Lexus" is front-wheel drive, and in the event of slipping of the front axle, the clutch connects the assistant. Of course, the Lexus is not ready for serious off-road feats, but jumping over a curb, storming a snowdrift, or driving along a muddy track is just right.

An excellent car for connoisseurs of comfortable driving. Smooth operation of the gearbox, excellent sound insulation, and a dense but not too stiff suspension – an indispensable option for long trips or simply for enjoying yourself while on the way to your destination.

The base but already well-equipped version of the Lexus RX 350 in the Comfort trim will cost 2,226,000 rubles. The equipment list includes dual-zone climate control, bi-xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather interior, cruise control, rain and light sensors, electric drive for front seats, and a full set of safety systems. The next Executive trim can boast a more advanced "music" system, adaptive lighting system, sunroof, electric rear door, rear-view camera, navigation system, Remote Touch joystick, 19-inch wheels, and wooden inserts in the cabin. This list is valued at 180 thousand rubles.

The instrument panel is a benchmark of ergonomics. But the climate control unit suffers from too-small temperature control buttons. In addition, air flow adjustment can only be done through the Remote Touch system menu. Under the front armrest are hidden "dials" for heating and ventilation of the front seats.

The top Premium version, which we tested, costs 2,731,000 rubles. We note the DVD changer for 6 discs, head-up display, richer wood trim, and a side-view camera for parking convenience.

The Remote Touch interface is controlled using a convenient manipulator that looks like a computer "mouse". On the sides there are convenient input keys, and the joystick itself is equipped with feedback.

Ruslan Galimov