L.A. 2017: Lexus reveals RX with 6- and 7-seater variants

As promised earlier this month, Lexus has debuted the RX SUV with 3-row seating layout – given its acclaimed longer body. The RX L teaser came out 2 weeks ago, where the Japanese automaker released an underexposed photo of the vehicle's rear with the 350L badge on it.

Now that we get to see the vehicle in one piece, we can quite tell that the RX exterior look is well preserved – chrome-plated signature spindle grille, blacked-out C-pillars, and L-shaped LED headlamps. The length however, is notable as Lexus stretched the vehicle's body by 110 mm to give enough space in the 3rd row.

Inside, the standard 7-seater variant has been given a 40/20/40 split bench-type 2nd row seat. A lever that slides and folds the 2nd row seats then makes the access to the 3rd row easy. The 6-seater configuration has 2nd row captain seats provides an easier "walk-in" convenient access to the 3rd row seats. The 2018 RX L also comes with steeper rear window to secure considerable headroom for 3rd-row passengers.

A 12.3-inch high-resolution split-screen display functions as a screen navigation map with simultaneous access to audio and climate controls. Audio is delivered to 15 Mark Levinson Premium Surround System speakers, while an Advance Clari-Fi compressed music restoration tech brings the quality of your music playlist up.

Onto the more technical side of things, there will be 2 variants: a gasoline-powered one and a hybrid variant. First, the gas-powered variant is dubbed as RX 350L, and has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that can spur out 290 hp and 356 Nm of torque. It comes with an 8-speed electronically controlled transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), plus a variable valve timing – intelligent wide (VVT-iW) system.

The hybrid variant, dubbed as RX 450hL, also has the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine. This is partnered with 2 high-torque electric drive motors that gives the vehicle a combined system output of 308 hp. All 4 wheels are powered by an independent rear-mounted electric motor, while power is transmitted by a planetary-type electronic continuously variable transmission.