Damansara, 12 March 2009… Lexus Malaysia today unveiled its much-anticipated 2009 model of the RX 350. The all-new crossover vehicle is built in Japan. The factory, which only makes Lexus models, prides high quality manufacturing that surpasses global standards and has been recognized with the Gold Plant Quality Award for the Asia-Pacific region in the 2007 JD Power Initial Quality Study.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Kuah Kock Heng, President of Lexus Malaysia, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. highlighted that the Luxury SUV (Large) Segment has been growing over the last 2 years. He added that in recognizing this potential, Lexus is indeed proud to unveil its Third Generation of the RX model – a vehicle that promises to live up to the pioneering spirit of its predecessors and proving its worth as “The Benchmark” for crossover vehicles.

Lexus pioneered the crossover vehicle segment in 1998, combining the flexibility, practicality and off-road capability with the handling, performance, refinement and ride experience of a premium sedan. Since then, Lexus has led the class with over one million units sold worldwide. 2009 sees the third generation which once again sets new standards in design, comfort, safety and performance to re-establish the world's most successful premium crossover as the benchmark in the segment.

The third generation RX 350 marks the beginning of the next generation of the L-finesse design philosophy that provides the design direction for all Lexus models. Inspired by the LX-Fh concept model, the RX 350 presents a robust, muscular stance combined with elegance and intelligence. It distinctively incorporates three elements of the L-finesse design philosophy: Incisive Simplicity, Intriguing Elegance and Seamless Anticipation.

Around its exterior, the all-new RX 350 shows a blend of beauty and function, one example being the outside door handles which are a brand new RX-exclusive feature. Highly sculptural, the handle grips have been designed to give the vehicle a feeling of solidity. Equally, aerodynamic efficiency is very important for stability at high speeds, fuel economy and low noise levels.

Compared to the previous generation, the all-new RX 350 is almost similar in size but there are slight dimensional increases all round. Besides a longer wheelbase, there is also a 40 mm increase in overall body width and wider tracks (+55 mm in front and +65 mm at the rear). Though the height is now 1,685 mm (slightly taller than before), this is not apparent as the ground clearance is less.

As with the exterior, the design of the interior on the all-new RX 350 was guided by the L-finesse philosophy and offers an all-new cabin environment, showcasing numerous advanced features and an ergonomically superb functionality which focuses on entirely intuitive, user-friendly operability by both driver and front seat passenger.

To an audiophile, the all-new RX 350 adopts a new sound concept which was conceived to provide clearer quality through an emphasis on direct sound. For this new approach, every aspect of the speaker layout was re-evaluated. Creative placement and angling of the tweeters and squawkers, for example, perfectly cross-channels sound to the occupant on the opposite side of the vehicle to transform the cabin into a clear, crisp acoustic environment.

Under its hood, the all-new RX 350 continues to use the 2GR-FE engine, a highly sophisticated 3.5-litre petrol engine which is one of the cleanest, most economical and yet most powerful 6-cylinder petrol units in the premium crossover class. Many improvements have been made to the proven 24-valve V6 engine to enhance smoothness, refinement and fuel efficiency. The engine’s output centre has been lowered approximately 16mm so that the overall powertrain centre of gravity is lower for enhanced vehicle agility.

The all-new RX 350 takes Active and Passive safety to new heights, achieving unprecedented levels of safety performance. Lexus aims not merely to satisfy conventional regulations and assessments, but to provide safety features that are valuable in real world conditions. In developing this new model, no less than 233 crash tests were performed and the resultant range of advanced safety technology redefines occupant safety through unprecedented synergies of driver intent and vehicle response.

What truly makes a Lexus distinct is its creative infusion of "Master Craftsmanship" which showcases Lexus’ Relentless Pursuit of Perfection. No detail is too small. Nothing is left to chance. Even the smallest set of screws are weighed and adjusted to reduce kerb weight. This puts the all-new RX is at the leading edge of sophistication; inspiring a sense of trust and confidence in driving on any type of terrain or surface. This ability ensures that it has the flexibility to respond to a wide range of usage situations which makes it truly versatile.

Commenting on the current economic situation, Mr. Kuah also added, "We find ourselves in challenging economic circumstances, yet there will be a segment of customers who have the means and who demand the perfect blend of quality, safety and performance to stay "one step" ahead of the times."

Lexus owners were also informed of Lexus’ service boundary expansion through the introduction of the Regional Service Support (RSS) for customers outside the Klang Valley. Currently, the Lexus RSS Service is available in the Penang region, and by the end of March, this service will also be extended to Johor. Furthermore, plans to introduce Lexus 3S centres in the northern and southern regions are also on the drawing board and details will be announced in due course.

The all new RX 350 is available at the Lexus Center in Mutiara Damansara from 12 March onwards and its on-the-road price, without insurance is RM377,000. Being one of the luxury marque’s best-selling models, Lexus targets to sell 105 units of the all-new RX 350 this year and orders for the crossover vehicle have been pouring in, even before the launch.