Rx350 Review

[The_Snowman]

Lexus RX350 SUV Review

Overview

Even with the car looking like previous models, you can't deny that the car is still impressive looking. If you are wanting even more features then don't worry because this car has tons of them. If you go for the Sport Luxury model RX350 then you will enjoy the features such as Satellite Navigation, rear view cameras, and the upgraded sound system. The Lexus RX350 is a well designed and very stylish looking luxury SUV. The engine is great with its power, torque, and fuel efficiency.

Details

When you are dealing with top of line manufacturers such as Lexus, you normally get tons of advanced features that add to the spirit of luxury vehicles. One of the most striking features would have to be the Satellite Navigation system. The clarity of the display on the screen is excellent, which is great considering the screen is also used to play DVDs, VCDs, SVCDs, WMA files, and many more media file types. There are a lot of cars that use a Satellite Navigation system, but Lexus set themselves aside from the rest by implementing an easy to use and user friendly touch screen with it.

The interior in the Lexus RX350 is phenomenal looking with the wood grain. You will notice the steering wheel as well as with the center console and doors are lined with reddish-purple colored wood grain that match very well with the beige leather treatment of the seats. Although the wood grain steering wheel can be a bit slick sometimes, it isn't a big problem and it is totally worth dealing with for the appearance. The leg room and level of comfort in the vehicle definitely impressed me. Although the beige colored carpet can easily get messy if you are not careful, it looks absolutely wonderful and go along with the rest of the interior seamlessly.

The new RX350 models look a lot like the preceding models, but the main distinction between them is under the hood of the car. As stated above in the first paragraph the engine in the RX350 blows the previous engines away. The engine gives you more power, more torque, but at the same time gives you much better fuel efficiency. This may be one of few changes when it comes to the exterior of the car, but it is a better upgrade. Even with the car looking like previous models, you can't deny that the car is still impressive looking. With the 18 inch alloy wheels and windows that have been treated with privacy glass it becomes some very nice eye candy. The privacy glass adds a darker tint to the three windows in the back. This feature makes it very difficult to see inside the vehicle from the back when it is dark outside. Another feature that gives the car a nice sporty feel and look is the clear tail lights. The ground clearance is set at only 145mm, which I think adds a great look to the car but you shouldn't plan on doing any off road driving. Lexus never tried to advertise the car as an exploratory off road vehicle simply because that's not what they were going for when they made it.

Another intricate feature of the Lexus RX350 is the introduction of a headlight washer button. Most vehicles are equipped with headlights that are washed at the same time as your windshield when you use your windshield wiper cleaning fluid. Lexus decided to be different and add a button that is located in the front of the gear stick. All you have to do is push this button and then enjoy your freshly cleaned headlights without wasting your fluid on the windshield if you don't need it to be cleaned. This of course works both ways, meaning that if your windshield is dirty but your headlights are fine, you won't have to use any unneeded cleaning fluids.

If you are wanting even more features then don't worry because this car has tons of them. The Lexus RX350 has rear view camera’s providing you with much needed vision during the day or night and making parking much easier for SUVs. If you put the car in reverse you will see the built in LCD screen come to life showing you a view of what is located behind the vehicle. With the panoramic and crystal clear view you are sure to avoid hitting anything behind you. The cameras also feature a night mode that provides sufficient light when there isn't much available. This system is a great parking assistant to have around when you are trying to fit in smaller spots.

The list of fancy features continues with the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) which tilts the headlights enabling you to see around corners. The benefits of having this system obviously help you when you are driving around corners at night. Two other notable worthy features are the water-replant front side windows, along with the electro chromatic mirrors. The great thing about electro chromatic mirrors is that they will automatically adjust the angle of the mirror if it detects that the reflection is hitting the driver's eyes. This eliminates the problem of having a car behind you blinding you with their headlights. In my opinion this is one of the best features this car has. I have had countless troubles in the past dealing with bright lights and reflections getting in the way of my vision.

There are two different models to choose from when choosing from the RX350 range. They are the Sports model which is priced at $74,800 and the Sports Luxury model that is priced at $84,100. Some of the safety and basic features included in both models are four wheel drive, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control (TC), Brake Assist (BA), air bags, sun roof, dual-zone climate control, power windows, automatic headlight adjustment, headlight washers, 6 disc changing CD player, alarm system, central locking, engine immobilizer, leather seats, electro chromatic mirrors, fold in mirrors, and even a first aid kit. If you go for the Sport Luxury model RX350 then you will enjoy the features such as Satellite Navigation, rear view cameras, and the upgraded sound system.

As far as the sound system goes, you will be nothing but amazed that this is the came with the car. The audio accuracy is magnificent thanks to the help from 11 speakers. The options are easily adjustable to provide you with the right amount of bass and treble. Another interior feature included with this vehicle is the Bluetooth phone capabilities, which allow you to talk on the phone hands free and listen to your calls through your car stereo system. This adds a great level of safety to the driver since many accidents are caused by drivers who were fiddling with their cell phones.

When you think of luxury SUVs, you often think of Discoverys, Cayennes, Touaregs, and now the Lexus RX350. The Lexus RX350 is a well designed and very stylish looking luxury SUV. My first impression of the vehicle was that it looked absolutely sensational. The dazzling exterior and interior of the vehicle make this luxury SUV one of my personal favorites. The technology and time invested into the new engine provides you with plenty of power and fuel efficiency for today's world.

In conclusion, the RX350 is sure to impress anyone who sets foot in it to drive it. The engine is great with its power, torque, and fuel efficiency. Though the price is fairly high, if you look at the extensive list of luxury features that come with this car it is much easier to bare. From safety to the fun gadgets, you will enjoy owning this car for a long time. The build and style of the car meet the standards set by Lexus in the past. If you are looking for a reliable luxury SUV to take out daily on the road then this is definitely the car for you. With the engine providing a better fuel efficiency you might even find yourself saving some money in the future by investing in this car.

[The_Snowman]

Found an awesome LEXUS site, USA however, guess they have the 2009 models already....... great photos for wallpaper and an excellent screen saver............

Visit RX site for Lexus USA

[The_Snowman]

Keep the dream alive...............

http://editorial.carsales.com.au/car-review/2952520.aspx

Upgrade for Lexus RX (June 2008)

Six-speed auto will be introduced with major refresh for 2009

Lexus has a facelift of the RX 350 ready to roll out for the 2009 model year, but the changes are expected to go further than just skin deep.

According to the spy photographers at Carparazzi, the next RX 350 will adopt a six-speed automatic transmission in lieu of the five-speed unit fitted to the current model, but there's likely to be little if any change to the 3.5-litre V6.

Production of the new model is set to commence from December 2008 for an international release in the northern hemisphere spring of 2009 (our autumn).

The blokes from Carparazzi believe the new model will be moderately larger than the current vehicle, but that's likely to be the result of visual changes to the exterior, rather than any far-reaching, structural changes. Nonetheless, the vehicle will be substantially newer, albeit retaining the generic RX style.

Published : Tuesday, 1 July 2008