Lexus RX Patents Provide Hint at Future Models
A trio of new RX patents provides solid clues as to what might be coming soon.
Trio of Patents
Lexus has been hard at work developing new models lately, as well as filing quite a few patents that could potentially give us clues as to what these new models might consist of. The latest are all derivatives of the RX crossover - RX350h, RX450h+, and RX500h - all of which are fairly easy to decipher given Lexus' model naming history.
Photos: Lexus
More Economical
Lexus' hybrid models are designated by an "h" at the end of the model name, of course, while the "+" signifies plug-in hybrid, or PHEV models. Thus, the RX 350h would theoretically slot in below the existing 450h in terms of its gas powertrain, likely using a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine rather than the existing 3.5-liter V6 to provide a more economical hybrid option for RX buyers.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about new tech coming to the RX right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Electric Power
The RX 450h+ then would provide buyers with a plug-in hybrid option, which has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to its ability to drive on electric power alone, albeit only for a short distance. Rumors suggest that the PHEV RX could use the RAV4 PHEV's drivetrain for an easy transition.
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>>Join the conversation about new tech coming to the RX right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Making Room
That leaves the RX500h, which would reportedly take over for the 450h as the model equipped with Lexus' 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid drivetrain. Essentially, it's just a reshuffling to add in some newly electrified powertrain options to the lineup, which makes sense, even if it will be slightly confusing to consumers at first.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about new tech coming to the RX right here in the Club Lexus forum.
When, Not If
Of course, just because an automaker files a patent or trademark, it doesn't mean it will actually be used. But in this case, these model names make too much sense not to happen. As far as when we might actually see them used, well, the current RX is five years old and just received a mid-cycle refresh last year, so it's likely due for a complete overhaul in the coming years.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about new tech coming to the RX right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Leveraging Experience
One thing is for certain, and that is the fact that Lexus isn't going to stand by and watch other automotive manufacturers continue to introduce new electrified vehicles and do nothing. Lexus has been making hybrids far longer than most automakers, and it plans to leverage that experience moving forward.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about new tech coming to the RX right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Matter of Time
Now, it's just a matter of when, not if, we'll see more hybrid, PHEV, and all-electric models from Lexus. As of right now, the UX300e is the brand's only all-electric offering, and it isn't on sale in the U.S. But we imagine that it's only a matter of time before EVs begin to slowly emerge from the luxury automaker.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about new tech coming to the RX right here in the Club Lexus forum.
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