Al-Futtaim Motors launches most advanced luxury SUV, the new RX350

Featuring ground-breaking technology in design, innovation, driving performance, utility and safety, the new RX350 follows the principles of the L-finesse design philosophy, 'The Pursuit of Perfection.'

The original RX350 pioneered the crossover vehicle segment of car-based SUVs, prompting an evolution in customer values and expectations and the creation of a host of crossover products from other manufacturers that make up the competitive segment that now exists in the UAE. Continuing this pioneering spirit, the new RX350 has been comprehensively re-engineered under the guidance of Assistant Chief Engineer Satoru Osaku at the Lexus Development Centre.

Felix Welch, the Lexus General Manager at Al-Futtaim Motors, explained, "The RX350 competes within the luxury medium size SUV segment. Since the introduction of these car-based SUVs, sales in this segment have rapidly grown, proving popular with wealthy young families and single executives. The UAE accounts for 43% of the total GCC market for medium SUVs."

"We are confident that the new RX350 will continue in it's appeal to affluent young families, and that its intelligent design and technology will broaden it's appeal to new groups of style conscious customers, once again challenging the boundaries within the luxury medium-size SUV segment," he added.

The exterior of the new RX350 features a bolder and more dynamic styling. The L-finesse design philosophy allows this new strength and power to appear with the grace and elegance befitting a luxury utility vehicle.

Driving dynamics have been taken to the next level and the new RX350 is engineered to deliver an engaging yet stress-free driving experience whether cruising on the highway or negotiating more demanding terrain.

The new vehicle's 3.5-litre engine is a substantially improved variant of the proven and reliable engine used in the current model featuring dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), resulting in an increased 275 horsepower and a widened torque band. This increased power is delivered through a new 6-speed automatic transmission that uses artificial intelligence (AI-SHIFT) to automatically control the shift pattern based on estimates of both road conditions and driver intentions. The result is improved road handling and an outstanding driving experience.

The introduction of a new double-wishbone rear suspension provides exceptional agility and control as well as increased cargo space. A class-leading 0.33 coefficient of drag (Cd) further contributes to the new vehicle's superb high-speed stability.

The new RX350 features many examples of Lexus's commitment to advanced technology, the focus of which is a host of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) designed to aid the innovative dual-zone cockpit for stress-free driving.

These include a high intensity LED Heads Up Display (HUD) that shows vehicle speed and other vehicle information easily readable even in direct sunlight and a Remote Touch system, which provides a central control for all the operational functions. Similar to a computer mouse, this system is a prime example of a Lexus first technology.

Ultimate luxury is available for customers to specify with features such as multi-point entry lighting; automatic retraction of the drivers seat and steering wheel for easy entry and exit; a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system; a power back door and a large panoramic glass roof that enhances the spacious feel of the vehicle.

The new RX350 provides world class driver and passenger safety offering standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (TRC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system. Available as an option, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is an integrated vehicle management system that seamlessly coordinates the aforementioned systems, in addition to Active Torque Control AWD, to provide stable driving dynamics faithful to driver intentions.

Safety is further enhanced with an intelligent Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) that swivels the lights in the direction of travel and the state-of-the-art Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) that supports the driver by detecting the possibility of a collision and alerting them to the danger. As a first for the Middle Eastern market, the new RX350 also offers Pre-Crash Brake, which automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails to initiate braking prior to a collision. To complete the package a class-leading total of 10 SRS airbags come as standard for all models.

Mr Welch concluded, "While 2009 is set to be a challenging year, we believe the introduction of this superbly advanced vehicle, the RX350, will strengthen our sales performance. The quality and attention to detail throughout is unsurpassed. Production is carried out at a state-of-the-art facility where digital technology and robotics are combined with the experience and expertise of highly trained Lexus craftsmen. With this ground-breaking technology at their fingertips, UAE motorists will experience a stunning driving experience cosseted in ultimate luxury that will redefine their expectations of motoring."