Having been around since 2015, it’s safe to say the fourth-generation Lexus RX is getting a bit long in the tooth. Not to worry as Automotive News claims the Japanese luxury brand will revamp its posh midsize SUV next year by switching to a different platform. The new underpinnings are expected to bring upgrades on all fronts, including a next-gen infotainment system and more sophisticated driver assistance systems.
In addition, the report goes on to say the all-new RX will make use of an improved hybrid powertrain. Automotive News doesn’t go into details about the overhauled electrified setup, but we’ll remind you the current RX 450h has a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine working together with three electric motors: a starter generator, a 165-horsepower front motor, and a 67-horsepower rear motor. The combined output stands at 308 hp at 6,000 rpm while peak torque without the hybrid drive is 247 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm.
On a related note, Automotive News claims the next-gen GX is earmarked for the 2024 calendar year. It’s said to grow in size and ride on Toyota’s latest GA-F body-on-frame platform, with a hybrid powertrain planned for better efficiency. It too will benefit from the latest developments in terms of infotainment and safety to keep up with other tech-laden three-row luxury SUVs in the midsize segment.
In the United States, Lexus is allegedly planning to launch two purely electric vehicles in 2024 and 2025, but it’s not known at this point in which segments these vehicles will compete. Meanwhile, a production version of the LF-Z electric compact crossover is slated to hit dealerships in the United States in the latter half of next year.
We will have to see which of these rumors will pan out, but it’s pretty clear Lexus is working on an electric-focused portfolio after making a rather shy first attempt with the UX 300e, a zero-emissions small crossover only available in select markets.
Source: Automotive News
