The new 2016 Lexus RX displays the latest interpretation of Lexus L-finesse design – a broad philosophy that for this model was given an additional, more tightly focused direction under a design theme of Seductive Strength.
But what does Seductive Strength mean and how is this theme exemplified in the physical appearance of the new Lexus RX? Let us take you on a walkaround to reveal the answers.
In terms of an overall design theme, Lexus wanted to infuse its next-generation RX model with a look that kept its premium character intact. It had to immediately deliver the strong, athletic appearance expected of a sports utility vehicle, but juxtaposed with a hint of seductiveness that would only become apparent the more you studied the car.
A key element in this visual statement is the purposeful lower body, generated by a combination of extended wheelbase, larger wheel diameters and broadened track. This stance is further enhanced with a lower chin on the front bumper.
In the upper half of the body, moving the A-pillars rearward has accentuated the curvature of the windscreen, while the dramatic forward slant of the C-pillars gives the cabin a sleek, almost coupe-like appearance.
The front of the Lexus RX is designed to express a bold, futuristic aura, extending into an elegant silhouette as the sides come into view.
The fold-back, or pinch, point of the spindle grille is positioned relatively high so there is a powerful contrast between the thin and sharp upper section and the thick and bold lower section. Within that upper part, the grille and horizontal bars are designed to create a continuity of line and shape with the bonnet.
Examining the side of the Lexus RX, we see the bulk of the C-pillar is hidden from view behind a darkened glass panel – a distinctive design that visually separates the lower and upper halves of the body to create a floating pillar effect.
The sill area features distinct treatment, too, with complex, multi-faceted surfacing creating a gently deviating line that rises to the flared rear wheel arch – a styling cue that can also be found in Lexus IS, NX and RC models.
A similar three-dimensional effect is generated by the twin sculpted beltlines, which carve a sense of dynamic motion into the body even when the vehicle is at standstill. These important skew lines do not run parallel and do not intersect, so initially appear to be independent of each other. However, the shape of the rear doors suggests that the two lines may merge and share a common finishing point just above the rear lenses, thereby scoring a straight line between the front and rear of the car.
The rear of the Lexus RX displays aesthetic balance by subtly echoing the spindle grille design. It suggests this correspondence through the creases of the metalwork, the inner angles of the rear lenses and the location of the tailgate release bar across the visual pinch point.
When illuminated, the rear lenses are visible over a wider section of the vehicle than ever before. Although they integrate into the car’s shoulder line, the lenses do not represent the widest part of the main body. The muscular appearance is reinforced here by the rear arches, which project out from the combination lamps to create a powerful and wide stance for the rear elevation.
Vehicles in the sports utility (SUV) segment are not normally known for their wind-cheating properties, primarily due to their more upright cabin architecture and raised ride height.
However, a number of aerodynamic measures have been incorporated into the design of the 2016 Lexus RX that not only improve its drag coefficiency and fuel efficiency but also contribute to the car’s driving stability and low cabin noise.
Lexus vehicles are renowned for delivering a driving environment that promotes a sense of calm and well-being. In fact, Lexus was the first vehicle manufacturer to be awarded a Quiet Mark distinction by the Noise Abatement Society. The new 2016 Lexus RX continues this tradition and improves upon the already exceptionally quiet cabin of the outgoing third-generation RX.
Part of this improvement is through the implementation of cutting-edge technologies that optimise the luxury SUV’s structural integrity as well as its overall rigidity, while the rest can be attributed to design and engineering updates that focus on reducing noise and vibration.
With regards to the model’s construction, the rigid joining processes (see image above) Lexus has applied include increasing the strength of adjoining panels through the use of high-tech body adhesives and laser screw welding techniques.
High-tensile strength steel is used liberally throughout the vehicle (sections coloured orange in the image above), including key areas such as the cross members (the image below is the cross member between A-pillar and front cowl) and pillars. These form part of a new building process called annular frame construction, which reinforces the vital ring around the doors for improved strength.
In addition to contributing to better handling and a quieter cabin, these measures have the added benefit of improving occupant safety thanks to increased structural rigidity throughout the platform.
So numerous are the design and engineering refinements in the reduction of noise, vibration and harshness (often known as NVH) that we need to divide the new 2016 Lexus RX into three areas: front, middle and rear.
The front section of the vehicle:
Middle section of the vehicle:
Rear section of the vehicle:
When researching the market prior to developing the new 2016 Lexus RX, owners of the outgoing model cited the vehicle’s dimensions as ideal for their commuting needs. Lexus designers, therefore, made it a priority to keep the body size of the new fourth-generation car relatively intact, while improving interior packaging.
You can see how the silhouette has evolved in the illustration above, the yellow line being the shape of the outgoing model. But in specific terms, the height of the new RX is identical yet ground clearance has increased by 10mm. The width has also increased by 10mm and the overall length has grown by 120mm. Meanwhile, the wheelbase has been stretched 55mm, resulting in improved legroom with the same ample luggage space.
The position of the front seats has been lowered by 19mm, allowing excellent headroom for both driver and passenger. As a result of this, the dashboard position has been lowered and the angle of the steering column has also been lowered by two degrees to reposition the steering wheel closer to the driver. These changes contribute to the interior’s wide open and spacious feel, not to mention a more sport-oriented driving position – an attribute that will be appreciated by enthusiast drivers.
Optimised for five passengers, the new 2016 Lexus RX has a lowered floor section that helps provide rear seating accommodation and headroom comparable to that of the flagship Lexus LS saloon. In doing so, no sacrifice has been made to luggage space; the cargo area still has enough room to swallow four large suitcases or multiple golf bags.
An important new design feature is an expanded field of vision through the windscreen and out over the bonnet. This improved forward visibility not only increases safety when driving but provides the driver with a more precise estimation of vehicle width. The broader field of vision is illustrated below, with the red line indicating the new 2016 Lexus RX compared to the blue line of the outgoing model.
Key to achieving this was making the A-pillars thinner and increasing their rake for a cleaner, more minimalist appearance to both the interior and exterior design. In addition, the door mirrors have been located slightly further back to reduce the blind spot between the pillar and the outside mirror.
Similarly, the C-pillars are narrower than before and the trims surrounding the rear doors are concave in cross-section in order to improve rearward visibility.
All information is correct at the time of publishing
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