The V6 is retired and all drivetrains are hybrid – but the plug-in edition doesn’t feature.

DOWNSIZED cylinder count and capacities – but with one new model that delivering more power than any previous hybrid behind the bent-L badge -  and upsized pricing is the story for a new range of the Lexus mid-sized sports utility, the RX.

The luxury offshoot of Palmerston North-based Toyota New Zealand has announced it will take the new-generation RX from next year; it has not been specific about exactly when, except to say that some test drive cars will be here early in the year.

In addition to adopting a fresh body styling and lots of additional technology, the big news for the car is that it drops the seven-seater option over the standard five chair format and the 3.5-litre petrol V6 has retired for, in New Zealand’s case, purely hybrid variants that take a 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder as the basis.

However, these are non mains-replenished. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain the car takes elsewhere – and was purpose-designed to implement – in a RX450h Plus representation has not been included.

In the 350h models the powertrain seems to be the same drivetrain that serves in the Toyota Highlander with which it shares base components; in the flagship 500h – a new badge for the market – it’s a special, pumped edition.

With this comes price realignments. The four new models start off at $120,000 (RX350h) and top at $142,900 (500h F-Sport), these book-ending a 350h Limited at $131,900 and a 350h Limited Enhancement pack at $135,900.

The previous line delivered with a RX350 from $97,500 to $109,700 and an RX 450h from $116,500 to $127,700.

 Lexus New Zealand has given no explanation for the lift in the press material it issued today.

All RXs are all-wheel-drive; the local arm having steered clear of an entry front-drive variant of 350h available in other markets, and run 21-inch wheels.

Outputs for the RX 350s’ 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine are 205kW and 430Nm, rather than the previous 221kW/370Nm V6.  

Lexus claims the RX 350h consumes between 6.4 and 6.7L/100km on the European WLTP test cycle, while achieving a 0 to 100kmh time of 7.4 seconds. It operates through a continuously variable transmission.

The RX 500h stands out by using the same engine but in marriage with two electric motors.

This combo increases its outputs to 273kW and 551Nm respectively, making it the most powerful Lexus hybrid on sale. This drivetrain runs through a six-speed automatic and has a different kind of all-wheel-drive to the less expensive types.

Were the RX 450 Plus here, it would deliver with a naturally aspirated 140kW 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol paired with a 134kW electric motor up front, with a 40kW electric motor on the rear axle contributing to a maximum system output of 230kW. Electric range of 65km also arrives.

In supplied comment, Lexus New Zealand general manager Andrew Davis says the fifth generation RX offers a diverse line up of powertrains focused on meeting customers around New Zealand. He reminds that RX has been the brand’s best seller since the nameplate came in 2003.

“The 2023 Lexus RX is a completely reinvented model that opens a major new chapter in the evolution of this iconic SUV.

 “The RX 350h picks up from and extends the driving and luxury experience of the previous RX 450h, while the RX 500h charges into completely new territory offering the power and handling of a turbo-charged engine matched to our latest hybrid and all-wheel drive technology,” he says.

The make says the RX “contributes to its reduction efforts to become a carbon-neutral society, while staying close to the increasingly diversified needs and lifestyles of customers.”

As the images show, the car’s restyling is extensive, if evolutionary. Though there are plenty of familiar RX styling cues, especially around the C-pillar. The angular origami-like bodywork creases of recent Lexus models mellow and soften here.

The grille - a key feature of all Lexus models - is still a spindle-like design, but blends into the surrounding bodywork in a way that ties in with the pure-electric Lexus RZ . Both are to come here in 2023.

The LED headlights are similar in appearance to those on the NX but are claimed to have world-first ‘Bladescan’ technology. The rear light units are linked by a slim light bar, above which is the Lexus wordmark instead of the badge.

Some cabin architecture and styling are shared with the NX, such as the 14-inch touchscreen, with Android and Apple smartphone mirroring, though only CarPlay has wireless connectivity.

All editions are plush, of course, but the Enhancement spec is a go-to for a Lexus TeamMate advanced drive function designed to partner with and assist the driver in safety and convenience while driving. That derivative, and the 500h, has an advanced parking system, a digital rear view mirror and a panoramic roof.