2010 Lexus Rx on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Lexus RX Luggage Test (2016-2022): How much cargo space?

This post has been updated from its original version to reflect new information provided by Lexus engineers. There's something seemingly funky going on with the Lexus RX spec sheet, or at least with the cargo capacity measuring method used to populate it with an official cubic-foot number. Basically, the specs say it has 16.0 cubic feet behind its raised back seat. That would be less than a Toyota C-HR, which is a notably cramped subcompact SUV. All you need are eyes to know something's fishy about that. Doing these luggage tests has revealed other car companies also report cargo capacity figures that sell their SUVs short relative competitors, but this is a new low, so to speak.  After a few back-and-forths with Lexus (and several months), plus a revealing glance at the extended length RX L's spec sheet, I came upon the answer: the 16.0 cubic-feet indicated is a measurement of the cargo floor to the cargo cover. The industry norm is cargo floor to the roof. Both numbers are provided for the RX L: 15.26 cubic-feet to the cargo cover and 23.03 to the roof. That's still not a lot for a midsize SUV, but assuming the regular RX is in the same numerical ballpark, it would make a lot more sense given how much stuff you can actually fit inside.  Speaking of which, let's see just how much stuff you can fit inside. It's definitely more than a C-HR. This is a wide, deep space. However, the current RX has a more radically raked roofline than its predecessors, which almost achieves a crossover coupe look. The result is less overall cargo space (and likely a less-than-stellar floor-to-ceiling cargo spec), but losing greenhouse usually effects versatility more. Basically, you can carry a comparable number of bags, but that 52-inch TV will be a tough get.  To begin, I left the cargo cover in place. As in every luggage test I do, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D). Fitting only the four biggest bags isn't great, but it's also the result of keeping the cargo cover in place (I do this to replicate a situation where you can't just leave it behind in your garage). It also pretty much confirms that 16.0-cubic-foot number.

2016 Lexus ES shows updated, US-spec face

Lexus debuted the refreshed style for the ES at the Shanghai Motor Show with a much more prominent take on the company's spindle grille. If you hoped the conspicuous schnoz might be toned down for the US version of the luxury sedan, we have some bad news. The US-spec 2016 Lexus ES looks exactly the same. The spindle grille stands as one of the most polarizing styling features on new vehicles today. Rather than soften things, Lexus' designers make the shape even more pronounced for the refreshed ES. The latest take removes the crossbar from the center and outlines the whole thing in chrome. More angular, standard LED headlights make the edges appear even sharper, as do the triangular foglight surrounds at the lower corners. At the back, the taillights feature a more conspicuous L-shape and chrome-tipped, rectangular exhaust tips finish things off on the ES 350. The company also adds some evocatively named colors, including Autumn Shimmer, Nightfall Mica, Caviar, and Eminent White Pearl. Beyond the updated looks, the other major change for the ES is the availability of the Lexus Safety System+ suite of tech. It includes a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam, and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. If all that isn't enough to make you feel more secure behind the wheel, a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert is an additional option. The improvements to the interior aren't quite as drastic as the outside. There's a redesigned steering wheel, shift knob with a leather boot, and more soft-touch materials around the console. New trim colors include Linear Dark Mocha, Illustrious Piano Black, and matte-finish Bamboo. Both ES 350 and ES 300h models are unchanged in terms of powertrains. For a starting price of $38,940, after the $940 destination charge, buyers can get the ES 350 with a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic. For $41,860, customers can order an ES 300h with a hybrid, 2.5-liter four-cylinder making a total output of 200 hp. Luxury, Emboldened: Lexus ES 350 Revs Up Style and Luxury for 2016 Refreshed Look with Bolder Rendition of Lexus Spindle Grille Standard LED Headlights and Other Premium Design Features New Lexus Safety System+ Suite of Driver Assist Technologies Upgraded Interior Finishes Mark Levinson Audio and Panoramic Roof Available with All Packages July 10, 2015 Maintaining luxury leadership requires a relentless pursuit.

Lexus LC convertible could appear in 18 months, LC F to follow

Auto Express reports that Lexus has a approved a convertible version of the LC, and is close to green-lighting a high-performance LC F trim. The Detroit Bureau reported that the same two models were in development one year ago, citing Lexus sources at the Detroit Auto Show who told the outlet "a number of additional variants" would follow the coupe's launch. The timeline's been stretched a bit between then and now; instead of getting the convertible this year, Auto Express says the "done deal" droptop should arrive in 18 months to two years. It's harder to read what we might get in an LC F. Gossip is that the naturally aspirated, 467-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 wouldn't be the right motor for a hot LC. That V8 serves in lower-tier F models. so word is that Lexus engineers are considering a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 with around 600 hp. Lexus chose the BMW 650i, Mercedes-Benz S-class coupe, and Jaguar F-Type as competitors to the LC, all of which have convertibles and high-performance trims. Among the specially-tuned challengers, the Jaguar F-Type R comes in with the lowest power figure at 550 hp. Both models would return Lexus to a small, exclusive end of the market where it hasn't held a membership since 2010. Rejoining that soiree — a party hosted by the Germans, because these matters always come back to the Germans — is another huge, and costly, step toward shedding Lexus' somnolent image. Akio Toyoda said the goal for his luxury arm was "that the words 'Lexus' and 'boring' never appear in the same sentence again." A three-model lineup would give the LC a genuine chance to contribute to that aim. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Lexus LC 500 First Drive View 44 Photos News Source: Auto Express Rumormill Lexus Convertible Coupe Luxury Performance lexus lc 500