All new Lexus RX350 launched in Malaysia

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. launched the Lexus RX350 premium SUV for the Malaysian market today at its Lexus showroom in Mutiara Damansara. Although maintaining the general shape of its predecessor, this third generation RX350 features an exterior design which is inspired by the LX-Fh concept, with head lights that point downward and a new bumper up front, a side profile with a slightly curvaceous shoulder line, and new LED tail lights with a new bumper at the back.

Continue for the rest of the report and to view an image gallery.

Lexus RX

Other exterior features include a new rear spoiler that conceals the rear wiper, a touch sensor smart switch on the door handles, LED turn signal lamps on the door mirrors, Bi-Xenon head lights with adaptive lighting and 18 inch alloys with a 5 spoke design which are wrapped with 235/60 R18 tires. Overall size wise, it has grown a little, with an increase of 40 mm in overall width and 30 mm in length which helps increase wheelbase by 20 mm. Height is also slightly increased, while overall weight is rated at 1975 kilograms, instead of 1860 kilograms with the old model. Tracks are also wider now, by 55 mm up front and 65 mm at the rear.

On the interior which is generously finished with leather and genuine walnut wood, the new RX350 receives a centre console that is connected to the dashboard, an improved instrument panel with a white multi-information display which uses OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) which offers better clarity, Eco Driving Indicator Light and Zone Display that allows the driver to monitor his or her level of driving economy using a bar graph, a new centre-mounted 7 inch information display, front seats with 10-way power adjustment, rear seats which can be folded down via a 40:20:40 split as well as a tilt-and-slide moon roof.

In terms of in-car entertainment, the new RX comes with the Lexus Premium Audio 9-speaker system with an in-dash 6 CD changer with mp3 and WMA compatibility, as well as an auxiliary jack which is located in the centre console. The RX350 continues to utilize the 2GR-FE 3.5 litre V6 that is capable of 273HP at 6,200 revs and 346Nm of torque which is available from 2,300 revs.

The 24-valve power plant which features Dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) with newly designed intake and exhaust manifolds and the addition of ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction System) which helps improve torque across the widest possible rev range is mated to an all new 6 speed automatic transmission that is 6 kilograms lighter than the previous 5 speed automatic. To help improve shifting response, Lexus has fitted miniature high-flow linear solenoids to control transmission-fluid line-pressure. Shifting can also be performed manually via the Multi-Mode Automatic Transmission with Artificial Intelligence Shifting. The new RX350 is able to sprint to 100 km/h in 8 seconds, all the way up to 200 km/h.

This time round, the RX350 comes with an all-new electronically controlled Active Torque Control All Wheel Drive system. Meaning, this new system enables torque to be distributed from anywhere from 100:0 to 50:50 (front and rear) depending on driving conditions. Suspension wise, the front features MacPherson struts with a thicker stabilizer bar while the rear features a double wishbone setup. The new RX also comes fitted with an electrical power steering system.

Safety features are made up by a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) which controls other functions such as ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control, a Hill-Start Assist system, a total of 10 air bags as well as active headrests. Available in nine body colours including the new Silvery Blue Metallic and three interior colours with two different shades of walnut wood trim, the Lexus RX 350 carries an on-the-road price tag of RM 377,200.00, without insurance.

[zenphotopress number=99 album=180]

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Harvinder Sidhu

Harvinder Singh Sidhu thinks there's nothing better than Formula 1, not even sliced bread. Having written about cars since 2006, he plunged head first into the industry out of a passion for all things four-wheeled and everything in between. The F1 enthusiast has been following the sport since 1999 and has been keeping up with it since. In between races he keeps himself busy as the host of the Driven motoring show and as our version of the Joker.

 

Comments

  • Kevin Lee on Mar 13, 2009 at 3:51 am

    377k for an suv, isnt that close to the VW touareg price?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • bangkhai on Mar 13, 2009 at 3:56 am

    hope 1st proton SUV will be like this :p

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • normal_user on Mar 13, 2009 at 4:09 am

    The model looks like a minor facelift. The sloping rear C-pillar & butt is so typical like the previous harriers. The exterior looks bland and boring.

    But, the interior looks like its well built and has an interesting design.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • aji nomoto on Mar 13, 2009 at 4:15 am

    Lexus always overpriced!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • lambov12 (Member) on Mar 13, 2009 at 4:49 am

    toyota really is the brain of automotive industry ..

    and the interior is really nice ..

    all those tech stuff ..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • nabill on Mar 13, 2009 at 4:50 am

    really looks great…but high price , now can get those ap x5 for 2xxk only…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Touareg also SUV what!And remember this is Lexus mah!10 airbags mah!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • kimi_ on Mar 13, 2009 at 5:34 am

    perhaps selangor MB should wait for this….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Err…i believe there are plenty of advance tech inside but sadly it looks like nothing new about the design. Shame

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Ariff on Mar 13, 2009 at 5:44 am

    lolz…not that much diff in price than the older gen..i think RX b4 this is RM350k..it's the almost the same with brand new Murano..for the price,i think it's better to opt for recon Porche Cayenne..it's a PORSCHE for godsakes!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • helmi on Mar 13, 2009 at 5:54 am

    I think the earlier design (same as Toyota harrier) is more beautiful. This one is boring especially the back side. Its looks flat. Maybe when on the road could be different. But the interior is nice. I'm not going to waste my money even I can afford it because I think the price is not right and I dont like the design.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Bodow on Mar 13, 2009 at 6:05 am

    Ai yo yo Toyota … nampak luar boring , dalam/interior boring …nothing special la . TAk de nafsu tengok lama2 .

    You're getting more boring with each product .

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • michaelooi on Mar 13, 2009 at 6:08 am

    the front looks like the American Camry…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • look like korean design…lexus copying the koreans? how uninspiring…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • engine still the same though. so this is like a facelift?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • raybrig85 on Mar 13, 2009 at 6:34 am

    previous model still better looking…bt the performance??i think this one should be better..i still prefer cx-7 n new murano…still looks gd indeed..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • 1 agree with raybrig85, the previous model looks more attractive…

    as Donald Cheah said toyota r cocksure over their RX design…1 word for this model —> BORING

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • willpower on Mar 13, 2009 at 6:58 am

    Indeed a good buy for SUV. Premium quality at premium price.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Thomas on Mar 13, 2009 at 6:58 am

    Quite big like giant!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Adly (Member) on Mar 13, 2009 at 7:13 am

    aiyak..

    no gps or DVD??

    or even backup camera??

    just multi-information display?!!

    maybe option?!!

    hmmm,my moms Harrier better than this.much more cheaper too.

    huh..dissapointed… :<

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Silverado on Mar 13, 2009 at 7:19 am

    yawnnn……..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • lambov12 (Member) on Mar 13, 2009 at 8:01 am

    mayb selangor MB will trade in and get the new RX ??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Lancermania on Mar 13, 2009 at 9:09 am

    big mistake to bring in this model…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Farhat Haniff on Mar 13, 2009 at 9:27 am

    Looks like a sedan on big wheels.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Andrew on Mar 13, 2009 at 11:29 am

    Never been a fan of Lexus. Their cars are smooth and quiet, but have no personality – boring to drive, just like most Toyotas.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • azrai on Mar 13, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    Khir Toyo is anxiously waiting for the car to be used as the Selangor's MB official car. :-)) It seem he is hiding nowadays, maybe low profile due to his issue and UMNO election this coming month. Even Pak Lah met Anwar. Hmmm…..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Douglas on Mar 13, 2009 at 7:20 pm

    nice car ..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • nonengko on Mar 13, 2009 at 8:13 pm

    Huh, no navi, rear, side camera,power boot, rain sensor etc? Always being shortchanged……….

    Look at the thai camry specs and the malaysian 2.4v model……

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Redwings on Mar 13, 2009 at 8:48 pm

    Better get a recond 2-generation, less than half the price..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Redwings on Mar 13, 2009 at 8:51 pm

    [quote comment="220063"]Ai yo yo Toyota … nampak luar boring , dalam/interior boring …nothing special la . TAk de nafsu tengok lama2 .

    You're getting more boring with each product .[/quote]

    it is boring, coz so many on the road… if u see Q7, CX-9 or Tourage.. u would said nice design…right?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • seat-belt on Mar 14, 2009 at 12:09 am

    hahaha…poor MB selangor..bought the old lexus350 earlier..hehehe..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Bodow on Mar 14, 2009 at 5:38 am

    Those who are not aware of Toyota being boring here's a recap ;

    Vios – Tapir looking , interior forgettable .

    Yaris – Baby -tapir looking

    Avanza – skinny body , cheap looking interior .

    Innova – what truck platform !?? Toyota 's kidding me .

    Altis – what with weird bumps and creases – ugliest among Civic , Lancer , Slyphy

    Camry – nice solid look , rear could be better .

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • aizat on Mar 15, 2009 at 5:22 am

    hey,which is better….this or the new vx limited??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • I think more and more richer guys will opt for this Lexus as Toyota version of Harrier 2.4/3.0/3.3l+ maybe not an option anymore since lexus already presence in Japanese marketing channel.

    So, RM377k is worthy than last model though many 'basic' missing- no more Mark Levinson/Bose-not even Navigator with rear camera!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Henry on Mar 15, 2009 at 8:36 pm

    I rather choose VW Touareg then this RX350..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Henry on Mar 15, 2009 at 8:37 pm

    This car doesn't come with FRONT SIDE REAR Camera even DVD HU..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Hi Kevin Lee,

    Actually, Lexus is a class ABOVE Toureg. Sorry to say so.

    Lexus sedans in Malaysia (sadly, because of tariffs) are priced at around RM 700,000-800,000. That makes this Japanese luxury car pricier than any of the European counterparts

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • cerry on Mar 19, 2009 at 8:18 pm

    look so bad because design is very ugly

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • isaac on Mar 20, 2009 at 1:46 am

    talked so much no money to buy la

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • CarLee on Mar 20, 2009 at 3:23 am

    It's OK but can be better. Luxus MUST change the outlook to more sporty look and dashboard design is nothing to show off. I beleive that Luxus should espect a slow sale for this model.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Kudin on Jun 17, 2009 at 11:09 pm

    Hahaha funny Bodow making such comments about Toyota. Are you working for Honda or Nissan?

    i do agree with some of your comments on those models, but hey Toyota has been the No.1 non-national make for over 15 years and still going strong. can we assume most malaysian do not have tastes in cars?? or are the choices limited in the market?

    anyway CarLee, you're dead wrong. from a reliable source Lexus has collected almost 140 orders and sold about 30 units. Waiting period stretched til end of July/Aug. Not bad for an over priced, tech lacking, boring, bulky, SUV huh

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • ha ……….wheres the centre control ala BMW's i-drive…………the new rx350 sold in the US has them………aso the heads up display showing the navigation and the speedometer…………in US the fully equipped RX350 is under US40K, or around RM160K………! and that is with all the bells and whistles………..over here you only have an empty box in place of it……….ha ha what a rip-off………..firstly you overpay in malaysia next you get the entry level with the least number of features………go think about it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • mohd hafizzul dorifuto on Sep 20, 2010 at 8:47 am

    apa2 lah korang nih…nak beli lah….tak nak sudah lah…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required