2012 Lexus RX350 combines power and luxury

Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor for Lexus in the UAE, has introduced the 2012 RX 350 with enhanced design and entertainment features on select models for 2012.  

The third-generation RX 350 continues to be the most popular choice in the luxury crossover segment. Equipped with an engaging driving experience, a quiet and smooth ride, 19-inch sport-alloy wheels and an all-wheel drive (AWD), it’s no surprise the RX 350 offers luxurious standard and optional amenities.  

Saud Abbasi, General Manager Al-Futtaim Motors-Lexus, stated, “The new RX 350 fulfils our customers’ needs through technology, refined luxury and elegant design. The interior and exterior enhancements highlight Lexus’s expertise in building exceptionally powerful luxury SUVs. The 2012 RX 350 has exciting new features that will be greeted with much enthusiasm by Lexus customers in the UAE.”

The Lexus RX models blend a dynamic version of L-finesse design to create a sleek profile that is accentuated by broad “shoulders” for an athletic yet elegant presence. 

The Lexus design cue of placing the grille lower than the headlights, along with sharper headlight graphics, yields a strong frontal expression.   

The eye-catching design features an elegant exterior combined with sculpted surfaces inside. For a more driver-focused design, Lexus engineers strategically placed several features close to the driver to help reduce distraction and wasted movement... A multi-information switch on the steering wheel allows the driver to access numerous function settings without taking hands off the steering wheel, and reduces the number of individual switches, contributing to a cleaner instrument panel.  

 The 2012 RX 350 comes equipped with an optional panoramic roof creating an extra light and airy feel and can be closed with the electric, three-part blind. It also supports Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE), offering rear seat passengers an enhanced video, music and gaming experience.

Lexus engineers provided the RX with an engaging driving experience, and a quiet and smooth ride.

The RX 350 teams a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a six-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) for an output of 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm.  Intake and exhaust manifolds have been tuned for enhanced performance and fuel economy.  Lexus maximized the torque output to better meet the needs of luxury crossover drivers.  The engine generates 90 per cent of its maximum torque at practical engine speeds between 2300 and 6100 rpm.

The RX 350’s six-speed automatic transmission yields a quick shifting response with help from miniature high-flow linear solenoids that control transmission-fluid line-pressure. The standard electric power steering system contributes to agility and better steering feel with steering automatically adjusted in response to vehicle speed, with greater assist at low speeds and greater feel at higher speeds.  

Large front and rear brakes suit high driving speeds, offering positive brake feel, anti-fade performance, and low noise and vibration.

To reinforce safety, RX comes with the optional Pre-Crash System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control uses millimetre-wave radar to measure and help maintain a pre-set following distance from a vehicle traveling ahead.  In such a situation, PCS pre-emptively retracts front seat belts and pre-initializes Brake Assist so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal.

RX models are equipped with a segment-leading 10 standard airbags, including side curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, rear side airbags (for the outboard seating positions) and knee airbags for the driver and the front passenger. A roll sensor signals the side curtain airbags to inflate if a predetermined threshold of vehicle tip-up is detected.

RX comes in three seat material options including standard fabric, optional smooth leather-trim or even softer semi-aniline leather. 

The quiet climate-control system offers quick cooling effect. A high-efficiency compressor detects refrigerant flow in order to optimize engine control and fuel economy. An available smog sensor is designed to detect harmful particles (CO, HC, NOx) in other vehicles’ exhaust emissions and automatically switch between fresh air and recirculation modes. 

The RX can accommodate a variety of music sources, providing auxiliary and USB inputs and Bluetooth^® Audio wireless connectivity.  Standard voice recognition and Bluetooth^® technology allow phone calls to be made and received while driving. When an iPod^® is attached via the optional USB port, information such as names for the artist, track and album is displayed on the available navigation or headunit, while the iPod can be controlled through the audio system. The large center console storage box easily accommodates a variety of electronic devices while keeping wires out of sight.

The RX continues the tradition of offering the Lexus Premium Audio system as standard equipment. The top-of-the-range 15-speaker Mark Levinson configuration provides an additional centre channel coaxial speaker and D-pillar speakers. 

The technologically advanced SUV is available in 4 grades: Premier- AED 174.000; Premier Plus -AED 205,000;  Prestige - AED 224,000 and top of the range Platinum model - AED 243,000