More than a pair of jumpseats.
110mm. That’s the difference that Japanese luxury carmaker Lexus is touting for its new Lexus RX-L, the new 7-seat variant of its popular RX SUV. Generous levels of kit are available between the two drivetrain variants and two trim levels, with prices starting from a whisker under $85k.
Let’s talk about that third row of seats. To accommodate the two extra pews, Lexus extended the RX by 110mm (as we mentioned earlier), raised the roof height by 10mm, and redesigned the rear hatch that is now steeper in angle compared to the five-seat RX. Most noticeable from the outside is that extended length, with the rear quarter lights now pulled further than they used to be.
The third row, according to Lexus, can accommodate adults and children alike, with the latter served better with ISOFIX child seat anchorage. The third row are electrically-foldable, and when they’re folded flat into the floor, there’s a total stowage space of 432L (measured up to the tonneau cover). Tumbling the second row of seats to get back there requires only the pulling of a lever, which then sees the second row fold and slide forwards to provide enough room to squeeze back there.
When you’re back there, you’ll appreciate the inclusion of separate climate controls and dedicated vents, as well as the two cupholders that have been built into the seat base. What you likely won’t appreciate are the windows for the third row, that are so far ahead that you won’t get a meaningful view out of them.
The Lexus RX-L brings with it an improved Lexus Safety System+ suite of driver aids that now include pedestrian detection. That upgrade is being applied across the RX range. Further, the RX-L now sports an improved set of curtain airbags, that now extend all the way to the third row of seats.
Two powertrain options are offered with the new RX-L: An atmospheric V6 petrol, or a petrol-electric hybrid. The hybrid system puts out 230kW from its combination of internal-combustion and electric motivation, unchanged from the five-seater RX. However, the atmospheric V6 petrol has been downtuned slightly to put out 216kW and 358Nm, owing to the use of a single-exit exhaust for the 7-seater (as opposed to the dual-exit exhausts on the 5-seater).
The hybrid mill utilises a CVT automatic gearbox with six ‘simulated’ gears, while the V6 uses an eight-speed ‘intelligent’ torque-converter auto. Both powertrains send drive to all-four wheels.
Standard equipment for RX-L Luxury variants include LED headlights with daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, and an 8-inch infotainment screen (with satellite navigation). A 12-speaker audio system and privacy glass are all tacked on as standard too, along with 20-inch alloys. 10-airbags, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reversing camera, tyre-pressure monitoring, and intelligent cruise control are also standard.
Step up to the Sports Luxury grade and you gain a colour heads-up display, moon-roof, and keyless entry and go (these three items can also be optioned on for $3500), along with 14-way power-adjustable front seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, 360º surround-view monitor, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
The Lexus RX 350L Luxury starts at $84,700, while the hybrid RX 450hL starts at $93,440. RX Sports Luxury variants start at $101,500 for the 350L V6, with the RX 450hL Sports Luxury capable of relieving you of $110,240. All prices are accurate at the time of writing and exclude taxes and delivery costs.
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