Lexus upgrades RX

LEXUS Australia has released an upgraded RX luxury SUV range featuring a more advanced pre-crash safety system for premium Sport and Sport Luxury versions.

Already standard on all GS large sedans and LS limousines – and likely to be available on the all-new CT200h hatchback due on sale in the first quarter of next year – the Advanced Pre-Collision Safety system is a further development of the pre-crash system fitted to selected versions of the existing RX.

Lexus’ first-generation PCS system, which was standard on existing Sport and Sport Luxury (but not entry-level Prestige) versions of both the RX350 petrol and RX450h hybrid models as well as top-shelf Sports Luxury versions of the IS sedan, employs inbuilt wave-based radar to continuously monitor the road ahead for potential collision scenarios.

As with similar systems offered by some car-makers including Mercedes-Benz, if the PCS determines that a frontal collision is unavoidable, it will pretension seatbelts, prime the vehicle's brakes and provide an audible warning.

However, the upgraded PCS also applies the vehicle's brakes if the driver fails to, in order to reduce vehicle speed and the level of damage/injury.

In addition to the potentially life-saving safety technology, all upgraded RX models will also gain a USB audio control function via the Lexus Remote Touch system, plus a 12-volt power outlet below the centre console and interior trim revisions.

Joining the RX’s existing audio jack capabilities, the USB function allows iPod content to be displayed, browsed and selected via the inbuilt dash-mounted navigation screen.

“RX has a solid foundation in innovation,” said Lexus Australia chief executive Tony Cramb. “It debuted hybrid to the world, introduced Lexus Remote Touch and now it adds the Advanced Pre-Collision Safety system to its suite of onboard technology.

“Furthermore, refinements to navigation systems and on-board entertainment systems for the RX range only make it easier and more enjoyable to drive.”