The Pursuit of Perfection Continues North America's number one selling luxury SUV, the RX 330, is
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| It looks no different than before, but the changes are hidden within. (Photo: Kogodos, American Auto Press) |
being reworked for 2007, and is now renamed RX 350. Compared to its previous revolutionary update, that saw its alphanumeric designation move up from RX 300 to RX 330 to coincide with a complete makeover from tires to roof rack in model year 2004, visually noticeable modifications are minor, however, the changes made under its shapely exterior panels are significant.
One of the biggest changes effects the engine. Now sitting under the hood for 2007 is a new 3.5-liter V6. The new all-aluminum engine has dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-I), which allows for greater torque over a wider powerband. The RX 350 produces 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 251 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, up 47 horses and 13 lb-ft from the 2006 RX 330. The SUV's ability to accelerate is a respectable as some V8s. For example, the new RX can zip from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Now let us take a look a couple luxury V8s. BMW's X5 4.4 manages the same feat in 7.1 seconds, only 0.2 seconds quicker, and Mercedes-Benz's ML500 is even a touch slower getting from standstill to 60 mph, needing 7.3 seconds.
The
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| All-wheel drive system effectively puts the newly generated power to the ground. (Photo: Kogodos, American Auto Press) |
sensible person in me loves the more power, less gas philosophy. The five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission combines for great fuel efficiency, with city driving at 19 mpg and highway at 26 mpg. And for those oncerned about ozone levels, the quicker 2007 RX produces about the same amount of emissions as its predecessor, giving it Ultra Low Vehicle 2 (ULV2) status.
All-wheel drive remains standard, but changes have been made to the AWD system with the addition of an integrated transfer case and viscous coupling controlled, limited slip center differential. What this means in English is that normally the torque would be split half and half between the front and rear axles, however, should the front or rear wheels encounter a slippery patch of road, the limited slip differential will direct the power to the axle with the most traction.
One of the first things I noticed when driving this luxury SUV is
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| As lavish and luxurious as you could want a premium SUV to be? Almost. (Photo: Lexus) |
how smooth and quiet the ride is. Now don't get me wrong, the original RX was never jarring or loud, however, the engineers at Lexus took the 2007 a few steps further up the desirability ladder. On top of such design features like a rigid body structure and vibration canceling engine mounts, they have now made it even quieter with the addition of an acoustic glass windshield and sound insulation in the floor mats, door and instrument panels. Bye-bye wind noise and droning tire sounds.
The
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| RX's shape is amicable, and more delicate than most truck-like SUVs. (Photo: Kogodos, American Auto Press) |
interior has all the fancy trimmings expected; beautiful leather and wood trim with heated power front seats and two driver seat memory settings, plus a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel. A sliding center console hid all my odds and ends cleverly. All my passengers were kept at the perfect temperature thanks to dual zone, automatic climate control with rear seat heater ducts. Other spoils included rain-sensing wipers, headlamp washers, an integrated Homelink garage door opener, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and auto-dimming and heated exterior mirrors.
