- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 7 seats
- Engine
3.5i, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
216kW, 358Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 10.6L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
4 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2015)
2018 Lexus RX350L new car review
- Extra seats add practicality.
- Plush interior.
- Good value.
- Could be sharper on-road.
- Third-row is tight on space.
- Thirsty V6.
What is it?
A luxury SUV for big families. Lexus expanded the RX range, literally, by adding this seven-seat version of the large SUV earlier in 2018.
The body has been stretched by 110mm and the roof is 10mm taller to accommodate the new seats in the boot.
How much does it cost and what do you get?
There are four models to choose from in the RX L range - two engines (3.5-litre V6 and V6 petrol-electric hybrid) and two trim levels (Luxury and Sports Luxury).
We’re driving the V6 RX350L Sports Luxury which is priced from $101,500 and as we’ve come to expect from Lexus it has plenty of equipment for that asking price.
You get 20-inch alloy wheels, adjustable suspension, LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, leather-accented seats, heated and ventilated front seats, tri-zone airconditioning, wireless smartphone charging, navigation and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
What’s under the bonnet?
Lexus venerable 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine does the job but to fit the new seats the company had to change the exhaust system so power is 5kW down on the five-seater RX350. It still makes a solid 216kW of power and 358Nm of torque which gives it respectable performance when you put your foot down.
It isn’t as refined as some of its German six-cylinder rivals though, sounding a bit gruffer and noisier under hard acceleration. It’s also a lot thirstier than its hybrid sibling, using a claimed 10.6-litres per 100km in the best-case scenario.
What’s it like to drive?
There’s not much difference between the five- and seven-seater versions of the RX - Lexus didn’t extend the wheelbase so there’s no significant dynamic change.
Unlike its German rivals which lean more towards a more dynamic driving experience, Lexus has clearly prioritised comfort with suspension settings that softer and more forgiving over bumps. The trade-off is it will lean more into corners so its dynamic threshold is lower.
What’s it like inside?
This is one area where Lexus does a job equal to, or perhaps better than, its key German rivals. The quality feeling of the materials is what really standouts in the RX350L; from the thick carpets to the soft leathers it oozes quality.
As for the all-important question of space, the third row is a bit tight for full-time families of seven but will easily accomodate kids - or even adults for shorter trips - if you slide the second row forward.
In a proper luxury touch the third row seats can be raised or lowered electronically at the touch of a button; actually a choice of two buttons as there’s a set next to the rear doors and a set in the boot for maximum convenience. The third row occupants also get their own airconditioning vents and cupholders.
One niggle about the interior is the infotainment system with Lexus persevering with its touchpad interface. It has improved over time but it’s still a frustratingly fiddly system to master, particularly on the move.
Is it safe?
Lexus has loaded it with all of its safety equipment, including 10 airbags (the curtain airbags cover the third row) and Lexus’ Safety Sense+ suite of active safety features. So that means pre-collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and a reversing camera.
Would I buy it?
I’d seriously consider it if I was in the market for a luxury seven-seater. It may not be as sharp to drive as its European rivals but it’s comfortable and well equipped for the money.
What else should I consider?
There are a number of options for the well-to-do family, including the the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Land Rover Discovery.
2018 Lexus RX350L Sport Luxury pricing and specifications
Price: From $101,500 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol
Power: 216kW at 6300rpm
Torque: 358Nm at 4600-4700rpm
Transmission: Eight speed automatic, all-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 10.6L/100km