Lexus Malaysia, a division of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, is targeting sales of more than 400 Lexus luxury vehicles this year. UMW Toyota president Ismet Suki is confident of achieving the target.

“I am confident that the new Lexus RX 350 F Sport together with the RX 270, RX 350 and RX 450h will continue to appeal to its core group of customers as well as attract new customers to experience the Lexus brand,” he said.

Ismet was speaking to reporters after launching the Lexus RX Luxury Crossover here. 

Also present were UMW Toyota chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin and UMW Holdings Bhd president and chief executive officer Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir.

UMW Toyota Motor president Ismet Suki said Lexus Malaysia has sold close to 1,100 units of the RX, representing 32 percent of total Lexus sales in Malaysia, since the model was introduced locally in March 2009.

“This encouraging figure has made the RX the most popular Lexus model and the best selling sports utility vehicle in the Large Luxury SUV segment in Malaysia with a 35 percent market share,” Ismet said.

Ismet said the new, improved Lexus RX fits right into an active lifestyle with a sophisticated blend of the comfort in a luxury car with the driving pleasure of an SUV.

It is the second Lexus model that continues to refine the “L-Finesse” design philosophy by debuting the latest interpretation of the new Lexus “spindle grille” first seen on the current generation Lexus GS sedan, which was launched in March 2012.

The third generation Lexus RX was launched in Malaysia in March 2009 as a single variant, the Lexus RX 350. Since then, the range has grown with the addition of the Lexus RX 270 and Lexus RX 450h.

“Together, the trio represent a complete model range for individual needs of each customer,” Ismet said.

The sporty new appearance and the comfortable plush interior of the new improved Lexus RX are matched to the engines that it uses. Offered in four variants of RX 270, RX 350, RX 350 F Sport and RX 450h hybrid, the vehicle also gets headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and redesigned rear light clusters for a stylish and distinctive appearance.

Inside, the RX is roomy and comfortable for five persons, and gets plush leather and features a new steering wheel with high quality wood and leather trimmings, a high resolution 8.0-inch Electro Multi Vision dashboard screen and a Remote Touch Controller which allows the driver to operate various systems of the vehicle without having to reach forward to press switches or buttons.

The entry-level RX 270 is powered by a 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 185bhp and 252Nm of torque, should satisfy the driving needs of most drivers. If extra punch is what you want, there are the RX 350 and RX 350 F Sport variants which are equipped with a bigger 3.5-litre V6 engine that provides an impressive 274hp and 346Nm of torque.

The RX 350 F Sport variant also features several enhancements over the non-F Sport versions such as an aggressive mesh grille, dark grey 19-inch wheels, performance dampers, F Sport suspension which gives firmer body control and better high-speed stability, and aluminium panels for the interior.

But if you want a more fuel efficient variant that does not compromise on performance, the RX 450h hybrid variant has a high compression Atkinson Cycle 3.5-litre V6 engine that works with two electric motors for a combined output of 295bhp.

The Lexus RX 270 sells at RM359,800 and the RX 350 is priced at RM399,800, while the RX 350 F Sport and hybrid RX 450h are priced at RM409,800 and RM525,000 respectively.