Lexus was
in the midst of developing a three-row version of the hitherto five-seater RX,
set to be unveiled at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show in October. Now, Paultans photographers have proved its existence with images of the development
prototype you see here.
The mule sports a number of sheetmetal changes to
accommodate the extra row of seats, and they’re exactly what you’d expect – a
longer rear overhang and a more upright rear windscreen. With the standard RX
being compact and low-slung, these changes are certainly necessary to make room
for a pair of seats capable of fitting actual humans.
Despite being covered in full body camouflage, the
people-carrying RX should otherwise carry few other changes compared to the
regular one, with the shape of the headlights, front grille and front fog light
surrounds all appearing identical, as does the side surfacing. The standard
car’s 2,790 mm wheelbase is also expected to be retained.
Expect the three-row RX to come with the usual
engines, including a 235 hp/350 hp 2.0 litre turbocharged engine and a 295
hp/370 Nm 3.5 litre naturally-aspirated V6 mated to an eight-speed automatic
transmission. Also likely to be offered is an RX 450h hybrid with an
Atkinson-cycle version of the V6 paired to an electric motor, producing a total
system output of 308 hp.
A seven-seat RX would be an important addition to
the Lexus lineup, being the brand’s first car-based three-row SUV.
Cr : Paultan
