Lexus Malaysia launches RX 270
Potential buyers of the Lexus RX 350 now have a more affordable variant to consider in the form of the RX 270, now sold alongside the bigger sibling. Previously offered only in North America, this model marks the first offering of a front-wheel drive RX for Asian markets.
Yes, you read correctly, the RX 270 not only gets a smaller engine, but also loses drive to the rear wheels. Lexus’ natural argument in favour of this approach is to quote fuel savings as a key benefit. We’ll leave it to you, the readers to decide if it’s worth ditching the all-wheel drive gear along with two cylinders to save RM40k.
At RM370,000 on-the-road without insurance, Lexus was able to move some 500 units of the RX 350 out of its showrooms since its launch in March 2009, accounting for some 47% of the brand’s total sales in Malaysia excluding grey imports. Now, Lexus offers the RX 270 at RM340,000, with insurance pushing the final figure to RM349,076.20.
In place of the 3.5-litre V6 of the RX 350, the RX 270 gets the 2,672cc 1AR-FE four-cylinder motor equipped with Dual VVT-i. The all-aluminium engine is making its first appearance in a Lexus. It has a noticeably long stroke measuring at 105mm, against a bore of 90mm.
Long stroke engines tend to generate greater torque at low revs, and in the RX 270, 200Nm is available on tap anywhere north of 2,000rpm, building up steadily to a peak of 252Nm, twisted out at 4,200rpm. Peak power of 185hp, meanwhile, is cranked out at 5,800rpm. The engine’s output goes to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission with Super ECT and A.I. Shift.
Although blessed with a less glorious drivetrain than the RX 350, the RX 270 does not come up short in the equipment stakes. Suspension architecture is similar to the bigger brother with independent double wishbones used to hold the rear wheels. Leading the line-up of safety gear is the Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system which coordinates all of ABS, EBD, BA, Traction Control, and Vehicle Stability Control.
An unfortunate consequence of the Lexus RX’s popularity is that it tops the hit list of car thieves and car jackers in recent years. To alleviate owner concern, the RX 270 is equipped with an ECU-based engine immobilizer which prevents engine start without receiving a proper transponder code. A tilt sensor detects changes in vehicle inclination when parked, allowing the car to ‘know’ that it’s being towed away.
In conjunction with the RX 270’s launch, Lexus Malaysia is also introducing an optional Navigation System package integrated into the car’s dashboard. Now available across the Lexus range, the system features a GPS navigator with maps covering Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. That tick in the box will set you back a further RM17,000 in the RX 270 and RX 350. For the GS 300, the system costs RM13,000. It will be made standard on the LS 460 Sport and LS 460L.
