New 2023 Lexus RX. Waiting in Israel
At the beginning of summer 2022, the best-selling SUV by Lexus, the Lexus RX, received a new generation, moved to the new global GA-K platform, acquired improved plug-in hybrid systems, new exterior and interior design, as well as an updated infotainment system and the latest security systems. The 5th generation SUV has a new, more advanced multi-link suspension. The center of gravity has become lower, and the vehicle itself is lighter than the fourth RX. We have already reviewed the new model here, mentioning that it is not yet known when it arrives in Israel. Well, now we know. Lexus Israel has announced the start of sales! We look forward to the new 2023 Lexus RX in Israel and tell you how much it will cost.
For those who don't want to read further and are only interested in price, the new Lexus RX will be sold in Israel in three versions, including the RX 450h plug-in hybrid and the sporty top-end RX 500h. The cost of the entry-level modification starts at 399,990 shekels, while the top version costs from 549,990 shekels. The model will compete with the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. And all of them are included in the top 10 premium SUVs in the Israeli market.
Exterior
The fifth-generation Lexus RX is an all-new, more advanced model. The GA-K platform has not only improved the rigidity of the chassis, but has also significantly reduced the weight of the model (by 90 kg). The appearance has become more refined, modern and sophisticated, featuring a frameless grille smoothly passing into the bumper, narrow headlights with notches for navigation lights, a ‘floating’ roof, unusual rear optics, resembling wide open wings. The length of the body is 4,890 mm, but the SUV has clearly become wider (1,920 mm) and lower (1,695 mm). The wheelbase has been lengthened by 60 mm and now reaches 2,850 mm. Those 60 mm was distributed as follows: in the passenger compartment, the distance between the rows of seats has increased by 10 mm, and the remaining 50 mm has been provided for the trunk.
Interior
The interior of the 2023 Lexus RX features the new Tazuna (‘reins’ in Japanese) concept, with the intuitive and ergonomic functions. For example, the multimedia system’s touch screen is closer to the driver and larger: the diagonal is now 9.8 or 14 inches. The Lexus Link Pro system itself is 3.6 times faster than the previous system, it has voice control, remote access from a smartphone, OTA update capability, wireless connection to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cloud navigation, integration with streaming media services like Apple Music, digital keys, and more. The transmission is now controlled by a new joystick, and the interior contour lighting offers a palette of 64 colors.
Safety
The new Lexus RX has received the latest generation safety systems that not only provide enhanced functionality, but also adapt to the driving style of a particular driver. This is done on purpose, as Lexus strives to ensure that the driver does not disable security systems due to their excessive and aggressive operation, but continues to use them. The SUV is equipped with an adaptive cruise control system with lane keeping assist and adapting the speed to the traveling route, a blind spot monitoring system, an autonomous braking system with turn control. In the event of an emergency maneuver, the steering assistance is activated. Plus, there’s a safe exit system that includes rider identification, and more. As a result, the RX received 5 stars for safety from Euro NCAP.
Engines, performance and fuel consumption
In Israel, the new Lexus RX 2023 will be presented in three versions:
- RX 350h: an entry-level hybrid model. It is driven by a powertrain with a capacity of 245 horsepower, consisting of a 2.5-liter gasoline naturally aspirated engine and an electric motor and an electromechanical variator. The model is all-wheel drive, while the rear axle rotates with an additional electric motor, the good old E-Four system. Such an SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, developing a top speed of 200 km/h. The combined fuel consumption is 14.9-15.6 km per liter, depending on the version selected.
- RX 450h: a plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive model. The powertrain includes a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with 185 horsepower and two electric motors, and its total power is 306 hp. A small 1.6 kWh battery has been replaced by a large 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. Such an SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, the maximum speed is 200 km/h. The electric driving range is 67-68 km. Using a 32A charger, you can fully charge the battery in 2.5 hours.
- RX 500h: a new, high-performance all-wheel drive version. The hybrid system relies on a new Toyota-Lexus 2.4-litre turbo engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and two electric motors (87 hp front and 103 hp rear), resulting in total power of 371 hp. It only takes 6.2 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h, while the top speed is 210 km/h. Fuel consumption in combined mode is 12.3 km per liter.
Versions and prices
Lexus RХ 350h
- Kyushu: 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 12-speaker sound system, 19-inch wheels, electric and heated front seats trimmed in Tahara leather, LSS+ safety pack, electric sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, tinted rear windows, rear camera, electric trunk lid, adjustable steering wheel, blind spot warning system and E-Latch system. The price is 399,990 shekels.
- Hadori version further includes: 21-inch rims, panoramic roof, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, adjustable driver’s seat with memory for 3 positions, AHS smart headlights, genuine leather seats, lighting system with 64 shades. The price is 439,990 shekels.
Lexus RХ 450h+
- Hadori: a multimedia system with a 14-inch touchscreen, 21-inch wheels, heated, ventilated and electric front seats with memory for the driver’s seat, genuine leather seats themselves, an LSS+ safety pack, an opening panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, a panoramic camera, a power trunk, an adjustable steering wheel, a 64-color contour lighting system, AHS intelligent headlights, a blind spot monitoring system and an E-Latch system. The price is 464,990 shekels.
- Takumi: Nappa leather seats, woodgrain steering wheel and instrument panel, overhead HUD display, touch-sensitive steering wheel, power-folding rear seats, 21-speaker Mark Levinson® premium sound system, automatic parking, heated rear seats, digital central rear-view mirror, enlarged digital instrument panel, nano-e air purification system, AVS adaptive suspension. The price is 499,990 shekels.
Lexus RХ 500h
- In addition to all the systems offered by the Hadori, the F-Sport includes: F SPORT design pack, AVS adaptive suspension, digital center mirror, larger digital dashboard, Mark Levinson® sound system with 21 speakers, HUD overhead display, touch-sensitive steering wheel. The price is 549,990 shekels.
