Third row seats the charm with all-new Lexus RX 350L

Lexus has provided more space, flexibility and convenience for customers of its luxury RX Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), by installing a two-seat third row that expands seating capacity to seven occupants.

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The new three-row RX 350L variants have the same premium levels of style, safety, luxury and performance that Lexus customers have come to expect.

An exterior redesign provides excellent head and leg room for the third-row passengers while offering more cargo space behind the third row than competitor vehicles.

Lexus designers extended the body by 110mm, raised the roof peak by 10mm and adopted a steeper power-operated tailgate. South African families can now enjoy more space in the luxury RX 350L.

Developed to meet frequent requests from customers and dealers, the 2018 RX 350L retains the model’s sleek features while incorporating a power-fold, third-row seat and three-zone climate control. The third row can accommodate two passengers as well as a child seat, and furthermore includes two cup holders.

When the 50-50 split-fold third row is upright, a segment-leading cargo length of 566mm provides ample space for a large stroller. At the touch of a button, the thirdrow seats can fold completely flat, liberating 432 litres of cargo space, measured to the tonneau cover.

For easy third-row access, onetouch levers on both sides of the vehicle are used to fold and slide the second-row seats forward. Slide length for these seats has been extended 45mm forward. The second row is positioned slightly higher for the third row, creating more foot room for rear passengers.

A new three-zone air-conditioning system provides thirdrow occupants with dedicated vents and controls. Curtain-shield airbags have been extended to protect thirdrow passengers.

An additional child-seat anchorage point is also included.

All RX models have 10 airbags – dual-stage front airbags, front seat knee airbags, side airbags for the front and second row seats as well as side curtain-shield airbags.

Other comprehensive safety features include vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, hill-start assist control and tyre-pressure warning.

In summary: The new RX 350L will be welcomed by modern South African families and other customers who require the luxury of space and flexibility provided by a seven-seat vehicle.

The third row of seats offers Lexus drivers even greater practicality, convenience and roominess while maintaining the sleek styling and easy manoeuvrability customers always value. Standard on all RX models is a reverse camera, alarm, immobiliser and intrusion sensors.

The RX 350L is powered by the V6 2GR-FKS engine, delivering a maximum 216kW of power at 6 300rpm and 358Nm of torque from 4 600 – 4 700rpm.

Packaging requirements for the third-row seat needed a single exhaust rather than the dual system fitted to RX 350, resulting in small reductions in power and torque (5kW, 12Nm).

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RX 350L has an eight-speed sequential shift intelligent automatic transmission for a balance of linear acceleration, optimum fuel economy and driveability under all conditions, plus smooth shift feel.

The car is equipped with LED headlamps, daytime running lights, front fog lamps as well as 12-inch audio display screen, satellite navigation, 12 speakers, 20- inch alloy wheels with black centre caps, smart entry and start, roof rails and rear privacy glass.

Front seats are heated and ventilated with 10-way power adjustment and driver’s seat memory. Leather upholstery covers the first two rows of seats while the third row offers a durable synthetic covering to support regular folding of the seats.

A moon roof replaces the panoramic roof fitted to five-door variants and the second-row seats are manual instead of power-operated. Standard on all RX models are LED daytime running lights, front window wipers with rain sensing auto as well as Electronic Multi-vision (EMV) Navigation System and tonneau cover.

The Lexus signature spindle grille, a focal point, is set off by an elegant chrome-plated surround and LED headlights.

The 20-inch alloy wheel designs enhance the powerful-looking stance. All RX paint colours feature a scratch-resistant self-restoring coat, using high-performance macromolecular polymer. The RX 350L is also available in a brandnew colour – Sleek Ecru – which is a sophisticated pearl beige.

Lexus designed the third row of the RX 350L to offer the same comfort and luxury as in the middle row. Details that enhance versatility include a flat load floor behind the third-row, an easily stowable tonneau, covered slide rails and the hands-free power tailgate.

Larger items can be carried by folding the second and third rows, offering 966 litres (to frontseat top). A three-zone climate control system (driver side, passenger side and rear) gives third-row passengers separate controls and dedicated vents.

Curtain-shield airbags have been extended to protect thirdrow passengers. Second-row seat passengers have access to two 5V USB power sockets in the centre armrest.

Model Pricing

• RX 450H R1 222 600
• RX 350L R949 300
• RX 350 R916 600 Includes a four-year / 90 000km Maintenance Plan.

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