Review: Lexus AL10 RX (2009-15)

Review: Lexus AL10.I RX 350 and RX 450h (2009-12)

Overview

Released in March 2009, the Lexus AL10 RX Series I (AL10.I) was an large SUV. Manufactured in Miyawaka, Japan, the Lexus AL10 RX range initially consisted of the RX 350, with the RX 450h following in July 2009. Both the RX 350 and RX 450h were available in Prestige, Sport and Sport Luxury variants.

RX 350: 2GR-FE engine

For the RX 350, the 3.5-litre 2GR-FE V6 petrol engine had a die-cast aluminium cylinder block, aluminium alloy pistons, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), roller rockers, an electronic Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS), four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (dual VVT-i) and a compression ratio of 10.8:1.

RX 450h: 2GR-FXE engine and electric motors

The RX 450h was powered by an Atkinson-cycle 3.5-litre 2GR-FXE petrol engine , but added two electric motors for the front wheels and another electric motor for the rear wheels. Furthermore, the electric motors drew power from a 288 volt sealed nickel-metal hydride battery which consisted of 240 cells.

When starting, only the electric motors were used though, when more power was required, the generator would start the petrol engine (which would operate in conjunction with the electric motors). After the initial acceleration phase, and under normal driving conditions, the RX 450h would stop the rear electric motor. In low load and constant cruising, power from the petrol engine would be split between the wheels and generator to produce electricity for the electric motors. When the RX 450h was stationary, the petrol engine would switch off to minimise fuel consumption, while the electric motor remained on for immediate start. The RX 450h also had a regenerative braking which captured energy generated when braking to recharge the battery.

Dimensions

Compared to the Lexus XU30 RX , the AL10 RX was 40 mm longer (at 4770 mm), 36 mm wider (1880 mm), the same height (1720 mm) and had a 25 mm longer wheelbase (2740 mm).

Suspension and steering

The AL10 RX had MacPherson strut front suspension, trailing-arm type double wishbone rear suspension (previously MacPherson struts) and electric power-assisted steering, 

AWD systems

The RX 350 used an electromagnetic coupling in the rear differential housing to regulate torque between the front and rear axles. In normal conditions, the RX 350 was front-wheel drive, but up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the rear axle; there was also a 50:50 ‘lock’ mode for speeds up to 40 km/h. Furthermore, the ‘auto’ mode increased the torque distribution to the rear wheels for improved take-off acceleration and cornering.

Like its predecessor, the RX 450h had part-time four-wheel drive as the rear wheels were driven exclusively by an electric motor. In addition to the electronic stability control individually braking wheels as per the RX 350, the RX 450h’s stability control system enabled the electric motors to adjust the power supplied to the front and rear axles.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the AL10 RX included dual front airbags, dual front knee airbags, front and rear side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control electronic stability control, active front headrests and front and outer rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The RX was also fitted with Lexus’ ‘Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management’ (VDIM) system which would proactively prevent the vehicle losing control (as opposed to reactive electronic stability control systems). Furthermore, the Sports and Sports Luxury variants were fitted with Lexus’ Pre-Collision System which prepared the seatbelt pretensioners and brake assist system when an emergency situation was detected.

From November 2010, the Sports and Sports Luxury variants were fitted with Lexus’ Advanced Pre-Collision System which could autonomously brake the vehicle if a front-end collision was anticipated and the driver failed to do so.

Features: RX Prestige, Sport and Sport Luxury

Standard features for the RX Prestige included 18-inch alloy wheels, a twelve speaker sound system with a six stack CD/DVD player, MP3-compatibility and a 3.5 mm input, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, power adjustable and heated front seats, leather seats, a head-up display, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and voice recognition, a rear camera, front and rear fog lamps, bi-xenon headlights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 40/20/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking with proximity card, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, driver memory settings (seat and steering wheel), roof racks, a cargo cover, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the RX Sport added 19-inch shadow chrome alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control and a power sunroof.

The range-topping RX Sport Luxury was distinguished by its brighter chrome alloy wheels, fifteen speaker Mark Levinson sound system, ventilated front seats (heating and cooling functions), front and rear parking sensors, side-view camera, directional headlights, electrochromatic door mirrors with memory settings, additional steering wheel controls, passenger seat memory settings and automatically dipping door mirrors when reversing. Although the Mark Levinson sound system was fitted as standard, it could be omitted for a price discount.

November 2010: RX update

In November 2010, the RX range was updated – additions included an upgraded audio and navigation system with USB connectivity and touch screen control. A 12 volt power outlet was also added below the centre console.

2011 RX 350 and RX 450h: X Special Edition

In November 2011, limited-run X Special Edition variants were released of the RX 350 and RX 450h models. Compared to the Prestige variants, the X Special Editions were further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, heads-up display, a leather-accented steering wheel and gearshift knob, a reversing camera, proximity key and protective luggage mat.

Related links

• Press Kit: Lexus AL10.I RX 350 (February 2009)
• Press Kit: Lexus AL10.I RX 450h (June 2009)
• Press Release: X Special Edition for XE20.II IS 250, AL10.I RX 350X and RX 400h (November 2011)

Review: Lexus AL10.II RX 270, 350 and 450h (2012-15)

Overview

Released in June 2012, the AL10 Series II (AL10.II) RX introduced an expanded range with the front-wheel drive RX 270 model, while the RX 350 and RX 450h model ranges were revised to consist of the Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury variants. Structural changes for the AL10.II RX included additional spot welds and reinforcements around the dashboard panel for a stiffer chassis; the suspension was also revised for greater ride comfort and the steering for improved feel.

Identification

Visually, the AL10.II RX could be identified by its ‘spindle’ grille with an inverted trapezoid upper grille and slanted lower grille, new headlights with LED running lights and clear lens tail-lights.

Inside, there was a new steering wheel, silver-finish instrument panel, second generation ‘Lexus Remote Touch’ (LRT) controller, redesigned centre console, a new audio interface and new navigation software including live traffic alerts. For the RX 450h, the powertrain display for the RX 450h was updated to display more information and the driver could engage a selectable Sport mode which provided greater mid-range acceleration, modified the electric power steering ratios and changed the instrument illumination from blue to red.

RX F Sport

The newly introduced F Sport variants could be identified by their 19-inch alloy wheels with ten-spokes and shadow chrome finishes, low-profile tyres, larger front bumper with mesh on the air intakes and grille and ‘F Sport’ badging. The F Sport variants were also fitted with Yamaha-developed suspension upgrades with a front performance damper connected the left and right front suspension towers and a rear damper connected the left and rights sides of the rear lower back panel. Inside, the F Sport variants features steering wheel gearshift paddles and dark silver highlights.

Safety equipment

Compared to its AL10.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the AL10.II RX was unchanged.

Like the Sports and Sports Luxury variants before them, the F Sport and Sports Luxury variants were both fitted with Lexus’ Pre-Collision System and Advanced Pre-Collision System, the latter being able to autonomously brake the vehicle if a front-end collision was anticipated.

Features: RX 270

Standard features for the RX 270 included 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a twelve speaker sound system with a CD/DVD player, MP3/WMA compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod) and Bluetooth connectivity (mobile phone and audio streaming) with voice recognition, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation with traffic alerts, eight-way power adjustable front seats, leather seats, reversing camera with parking guidance, front and rear fog lamps, automatic bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 40/20/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking with proximity card, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, driver memory settings (seat and steering wheel), roof racks, a cargo cover, powered rear tailgate, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Luxury variants were further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive and self-levelling HID headlights with LED daytime running lights, heated mirrors and courtesy lights.

Beyond this, the Sports Luxury variants added a fifteen speaker Mark Levinson sound system, semi-aniline leather trim, head-up display and side-view camera; the RX 450h Sports Luxury was also fitted with LED headlights.

2013 RX 270 X Special Edition

In July 2013, three hundred limited-run RX 270 X Special Editions were released. Compared to the Prestige variant, the X Special Edition was further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, head-up display, Lexus’ ‘Clearance and Back Sonar’ system, adaptive front lighting, Smart Key Card, illuminated scuff plates and luggage tray. Visually, the X Special Edition could be identified by its Sports Luxury front bumper and ‘X’ exterior badges.

Brochures

• Brochure: Lexus AL10.II RX (August 2013)
• Brochure: Lexus AL10.II RX (May 2014)

Related links

• Press Kit: Lexus AL10.II RX (June 2012)
• Press Release: Lexus AL10.II RX 270 X Special Edition (July 2013)
• Wikipedia.org: Lexus AL10 RX