Lexus RX

The Lexus RX is a produced since August 1997 Sports Utility Vehicle Toyota premium brand Lexus. Originally, the vehicle was not designed for the European market, but has been introduced in the fall of 2000 there as well.

In North America, Europe and Asia, it is sold under the name Lexus, Toyota Harrier in Japan. In the fall of 1997, the SUV in Japan in mid-1998 and was introduced in North America. The Lexus RX was one of the first SUVs in the market.

  • 2.1 hybrid
  • 2.2 recall and service actions

RX ( XU1, 1997-2003)

Lexus RX 300 (2000-2003)

Built by summer 1997 to spring 2003, first generation RX- existed in Europe only with the 3.0 liter V6 ( 148 kW). The RX was designed by Sotiris Kovos.

On the German market, the RX initially did not matter practically. Unlike in America and Japan, where he quickly became the market leader. In conjunction with the two four- cylinder units of the RX offered solely with front wheel drive.

In the fall of 2000, the design has been thoroughly revised.

Motors

  • 2.2 liter 4-cylinder petrol engine with 103 kW ( 140 hp )
  • 2.4 liter 4-cylinder petrol engine with 118 kW (160 hp)
  • 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine with 148 kW (201 hp)

Cockpit

RX (MCU, 2003-2009 )

Lexus RX 300 (2003-2006)

In January 2003, American International Auto Show in terms of design and dimensions did not change significantly successor was unveiled at the North. The 3.0- liter engine in the RX 300 for Europe now powered 150 kW instead of 148 kW, while in North America in the RX 330 is a 3.3 liter engine was used. Most important innovations were a new 5 - speed automatic transmission with shift gate for manual gear changes and a new air suspension.

With the spring 2006 facelift was launched in Europe a new V6 engine in the RX 350 used. Since the second generation of a 210 watt Mark Levinson system with eleven speakers, improved GPS navigation, a rear DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones, a panoramic sunroof, an electrically -operated tailgate, xenon headlights with cornering lights were and a semi-active air suspension (not hybrid ) also available.

  • RX 300: 3.0 -liter V6 - cylinder petrol engine with 150 kW ( 204 hp)
  • RX 350: 3.5 -liter V6 -cylinder petrol engine with 203 kW ( 276 hp )
  • RX 400h: 3.3 l V6-Zylinder-Ottomotor/Hybrid with 155/200 kW ( 211/272 hp)

Hybrid

As the second ever available hybrid model was introduced in the United States and Japan in spring 2005 RX 400h since spring 2006 available in Europe.

As drive technology, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system came with a V6 engine to use, but drives another mechanically independent electric motor to the rear axle. Compared to the conventional model, the rear seat was raised slightly to make room for the NiMH battery. In addition, the design was changed slightly. It included metal mounts instead of wood decor, round fog lamps, a revised instrument panel and a radiator grille with horizontal instead of vertical struts.

The limited by the hybrid system a top speed of 200 km / h The combined fuel consumption of 8.1 l/100 km is specified premium gasoline.

Recall and service actions

In October 2010, Toyota launched a recall for models RX 300 ( of affected construction period February 10, 2003 to 22 November 2005), IS 220d and 250 and GS 300 reason was possible leakage of brake fluid through the rear seal of the master cylinder (secondary seal ). Worldwide also affected were the Toyota Crown models, Kluger, Harrier, Alphard, Majesta, Mark -X, Highlander, Avalon and charm, a total of about 1.5 million vehicles. In Germany but had only 4,593 Lexus in the garage. Many of these vehicles were recalled in the summer of 2006 because of the same problem, but then the service provided measure ( greasing the secondary cup ) did not show the desired effect.

Rear view

Cockpit

RX ( AGL1/GGL1/GYL1, since 2009)

RX 450h ( 2009-2012 )

Since April 2009, the third generation of the RX is available in German dealerships. The new Lexus won in length and width, but was flat and about 100 kg heavier. As the engines grew stronger 3.5 -liter V6 with 203 kW available (277 hp) from the previous model and the known from the GS 450h (hybrid ) are available.

However, the motor is now running in a so-called Atkinson cycle in order to minimize friction within the engine and to reduce fuel consumption as a whole. The lack of torque at low rotational speeds is compensated by the hybrid system with the electric motors.

Cockpit

At the Geneva Motor Show 2012, a revised model of the RX 450h was introduced, which came on the German market in June. As an additional option features a sporty designed F-Sport version is available now.

Rear view

  • Engine: 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine
  • Power: 183 kW/249 hp
  • Torque: 317 Nm/4800/min
  • Two electric motors with 123 kW/167 hp and 50 kW/68 hp, 335 Nm and 139
  • 220 kW/299 hp overall system performance
  • Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 7.8 s
  • Maximum speed: 200 km / h
  • Consumption is 6.3 liters Super per 100 km
  • CO2 emissions: 148 g / km
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