Lexus appears to be a somewhat puzzled brand. For a very long time, it produced excellent but conventional vehicles for customers who desired traditional luxury with all the bells and whistles at a reasonable price or who may have wanted a German vehicle but did not want the potential complications.
During the last decade, when Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda decided that Lexus needed to be more lively and fun-loving, the brand stopped letting committees of senior Japanese men decide on the design of its automobiles and instead entrusted it to young designers with a point to prove, especially when it came to its SUV since the market for that segment is extremely competitive.
The end outcome is a strong and rather aggressive design language intended to draw in new customers for the business.
For those looking for an elegant, cozy, and reliable luxury SUV, the Lexus RX has long been a popular option. Around 2.2 million units have been sold worldwide since its debut in 1998 it is Lexus's most popular vehicle by a wide margin.
Engine and Performance
Given that the RX weighs a substantial 1995kg, the small 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine really performs quite well with 175kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
Lexus claims that the RX200T can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, which is 1.2 seconds slower than the RX350. However, when moving, the RX200T feels much faster than the numbers suggest, and sudden acceleration spurts for overtaking manoeuvres don't feel difficult.
The RX200T isn't a particularly sporty vehicle to drive. It's not meant to be, though, as it clearly puts comfort above all else, and it does a good job of it. The RX leans into corners and feels overwhelmed when pushed just a little.
On the other hand, the RX200T is a very capable SUV. It offers an incredible amount of torque and incredible ride compliance. The passengers can comfortably sit in the cabin while it can absorb the more severe speed bumps.
Interior
The interior of the new RX series, in that regard, is its strongest point in my opinion. Even if it falls short of the class-leading interior of the new Audi Q7, the fit and finish, the leather's texture, and the way the dash feels to the touch all have a very premium feel and are in many respects superior to the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5.
While the rear passengers are treated to well-cushioned seating, the front seats are heated, cooled, and incredibly comfy. With the RX's suspension's ease of road-going compliance, two child seats can fit in the vehicle with no problem.
Nevertheless, it has consistently had trouble competing with roomier, more capable rivals like the BMW X5 and Range Rover Sport. This fourth-generation model seeks to improve upon some of the shortcomings of the earlier generations and make it a more alluring option to those competitors.
The RX's interior room has increased as a result of Lexus's lengthening. To enhance the SUV's handling, it has also overhauled the chassis and modified the suspension and steering. Its exterior has new styling that harmonizes with the rest of the current Lexus lineup. Additionally, the cabin has had a thorough makeover with improved materials and more comfy seats.
The infotainment system is the Lexus RX200T's main flaw. Despite a great deal of criticism, Lexus insisted on using its godawful "remote touch" joystick in this model.
Despite the constant punishment, you keep trying and trying until you can finally get the cursor to point in the direction you want. Even then, you will realize the menus are incredibly confusing and you're in the wrong place because of how sensitive the joystick touch is, which causes the cursor to jump around the screen almost unpredictably.
The most recent Lexus RX would be a wise choice for anyone looking for a luxurious SUV that is well-equipped. Although it might not be the most practical option, it makes up for it with a luxurious, upscale cabin, a smooth ride, and outstanding dealer assistance.
It's also far less expensive than many of the popular options, such as a Range Rover Sport or an Audi Q7, so it offers value for money in that regard.
The 2019 model will set you back around Tk1 crore 20 lakh, while you can go for the older reconditioned 2016/2017 models, which are available for around Tk95 lakh.
But if you think that's too much, you can always go for a pre-owned unit, which will be much cheaper at around Tk75 to Tk78 lakh, depending on the condition of that specific unit.