Lexus RX350: Hmmmm, upgrades

Newswheel staff :: 09 February 2006 :: Filed under SUV, Lexus, Lexus RX, Europe & UK, US

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New engine for luxury soft-roader

With the new Mercedes ML packing some preposterously powerful V8 engines and even Volvo’s XC90 offering a pokey bent-eight option, Lexus’s 200bhp RX300 is looking a little limp. So, we’ll file the upcoming RX350, due to be shown at Geneva, under “just in time”.

Although the RX350 sticks with a V6 configuration and only delivers another 0.5-litres of swept capacity, it adds over 70bhp for a respectable grand total of 276bhp. Torque output is also up by around 40lb/ft to252lb/ft. In true Lexus fashion, however, the new lump is not only more refined, but also eight per cent more fuel efficient despite those extra ponies. No word on performance numbers or prices, as yet.