Lexus RX L Goes Super Size To Be Family Friendly

Lexus has supersized its popular mid-size luxury SUV, the RX, to make it more family-friendly.

The longer Lexus RX, or RX L, as it is called - has gained 110mm in its length to accommodate a third row of seats, which is absent in the regular RX.

The Japanese company has used a steeper tailgate window angle to ensure good headroom for third-row passengers. The standard 7-seat version of the new RX-L uses a 40/20/40 split bench type second row seat. There is also an available 6-seat configuration with second row captain's chairs that make third-row ingress and egress easier. The positioning of the second row is slightly higher than the third row, creating more foot room for rear passengers.

The RX L will be available in two versions - RX 350L and RX 450hL. The former is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with 290bhp and 356Nm. The latter is a petrol-hybrid that combines the same V6 engine with two electric motors to pump a combined power output of 308bhp. The standard all wheel drive system on the RX 450hL features an independent rear-mounted electric motor drives the rear wheels when needed to help maintain optimal traction.

The RX L adopts the exact same front and rear design as its shorter sibling. However, the L’s additional length is quite prominent when viewed from the side, and it also features blacked-out C-pillars to create a ‘floating roof’ effect.

Although long wheelbase models of most vehicles are specifically targeted towards the Chinese car market, the RX L has been revealed at the ongoing LA Motor Show, 2017 - and will be sold in the US. In fact, the RX L also makes a lot of sense for India, as Indians value 7-seat SUVs over 5-seat ones. However, Lexus India is yet to confirm anything regarding the same.