The new Lexus RX350 comes with a new feature called AGR or 'automatic guilt reduction'.
Believed to be an industry first, it is a default setting that cannot be switched off. And no matter how hard or fast you drive, it ensures a light conscience.
I am speaking tongue firmly in cheek, of course. There is no such thing.
But the new RX is really an SUV crossover you can drive to a Greenpeace convention. You see, the tall Lexus is for all intent and purposes an executive wagon - only styled differently.
Despite its appearance, it is a genuinely tarmac-loving carriage, with no real off-road aspiration to speak of. It is actually more car-like than the first two generations of RX models.
In fact, if it were possible to drive the car blindfolded, it might fool you into thinking it was a sporty Lexus GS, one with a taller ride and longer suspension travel.
It is quite easily the most responsive (and yet most relaxed), most dynamic and quietest car of its kind.
The new car is somewhat larger. Bumper to bumper, it is 30mm longer. The wheelbase is extended by 20mm and its width by 40mm. The vehicle is also 10mm taller.
Most crucial to its surefootedness are its wider tracks. And with improved aerodynamics that is said to eliminate lift almost entirely, the car feels very confident at higher speeds.
With active torque distribution and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (for stability control), it takes a lot to throw the RX off balance.
Lexus says the car's new double wishbone rear suspension (MacPherson struts previously) contributes to its dynamism, too. More obviously, the configuration has allowed for a wider boot area. Alas, the spare wheel now has to be carried inside the car, instead of beneath the floor like before.
The Toyota Camry-based RX is powered by its front wheels most of the time. Torque is redistributed only when the car needs more traction.
You could, of course, punch the all- wheel-drive lock button for those rare occasions when you need to negotiate unpaved roads. The system reverts to Auto mode once you exceed 40kmh.
Commensurate with its newfound status as a driver's car (as opposed to a trucker's car), its artistically shaped cockpit is tilted ever so slightly towards the pilot. Apparently, Toyota Motor executives had a huge debate over this. Many were worried that RX owners may be too conservative to accept the new layout. It is a good thing the progressive camp won.
The RX is indeed the easiest SUV to live with. The driver gets a huge footwell, lots of head and elbow room, as well as a comfy and supportive seat. The driver's seat will even automatically slide back to make disembarking easier.
The car's 3.5-litre V6 heart is essentially the same as the one in the last car but programmed for a bit more oomph.
It is mated to a six-speed transmission that is silky, silent and has an utterly relaxed top ratio.
LEXUS RX350 (moonroof)
Engine:3,456cc 24-valve V6 Transmission: Six-speed automatic with quick-shift Power: 274bhp at 6,200rpm Torque: 346Nm at 4,700rpm 0-100kmh: 8 seconds Top speed: 200kmh Fuel consumption: 10.6 litres/100km (city-highway) Price: $172,800 with COE Distributor:Borneo Motors
Yet, the car is deliciously torquey when you need to overtake or simply blast off from the lights. Although it is 0.2 seconds slower than its predecessor to the century mark, it feels more lightfooted, especially in the city.
A digital gauge in the instrument panel tells you when the car is within economy range. The RX350 is able to accomplish most day-to-day tasks well within the range.
And being largely two-wheel-driven and possessing that long-legged six-slot gearbox, it is slightly more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, despite being 115kg heavier (it is bigger, after all).
On the whole, it comes across as an extremely refined machine, even when compared with some luxury sedans. To date, more than 90 units have been sold. Which is a decent figure, considering the prevailing economic condition. Perhaps the car does have AGR, after all.
