Image Gallery

Lexus will launch its new RX luxury four-wheel-drive model in Australia in April next year.

The addition of RX will give Lexus Australia a two-pronged attack on the booming prestige four-wheel-drive segment.

RX will be priced below the recently upgraded Lexus LX 470.

The introduction of the new model will be a key step towards achieving Lexus’ aim of increasing its total sales in Australia by at least 50 percent by 2004.

"Vehicles which combine the refinement of a traditional luxury car with the high driving position and versatility of a traditional 4WD are increasingly popular," said Lexus Australia’s Senior Manager, John Roca.

"We expect RX to capture a significant share of this emerging market."

The current RX 300 has been an enormous success in the United States since it was launched in 1998.

Its pioneering design provided the off-road ground clearance and full-time four-wheel-drive for poor road and weather conditions, combined with a step-in height lower than comparable sports-utility vehicles (SUV) for more convenient entry and exit.

Four years later RX 300 continues to be the best-selling luxury SUV in the United States and has inspired many competitors to introduce similar designs.

RX has also won a raft of awards including J.D. Power’s "Most Appealing Luxury SUV" in 1998 and 1999 and Motor Trend magazine’s inaugural "Sports/Utility of the Year".

RX has also won "Best Buy " recommendations from several United States publications including Consumer Guide in 2001 and The Car Book and The Ultimate Car Book this year.