Is it just me, or do some vehicles seem like I’m driving a computer instead of a car? You can’t just get in a car anymore and drive away without doing some preliminary looking. The new 2010 Lexus RX 350 ($38,200) is brimming with new technology, and it is still seems fairly easy to operate. Most of the new technology I understand and it makes for a great driving experience. The new 2010 RX offers more than cosmetic improvements. Mechanical improvements for the all-new Lexus RX include an independent rear suspension, a 10-airbag safety system, a six-speed sequential transmission, and an improved all-wheel-drive system. Upgraded interior improvements include better seats, integrated satellite radio, acoustic glass, automatic high beam control, and a heads-up display. Most of the technological improvements are due to better computer logic for integrated control of driving systems such as the transmission, all-wheel-drive, navigation, steering and brakes.
The key interior improvement is the introduction of a mouse-like controller which Lexus calls Remote touch. It's used instead of a touch screen to operate climate, audio and the navigation system. The Remote Touch system works just like a computer mouse. It's located right where your right hand falls when your elbow is resting on the center console for easy use. The nice thing is you don’t have to touch the screen to use the Navigation system, or adjust audio or climate settings. It is simple to use while driving. It allows the driver to avoid focusing on the navigation screen to tune the climate control or turn down the volume, and there are no more fingerprints on the screen. Another technological advancement on the RX 350 which I love is the optional Heads Up Display ($1200). It projects a hologram image of your speed on the windshield. The heads up display makes it easy to stick to speed limits while keeping your eyes on the road without having to constantly look down at the speedometer. Bright white, high-contrast numbers are easy to read, even heading into sunlight. It's possible to project the display anywhere on the windshield, but it seems to work best just below the drivers vision.
I tested the RX 350 with all-wheel drive. It was lucky for me to exchange the rear-wheel drive Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon for the RX 350 the day before the October blizzard of 2009. The all-wheel-drive system is completely new, lighter and more efficient. It works electronically without the locking center differential in previous models. It worked well coming up I-70 in white out conditions with tractor trailers strewn all over the Interstate because of the 18” of wet heavy snow last Wednesday. I had no trouble navigating through the unplowed road leading up to my house with my front bumper pushing snow. The RX 350 comes with a 3.5-liter 275 horsepower V6 mated to a six-speed automatic multi-mode transmission. It's also possible to select your own gears in multi-mode shifting, which I did going down I-70 near Genesee to hold the vehicle back in icy conditions. Out on the road, the big V6 in the RX 350 responds well when you hit the gas. Part of that is the new six-speed transmission, which has a lower first-gear ratio than the old five-speed, so it gets the RX quickly up to speed for merging or highway entry. Lexus says to expect 0-60 times in the neighborhood of 7.4 seconds, and a quarter mile time of 15.8, and that's about the way it felt. I didn't go this fast, but top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph, I guess to keep you from going more than 40 over the maximum speed limit. The RX 350 with all-wheel drive has an EPA estimated fuel mileage of 18/24 city/highway.
The interior is what you would expect from Lexus, well appointed and comfortable. The cabin will seat five and has a 40/20/40 fold-down split. Jeanie liked the new design which makes it easier to release one or both seats from the back, without having to walk around to the side, when loading cargo. In addition, the test car came with a handy automatic tailgate opener operated by the key fob. The rear seats also have a fold-down center console with a covered wood grain cupholder and separate covered storage compartment. The rear seats offer good legroom for average-size adults and there are two rear air conditioning vents to cool the rear compartment. Cargo room behind the rear seats has been slightly increased to 40 cubic feet, big enough for four average size suitcases.
The new RX 350 can be loaded with options. The Luxury Package ($4800) includes semi-aniline leather trim interior; one-touch-open/close Moonroof; Power Retractable Electrochromic Outside Mirrors; Wood and Leather Steering Wheel and Shift Knob; Wide Angle Side-View Monitor, MP3 MiniPlug with USB Audio Plug; Power Rear Door; Illuminated Scuff Plate and Headlamp Cleaner. Other options include Heated/Ventilated Front Seats ($640); and Bi-Xenon High Intensity discharge Headlamps with AFS and Automatic High Beams ($1175). Mark Levinson Audio ($1610) and Intuitive Parking Assist ($500) are available as stand-alone options. Navigation System ($2400) includes Hard Disc Drive Navigation System with voice command; Backup Monitor; XM Nav Traffic and Nav Weather with 90-day trial subscription; Remote Touch controller. Sports Package ($1300) includes 19-inch Sport finish alloy wheels with mud and snow tires, sport-tuned suspension. My test car loaded with all these options had a sticker price of ($49,825) before delivery and handling ($875).
The new 2010 Lexus RX 350 has been updated in dozens of ways to make it more efficient, more comfortable, and with more technology than the previous generation. It's quieter, safer, and more driver-friendly. It's a good choice for people who don't tow much or need to carry more than five people.
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