Japanese quality is hard to beat for driving elegance in Czechia

Lexus has introduced a new generation of its flagship SUV that’s perfectly suited for life in the heart of Europe.

William Nattrass

Written by William Nattrass Published on 10.05.2023 17:00:00 (updated on 15.06.2023) Reading time: 3 minutes

Living and working in Czechia makes it possible to drive across Europe, for work or leisure. It’s therefore necessary to have a high-quality, reliable and comfortable car capable of covering long distances in style.

Lexus has a reputation for quality, and its RX model has been at the forefront of automotive comfort since it was first introduced in 1998. The first Lexus RX created the premium SUV category, a new automotive segment combining luxury with the practicality of a four-wheel-drive passenger vehicle.

Now, the popular RX model is changing. The Japanese car manufacturer, part of the Toyota family, is introducing an all-new fifth generation of the model as part of a significant change in its approach to designing cars.

Luxurious practicality

The RX was ground-breaking when first introduced and it has since become Lexus’ best-selling model. The new concept takes everything that makes the RX so popular and updates it for the modern age.

The look of the car has been refreshed to reflect a new era of electrical driving. The RX 400h, introduced in 2005, was the world’s first hybrid drive luxury SUV, and the new generation reflects this “electrified” element through an attractive hourglass shape extended to the front of the car.

External attractiveness is matched by an elegant interior. The “Tazuna cockpit” provides maximum comfort and intuitive controls that require minimal effort from the driver. “Tazuna” is the Japanese word for “horse reins”; the idea is that drivers have within reach everything they need to effortlessly control the RX driving experience.

A 14-inch multimedia display, head-up display and touch-control surfaces on the steering wheel are arranged for maximum accessibility with minimal head movement or eye diversion from the road, while the “Hey Lexus” voice control system comes as standard. Expats can even try using it to practice their language skills, as “Hey Lexus” can follow verbal instructions in Czech.

All these features are incorporated in a stylish minimalist design using the highest quality materials. Complete with heated front seats and a focus on ensuring noise reduction and silence on board, the new RX brings another level of comfort and relaxation to driving.

Technology to assist and protect

Driving comfort is also about having the ability to control a car effectively, whether in long-distance travels or in tight inner-city spaces. The Lexus RX uses innovative technology to make sure journeys go without a hitch.

Safety is ensured by the third generation of the Lexus Safety System+ package, which includes an improved pre-collision system with braking function, a semi-autonomous driving mode, and dynamic adaptive cruise control. The e-Latch electronic locking system, combined with a digital assistant for exiting the car safely, prevents drivers from opening the door if a car or cyclist is approaching unseen from behind.

Thanks to these features and more, the new Lexus RX has received the maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety tests.

Meanwhile, an advanced parking system controls the steering wheel, gears and braking for autonomous parking in up to three regularly used parking spaces. A panoramic view of the car’s surroundings, including under the vehicle, provides full awareness, while a digital rear view mirror can be purchased as an add-on for an unobstructed view while parking and driving.

Options for every driver

The new Lexus RX comes with three types of electrified drive. The RX 450h+ version is the first in the history of the model to use plug-in hybrid drive, combining rechargeable electrical and combustion engine power.

The RX 350h model, a traditional full-hybrid design that doesn't necessitate any recharging, combines practicality and familiarity with a more efficient, economical, and environmentally-friendly experience than with full gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicles. Lexus’ 4x4 E-FOUR all-wheel drive system is available for both 350h and 450h+ models.

For those seeking a more thrilling driving experience, Lexus also offers a turbocharged hybrid RX version. The RX 500h, which comes with innovative Direct4 all-wheel drive, is also available in the F SPORT Performance setup, including 21-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels in matte black, black roof rails, exterior mirror caps, a racing-inspired interior, and improved aerodynamics for a drive that will get the heart pumping.

As part of a current promotional offer, the new Lexus RX is now available in Czechia for prices starting at CZK 1,611,000 including VAT. With Lexus’ Kinto One financing, payments can be made via installments of CZK 18,999 per month excluding VAT, opening up the opportunity for more drivers to experience this new level of elegant automotive practicality.

This article was written in cooperation with Toyota Central Europe - Czech s r.o. Read more about our partner content policies here.

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