Lexus - Future SUVs

LEXUS will diversify its model range via a series of new and innovative vehicles that will include a small SUV below the next RX.

The next RX, to be derived off a development of the current Camry-derived platform, will be significantly larger and wider than today’s second-generation model.

The all-new SUV is due in the second half of next year.

A Lexus insider describes the new RX’s sleek styling as "...a coupe on stilts," but promises that it will be far more spacious, comfortable and involving to drive on-road than the current model.

Speculation also suggests that a long-wheelbase seven-seater version, beginning with the RX350L, is also on the cards.

Both versions will see the nameplate better equipped to take on the BMW X5 and Mercedes M-class in both size and dynamic capability.

Of course, another hybrid RX will also appear, and is expected to use a V6 petrol/electric combination of about 3.5 litres in capacity.

Speculation is also circulating that Lexus may introduce a super-luxury long-wheelbase V8 petrol/electric hybrid RX, utilising a development of the 5.0-litre unit powering the LS600Lh.

However, the RX development story does not cease there.

It is believed that Lexus is also putting the finishing touches to a rebodied and shorter-wheelbase version of the new RX.

Known internally as the ‘New Entry Level,’ it will be a five-seater part-time all-wheel drive crossover SUV/wagon about the size of today’s Toyota RAV4. Lexus may unveil a lightly disguised concept version of this car before the end of 2007, a late 2008 release date is likely.

Starting at significantly under the current RX350 price, the ‘JX’ crossover – as it has been referred to by some quarters of the media – will be pitched against the BMW X3, as well as the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK compact 4WD wagon and Audi's Q5.

Rumours are running hot that that the JX – to be built in Ontario in Canada – will also offer a petrol/electric hybrid variation. The JX will share a lot of components with the latest ES.

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/16/2007 4:52:01 AM

+6 Boost

Blame that to the Camry platform. SUVs will always be boring.
No exceptions.

Agent63 - 5/16/2007 10:04:30 PM

+2 Boost

I'm surprised RX is even moving upmarket to compete with the X5/M and etc. They should continue to do what they do best and not try to get involved with markets in which they will have to market all over again.

I guess their still in the mood to prove everyone wrong. However I would not buy an RX over an X5. Come on now first off there is a huge price difference and ontop of that no X5 owner will downgrade to an RX. 80-100K CAD for a top of the line X5. Hell even the ML is up in that range as well. I don't see how an RX will compete with that. They already have a GX and the LX that could compete with the X5/ML/etc

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/16/2007 4:59:53 AM

-1 Boost

"Speculation is also circulating that Lexus may introduce a super-luxury long-wheelbase V8 petrol/electric hybrid RX..."

An Avalon crossover?

MunichRob - 5/16/2007 6:31:40 AM

+3 Boost

The current RX doesn't make any use of the L-Finesse design strategy which is why it looks so boring. After the release of the IS & GS, I expected the next RX to be more interesting & demand respect from more than just soccer moms.

david999 - 5/16/2007 7:38:35 AM

-1 Boost

We will probably see something at the Tokyo Auto Show in October.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/16/2007 2:28:22 PM

+2 Boost

Aready? That's a four-year model run. I don't think so.

david999 - 5/16/2007 2:59:43 PM

+2 Boost

2008 would be the 5th year, and a new RX will be sold in April.

david999 - 5/16/2007 3:02:01 PM

+2 Boost

RX will be sold in April/08 as a 2009.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/16/2007 6:41:24 PM

+2 Boost

It came out in 2003 as a 2004 model. We got ours in April 2003. I don't know if you mean MY 2008 or CY 2008, but either way, that's a pretty short run.

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/16/2007 11:07:02 AM

+4 Boost

You make sense.

Could anyone tell me the internal designation of the IS or the GS at ToMoCo? That's how secretive they are.

Claimed "insiders" = BS

mitchatlexusofmarin - 5/16/2007 6:19:35 PM

-1 Boost

The article is not wrong. Lexus will not relinquish the market to the X3, RDX, Q5 and GLK. Why does this not make sense to you?

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/16/2007 11:18:42 PM

+1 Boost

The entire market trend is towards smaller cars. It does not make sense to make another behemoth of an SUV.

EnnNorak - 5/16/2007 11:14:09 AM

+3 Boost

I welcome part-time AWD and 4WD vehicles. The ability to deliver power to all 4 wheels is a distinct advantage only in winter and on slippery roads. I rarely drive in adverse weather conditions and gravel roads so I'd like to have the option of putting the vehicle into the 2WD mode. Part-time AWD or 4WD is better than my other preference i.e. RWD with LSD.

SupraNeverBack - 5/16/2007 1:24:48 PM

+2 Boost

Some of these rumors like long wheel based v8 hybrid RX don't make any sense.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/16/2007 2:30:14 PM

+2 Boost

The RX-L would be stupid, Dre is right. mitchatlexusofmarin has said that there will be a seven-seater RX, but do we really need a THIRD gas-guzzling, oversized, underpowered Lexus SUV on the road? What's the use of the GX if you want a three-row? If you're rich enough, and you want to off-road (nobody buys a Lexus for off-roading), get an LX; if you can't afford it but want more style, get an RX. It's simple. NO MORE GX.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/16/2007 6:45:35 PM

+2 Boost

But there's still no point of it! It's their ugliest SUV, it guzzles just like the LX, it's the same size as the LX (I continue to point out) and there's no reason to buy it! I don't see how you could defend a car like the GX470 when there are LX470s and RX350s in their lineup... it's a lost cause. And no, it's not any smaller- if you count four inches as a lot, so be it. It's two inches longer than the RX and four inches shorter than the LX.

I'll ask again: who in their right mind takes a Lexus off-roading? Stupid argument, for a stupid car.

Agent63 - 5/16/2007 10:05:12 PM

+2 Boost

The RX350 packs a punch. The 330 is considerably slower. Also the interior is a noticeably quieter as well.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/16/2007 11:02:29 PM

+1 Boost

No, the RX330 is not a fast car. It drives better than any big SUV, though.