Lexus RX 350 2016 Test Drive

The Lexus RX 350 2016 made its debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show along with its sibling, the Lexus 450h. It was revealed for the Middle Eastern markets at the Dubai International Motor Show on 10th, November 2015. The 2016 Lexus RX 350 UAE is accessible in 4 packages here including Premier (base), Prestige, Platinum and the range-topping F-Sport model. We got a chance to test drive the 2016 Lexus RX 350 F Sport. Below are our findings.

Walk Around the New Lexus RX 350

Sporty and aggressive are the two perfect words describing the exterior styling of the 2016 Lexus RX 350 Dubai. The front fascia incorporates a bold design featuring a dominant black coloured chrome grille that blends beautifully with the front bumper. The sharp LED 3 eye projector-type headlamps enhance the overall sporty persona of the crossover. The 20-inch alloy wheels, a stylish rear spoiler, dual exhaust tops and the L-shaped LED tail lamps further accentuate the dynamic stance of 2016 RX 350.

Cockpit Impression

First take a look at the cargo space before getting inside! The trunk capacity of the 2016 Lexus RX 350 measures around 509 litres, which isn’t that commendable compared to its rivals, such as, 2016 Audi Q5 (824 liters). You might also face problems in stowing large items due to the sloping roofline. The back seats can be easily pulled down with the click of a button. The 2016 Lexus RX 350 interior is quite spacious and comfortable. However, it lacks enough headroom, which is again towing to the roofline. The exclusive F-Sport leather seats are exceptional and could be reclined on longer journeys for maximum comfort. The cockpit is ergonomically designed and will make you feel like you’re behind the wheels of a sports car. The soft padded material and the wooden trim are of extremely high quality giving a sense of luxury and opulence. Since this is the F-Sport model, it also boasts a unique paddle shifter. The front dash extends a 12.3-inch EMV display, which provides a complete 360 degree view of the surrounding for easy parking.

2016 Lexus RX 350 Specs

• The RX350 is accessible in only one engine option5-litre V6 engine with VVT-i variable valve timing technology that is capable of producing 275 horsepower and 348 Nm of torque

The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox powering all the wheels.

Driving Dynamics

The first thing I noticed as I drove on the freeway was  the quietness inside; you won’t feel any vibration or noise from outside. The acceleration is smooth and sleek, thanks to the spectacular 8-speed transmission system. The RX 350 extends a drive mode selector with three options; Eco, Normal and Sport. I first drove on the Eco mode to check the fuel efficiency and then moved to the normal mode. You won’t feel all that power and energy on the normal mode, as it is intended for a more smooth and comfortable drive. Shifting to the sport mode, I noticed heightened drive-quality. I felt a boost in acceleration, but it adds a little weight to the steering wheel, which makes handling somewhat difficult around sharp corners. In my 2016 Lexus RX 350 test drive, I was able to go from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7.7 seconds touched 180 km/h top speed. The RX 350 consumed around 9.9L fuel to cover a distance of 100 kilometers, which is not very impressive comparing it to its German rival, Mercedes GLE 350 (8.5 – 8.8 L/100 KM).

Technological Overview of Lexus RX 350 2016

You would find some of the best and latest technological facilities inside the Lexus RX 350, which makes it fun and engaging to drive. The front dash features a 12.3-Inch display with remote touch interface, 15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium sound system with in-dash DVD player, Bluetooth connectivity, handsfree calling, Lexus navigations system, wireless smartphone charger, remote engine starter, USB ports, auto air conditioning system and tilt/telescopic steering wheel with mounted switches.

Lexus RX 350 2016 Pictures

Lexus RX 350 2016 Safety Features

The new Lexus RX 350 has received a Top Safety Pick + award from IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) owing to its advanced safety features, which include DRLs, type pressure monitoring system, whiplash injury protection, brake assist system, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, active traction control, dual stage SRS airbags and blind spot monitoring.

Dislike

The only drawback of the 2016 RX 350 is its below par storage capacity. We at Motoraty would appreciate seeing an improvement in the trunk capacity in the upcoming models.

2016 Lexus RX 350 Price and Verdict

The price of the RX 350 in the UAE starts at AED 195,000 (Premier), the Prestige grade starts at AED 225,000, Platinum at AED 255,000, while the top of the range F-Sport model costs AED 265,000. The 2016 Lexus RX 350 is an amazing choice in the compact crossover segment. It is not only luxuriously comfortable but also amazing drive.