Al-Futtaim Motors-Lexus launches the new 2013 Lexus RX

Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Lexus in the UAE, today unveiled the new 2013 Lexus RX that takes comfort and luxury on to a higher plane.

The redesigned 2013 Lexus RX continues with the winning narrative from the brand's successful playbook and offers a fresh styling take on the established RX visual cues, as well as some mechanical tweaks to keep things very interesting.

The luxury crossover SUV features an F-Sport package and, for the first time in the UAE the RX is also being offered with a much heralded, extremely innovative Lexus Hybrid Drive V6 engine. 

Saud Abbasi, General Manager, Al-Futtaim Motors-Lexus said: “The Lexus RX line for 2013is  smart and delivers on that luxury impression with exciting vehicle enhancements both inside and out. There's a certain wholesomeness about the design and its versatile seating is roomy and accommodating for five adults. At the same time, it's supremely smooth and quiet with the passenger experience extremely refined. The RX will be a strong contender in its segment and promises to elevate the driving experience through a host of luxury, convenience and connectivity features.”

“The numerous interior enhancements include the steering wheel which has been redesigned with a sportier look and a more comfortable and relaxing grip. A metallic accent enhances the look of the glove box and the center console has been redesigned for versatility and easy accessibility. The RX is also hallmarked by a bold, elegant and highly individual fascia treatment which is being adopted throughout the brand to strengthen the Lexus family identity between model ranges. A new front fascia brings the look in line with the recently redesigned Lexus GS we launched earlier this year,” Abbasi added.

Performance

To most people who are attracted to the luxury style of the 2013 Lexus RX, the models will provide performance that is responsive and refined and completely complements its enhanced offering of comfort and luxury. 

Power comes from a 275-horsepower, 3.5-litre V-6 coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission and it is an all-wheel drive version for UAE market The Lexus RX steps off the line quickly and smoothly and shifts during passing are quick yet downright seamless.

New to the popular SUV’s powertrain line up, and for the first time in the UAE market, the 2013 Lexus RX is also available with the Lexus Hybrid Drive System.  This 295-combined horsepower , 3.5-litre Atkinson-cycle V-6 engine help the RX gently glide from stops in electric-only mode, with the V-6 almost imperceptibly kicking on at 20 or 25kmph.

Throughout the years the Lexus RX has defined its segment with innovative technologies, interior and new trim levels that appeal to a wide variety of its customer’s demands and needs. Lexus engineers provided the RX with an engaging driving experience and a quiet, smooth ride. A key factor in the RX models’ handling agility is the uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension. Another key benefit of the rear suspension is that the RX yields greater cargo area room. 

Exterior and interior design

The 2013 Lexus RX represents an understated definition of luxury, a preference that fans of Lexus continue to like. The updated RX exterior features the Spindle Grille to give it a more powerful and sophisticated presence. The low beam lamps have moved further outside the front bumper combing with LED daytime running lights. 

An enhanced interior offers an expanded choice of colour schemes, new trim finishes, a new steering wheel, a revised instrument panelling and a second generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI). 

The 2013 RX is not just refined and comfortable, but also exceptionally well-equipped. Customers also have a choice of five different interior colours with two new additions for 2013, ‘Saddle Tan’ and ‘Garnet Red’.To complement the available interior leather trim, a rich detailed contrast stitching is used on the seats, centre console and door-mounted armrests. 

There is a comprehensive list of comfort and convenience features. The 2013 RX comes with 10-way powered semi aniline seats, USB connectivity; HDD navigation, remote keyless entry, as well as Lexus’s world renowned Mark Levinson premium 15-speaker surround sound systems and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. 

The RX features a Sport mode with revised steering effort, throttle mapping and transmission-shifting priorities to fully exploit the capabilities of the powertrain. In Sport mode, the metre light changes to red. 

The F-Sport package

The 2013 RX is also the first SUV from Lexus to join the F-Sport bloodline. The vehicle’s design is inspired by the Lexus LFA V10 which truly represents its personality. This RX badged with the F-Sport logooffers a unique front bumper, HID headlamps and 19-inch wheels with super-chrome finish.

The vehicle’s exclusive sporty intentions are noticed as soon as one opens the door; from the black smooth leather interior and white grey stitching, to the firm grip of the steering wheel. The cabin includes exclusive F-Sport scuff plates and comes with paddle shift switches that enhance the experience of the driver.

In order to deliver an exhilarating sporty performance, special tuning was made to the front and rear suspension that work together with performance dampers to absorb body vibrations and enhance handling ability on high speeds while not coming at a cost of ride comfort.In lieu of conventional fixed bracing, the damper system features a front performance damper connecting the left and right front suspension towers, and a rear damper connecting the left and right sides of the rear lower back panel.

With a construction similar to that of a typical monotube suspension damper, the front and rear performance damper assemblies differ according to the variations in body rigidity, noise and vibration of their surroundings, optimising their ability to absorb body torsion, flexure and fine vibrations. Their installation has reduced vehicle floor vibrations across a wide frequency range. 

Safety/Security

The RX features Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) which uses brake pressure to help prevent the vehicle from moving backward when starting out on an incline. The Pre-Collision 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 directly ahead.

A high-strength cabin design and comprehensive Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) are designed to help provide a high level of crash-energy management. Nearly half of the entire structure uses high tensile strength sheet steel and is engineered to help provide collision compatibility with vehicles of varying heights and weights. The 2013 Lexus RX models are equipped with a segment-leading 10 standard airbags. 

Prices for the 2013 Lexus RX start from AED 179,000.