LA 2017: 2018 Lexus RXL 7-Seater Unveiled

Lexus has unveiled the seven-seater Lexus RX "L" at the ongoing 2017 Los Angeles International Motor Show. The longer RXL model will be offered in two variants, dubbed the RX350L and RX450hL, complementing their five-seater siblings respectively.

The RX's body length has been stretched by 110 mm in the RXL, now 5,000 mm long and uses a steeper tailgate window angle to ensure good headroom for third-row passengers and greater cargo room behind the third row.

The seven-seat version uses a 60/40 split bench-type seat on the second row. Access to the third row is made easy with a lever that slides the second-row forward. There’s even a six-seat configuration which features captain chairs in the second-row, similar to the ones found in the Alphard.

Lexus designed the third row of the RXL models to offer similar levels of comfort as the middle row. The positioning of the second row is slightly higher than the third row, creating more foot room for rear passengers. Leather upholstery is offered as standard.

A new tri-zone climate control system gives third-row passengers separate rear air conditioning and dedicated vents. Additionally, a power-folding third-row seat and power tailgate with a hands-free operation (wave hand on rear tailgate Lexus emblem) are both standard on the RXL models.

Design wise, the RXL’s biggest giveaway is the longer C-Pillar, with the larger blacked-out window section to create a floating-roof effect.

The Lexus RX 350L is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 equipped with variable valve timing that allows the engine to switch between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles. Peak power is rated at 294 hp and 357 Nm of torque, connected an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350L, like the five-seater model, is offered with either front-wheel drive or Dynamic Torque Control AWD drivetrains.

In the RX 450hL, the 3.5-liter V6 is paired with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators, to produce a combined power output of 308 hp. RX 450hL comes with AWD as standard, utilising an independent rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. The hybrid system uses a 37 kW nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) hybrid battery – allowing for a short EV range, although specific range figures are not specified.

The RXL models are fitted with 10-airbags, including full-length side curtain airbags to cover all three rows. The Lexus Safety System+ that is standard for most markets will include Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Intuitive Parking Assist and Cross-Traffic Braking is optional.

The RXL will offer as standard the Lexus Display Audio system which includes an eight-inch screen, HD Scout GPS Link, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker audio system. The Luxury Package upgrades to a 12-speaker premium audio system and, on the RX 450hL, a navigation system. Optionally, an 835-watt, 15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround System is claimed to offer audiophile-quality mobile sound.