Lexus PH Will Replace Transmission Assembles for Free Because They Shifted Roughly

Lexus is living up to their tagline, “the relentless pursuit of perfection” by announcing a special campaign on selected RX350 SUVs simply because these SUVs shifted too roughly for their standards.

Technically, it’s not a safety recall, but rather a customer satisfaction campaign, it covers owners who might have been noticing the gearbox’s harsh engagement when shifting into Drive. Apparently, this is because the transmission’s control unit wasn’t programmed properly. The program covers 149 units produced from December 4, 2017 to December 25, 2018.

Lexus says affected units will require a reprogram of the engine control computer, and if necessary, they will replace the entire automatic transmission assembly to get rid of the harsh shifting—for free! How’s that for customer service?

Anyway, the carmaker will notify concerned customers by registered mail, and since this is not a safety-related campaign, owners will only have until December 31, 2022 to seek a course of action.

Lexus Philippines Launches 2020 RX SUV, Including New Three-Row Variant at P 4.758M

After a month-long tease, Lexus is finally introducing the 2020 RX mid-sized luxury crossover, including the much-anticipated three-row RX L variant.

The RX, which was first introduced in the Philippine market in 2009, catapulted Lexus to number one in the premium automotive segment. In fact, for the first half of this year, Lexus finished off with a commanding 28 percent market share. All this time, the RX remains the best-selling model in Lexus Philippines’s line-up, selling 1,413 units in a ten-year span.

The 2020 Lexus RX hopes to further fortify its position by introducing four variants and two wheelbase lengths, the latter a first time for the local market.

Regardless of variant, the 2020 model showcases improvements to its design, showcasing Lexus’s latest design language. This includes a new sculpted front and rear bumper, revised rocker panels, new slender headlights, and the signature Lexus spindle grille with added ‘L’ pattern meshing.

Inside, the 2020 Lexus RX debuts a revised infotainment system. The touchscreen/touchpad-based system now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Meanwhile, the “RX L” variant lengthens its body by 110 millimeters thereby accommodating third row seating. Here, a power-folding third-row seating with two different seating positions is provided for maximum comfort. A hands-free kick sensor integrated in the power tailgate adds convenience in the RX Hybrid variant.

Taking the lead from the LC and LS flagship coupe and sedan, the 2020 Lexus RX offers substantial changes to its suspension. Using Laser Screw Welding (LSW), it now has heightened levels of rigidity for more immediacy during cornering while Active Cornering Assist (ACA) suppresses understeer when stepping on the throttle mid-corner by modulating the brakes.

Under the hood, the Lexus RX 350 comes with a 3.5-liter normally aspirated V6 engine making 296 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque, while the RX 450h has a combined 308 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque. Both models offer a 0-100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h.

The 2020 Lexus RX is now available at the following price points:

• 2020 Lexus RX 350: P 4,278,000
• 2020 Lexus RX 350 L: 4,758,000
• 2020 Lexus RX 350 F Sport: P 4,838,000
• 2020 Lexus RX 450h: P 5,078,000

Lexus Philippines is Set to Introduce the Three-Row 2020 RX L Soon

The wait won’t be long: Lexus is finally set to introduce the three-row RX L to the Philippine market. Using its website (and social media), the Japanese luxury car brand has already started its tease of the refreshed 2020 RX L and its shorter, 5-seater sibling, the RX.

A refresh of the current fourth-generation model that made its debut four years ago, the 2020 Lexus RX sports shaper styling. Front and back, Lexus designers have used the “L-motif” to create a distinctive look inspired by the LC and LS. Upfront, there’s the slimmer headlights and front grille with varying “blocks”; while at the back are rear taillights with an “L” motif, dual exhaust tips, and a diffuser built into the rear bumper. New wheel designs (18 or 20s, depending on the variant) complete the changes.

Inside, the 2020 RX is largely unchanged except for an updated Lexus Multimedia System with a new touchscreen and remote touchpad system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now standard as well.

Along with the new look, the 2020 RX will also exhibit improved road manners thanks to hollow, but thicker front and rear stabilizers, re-tuned shock absorbers, and upgraded dampers with an integrated friction control device. The body itself is also made more rigid thanks to additional spot welds and adhesives.

Based on Lexus Philippines’s photos, the 2020 RX will be available in both hybrid and F Sport variants. Not only will the F Sport benefit from active variable suspension (AVS), a system borrowed from the Lexus LC, but it’ll also have performance dampers, active sound control, and a cold air intake system for added performance.

Perhaps the most intriguing fact about the impending arrival of the 2020 RX is that it’ll mark the first time Lexus Philippines is making available the three-row RX L.

With a body extended by 110 millimeters (mostly in the back area), an additional row of seats has been fitted. Maximizing the comfort of those in the last row, the RX L’s second row has been slightly higher to create more foot room. A tri-zone climate control system with dedicated vents give it additional comfort. When not in use, the third-row opens or closes at the touch of a button as does the tailgate (with a hands-free kick sensor now, too).

Lexus Philippines is expected to offer both the 295-horspower RX 350 and 308-horsepower RX 450h. The launch is expected to happen before the end of the year.