2017 LA Auto Show: Lexus RX now becomes a family car

Lexus was mulling over a three-row RX crossover for a couple of years now. Now, the Japanese carmaker has officially revealed the RX L at the ongoing 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The RX L doesn’t look any bigger than the standard five-seater RX owing to the same wheelbase. However, the car is now longer by 4.3-inches while the roofline is more upright to accommodate the extra row of seats. The RX L can be had in either seven or eight seat configuration. Lexus boasts that the third row of the RX L models can offer the same comfort and luxury like the middle row. 

The second row is positioned slightly higher to make way for leg room at the back. A three-zone climate control gives the third-row passengers individual air-con vents. The power-folding third-row seat, two cup holders and powered tailgate come as standard. There is a flat loading floor bed behind the third row for an even more practical package. 

The RX L can be had in both 350 and 450h guise. So the RX 350L will be powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 with 290bhp and 356Nm of torque. The eight-speed automatic would channel power to either the front or both axles, depending on options. The 450hL hybrid variant will continue with the 3.5-liter V6 with a total output of 308bhp. The 450hL gets Lexus hybrid’s four-wheel-drive layout.

Pricing for the RX 350L will start at USD 47,670 for front-wheel-drive models, and USD 49,070 for the all-wheel drive. Lexus hasn’t announced the prices of the RX 450hL though.