Lexus RX450hL

2018 Lexus RX450hL

2018 Lexus RX450hL interior

For the first time in Lexus history, there's now a three-row crossover utility vehicle in the lineup in the form of the long-wheelbase variant of the current-generation Lexus RX and with the arrival of the longer and more practical variant of the Lexus RX, there are almost endless possibilities this crossover can make use of, either for family use, for escorts, a trip with the mates, or any kind of activity drivers can see fit.

At first glance, it looks pretty much like the same Lexus RX you're familiar with but since this is the long-wheelbase model, the length of this crossover has gone up to 4.3 inches (110 mm), accommodating the extra rear seats at the back to become a seven-seat crossover no one saw it coming.

Of course, you still have the same bits and bobs you'd expect on the interior but because there's now a third-row seat, there are different ways to get in and out of the RX L and it's not going to be that easy when the second-row seats are heavily occupied by the dreaded child seats because at times when most of the child seats occupied the second-row seats, how are you supposed to get through the third-row seats? Sure, it's got surprising headroom not bad by third-row seating standards but because of all the twisting and bending, you're going to pull one off while getting through the third-row seats, which will drive you a bit mad.

Don't worry though because the starting price of 7,690,000 Yen is too expensive to be a family carrier, especially when the family carrier is actually based on the Lexus RX450h, which pairs the 262PS D4-S injection 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators, while mated with a CVT gearbox. Such a powertrain delivers 17.8km/L of fuel economy based on JC08 Mode standards, which is very impressive for a seven-seater luxury crossover, although it wasn't as enjoyable to drive as they'd hoped for. Still, it takes to get used to its civilized but decent driving style that is very Japanese by Japanese luxury car standards. It even comes with Lexus Safety System + which comprises of Pre-Crash Safety System, Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic High Beam, and Radar Cruise Control.

Even though the RX450hL is too expensive for a family mover, perhaps there's a great way to use the added practicality of this variant aside from using it for impromptu business trips, escorting a VIP, or doing any other stuff you see fit because thanks to the added practicality customers have been demanding for, the RX L might just be fit enough for your next busy schedule.

Source: Toyota Motor Corporation