Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX 350h is a fifth-generation luxury SUV that brings a fresh take to the segment. It features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, one on each axle, providing instant torque and a smooth driving experience. The interior is a highlight, with a comfortable and well-built cabin, large front seats, and a spacious rear area. The RX 350h also comes with a range of advanced features, including a 14-inch touchscreen, a head-up display, and a panoramic sunroof. The vehicles handling is surprisingly good, with a capable chassis and a suspension that does well on Indian roads. While it may not be the most athletic SUV, its refinement, comfort, and fuel efficiency make it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxurious and practical vehicle.

The Lexus RX 350h is a unique and compelling entry in the luxury SUV segment in India. What stands out is its comfortable and superbly built cabin, which offers excellent comfort levels, ample shoulder and headroom, and a spacious rear area with a large panoramic sunroof. The hybrid powertrain, though not particularly sporty, delivers instant torque and a relaxed driving experience, making it ideal for city driving and cruising. However, it lacks the grunt of its European rivals when pushed to full throttle, with a 0-100kph time of 7.9 seconds. Despite this, the RX 350hs agility, comfortable ride, and high-quality interior make it a strong contender. Its a left-field choice that offers a different but effective luxury experience, and its reliability and lower expected service costs are additional positives.

The 2025 Lexus RX 350 introduces several exciting new features, including the upgraded Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 with advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a new traffic jam assist function. This makes long commutes and traffic-filled drives much more manageable. Additionally, Lexus has enhanced its hybrid powertrain options, allowing for a blend of performance and eco-friendliness. I think these updates will significantly appeal to eco-conscious drivers who dont want to compromise on performance.

For 2025, the Lexus RX 350 will also feature a new F SPORT Design grade, available on the RX 350 and RX 350h models. This adds to the existing grades, including Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, F SPORT Handling, and F SPORT Performance. The Black Line Special Edition package will also return, exclusively on the RX 500h F SPORT Performance model. I believe this variety in trim levels will cater to a wider range of buyers.

The 2024 Lexus RX 350 sees the addition of the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid version, which offers up to 37 miles of electric-only propulsion. This model takes the existing RX 350h and adds a larger battery pack that can be recharged in as little as 2.5 hours. This addition is a significant step towards more sustainable driving options. I think this is a great move by Lexus to cater to the growing demand for hybrid vehicles.

The 2024 Lexus RX 350 comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes features like Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection and Proactive Driving Assist (PDA). These enhancements aim to improve safety and driving comfort. The RX also rides on the GA-K platform, designed to be lighter and stronger than its predecessor. This platform change should improve overall handling and ride quality.

For 2023, the Lexus RX 350 was completely redesigned, introducing a new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that promises similar performance to the previous V6 but with better fuel efficiency. The interior design was also improved, with next-generation infotainment, convenience, and driver assist technologies. However, the new infotainment system has received some criticism for not being as intuitive as expected. I think the redesign was a necessary step to keep the RX competitive in the luxury SUV market.

In India, the Lexus RX 350h is priced competitively, especially when compared to its European rivals. The ex-showroom price for the RX 350h typically starts around 1.2 crore, depending on the trim level and options chosen. When you factor in taxes, registration, and other costs, the on-road price can go up to around 1.5 crore. This pricing makes the RX 350h an attractive option for those seeking luxury without the hefty price tag of some of its competitors. The value proposition is further enhanced by the high fuel economy of the hybrid model, which can help offset some of the initial costs over time.

The Lexus RX 350h boasts impressive fuel economy, which is a significant factor for buyers concerned about running costs. With its strong-hybrid system, the RX 350h delivers excellent mileage, especially in city driving and moderate throttle use. While exact figures can vary, you can expect an average fuel economy of around 18-20 kml, making it one of the more fuel-efficient options in its class. This efficiency, combined with the lower emissions, makes the RX 350h a practical choice for those looking to balance luxury with economic sensibility.