2023 Lexus RX revealed, confirmed for Australia

The first new Lexus RX in seven years will reach Australia, with sharpened styling, overhauled technology and a range of powerful new hybrids.

The 2023 Lexus RX large SUV has been revealed, and an Australian launch has been locked in – though exactly when is yet to be confirmed.

Lexus‘ fourth all-new product in the last 12 months, the new RX is the first in seven years, and brings the company’s BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 rival in line with the fresher styling, high-tech interior and upgraded hybrid powertrains of the latest NX medium SUV.

All versions of the new RX offer five seats, with the seven-seat RX L dead for 2023 – though rumours suggest a larger Lexus TX SUV is in development for launch next year, with three, more spacious rows of seats.

Four variants of the new RX will be offered globally, comprising just one pure petrol model – RX350, now with turbo power – and three hybrids, one of which offers plug-in capability. The Australian model range is yet to be confirmed.

The new Lexus RX’s styling draws inspiration from the smaller NX, with slim adaptive ‘triple-beam’ LED headlights, sharp surfacing along the side, a full-width LED tail-light bar, and ‘LEXUS’ script across the tailgate.

The current RX’s signature rear pillar design lives on, joined on hybrid models by a unique body-coloured insert in the top of the front ‘spindle’ grille. Alloy wheels up to 21 inches in diameter are available.

F Sport models – and the flagship RX500h F Sport Performance – gain unique front bumpers with mesh inserts and bespoke 21-inch aluminium wheels, plus body-coloured lower cladding on the F Sport Performance.

Inside, the links to the NX continue with a version of Lexus’ new ‘Tazuna cockpit’ interior design theme, with a large infotainment screen and digital instrument display integrated into panels oriented towards the driver.

The centre screen measures either 9.8 or 14 inches across, and incorporates the Toyota group’s latest software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, and a ‘Hey Lexus’ voice assistant.

The instrument display in front of the driver measures approximately eight inches across, and is joined by a head-up display, and an overhauled centre console with a smaller gear selector and, at last, no more touchpad controller for the infotainment system.

Other interior highlights include a panoramic glass roof, tri-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and five interior colour schemes.

As mentioned, four powertrain variants will be offered globally: the RX350 petrol, RX350h and RX500h hybrids, and a flagship RX450h+ plug-in hybrid, the lattermost being a first for the RX.

Powering the RX350 is the same 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine as the NX350 – replacing the ageing 3.5-litre petrol V6 – sending 205kW and 430Nm to the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission for a 7.2-7.5-second 0-60mph (97km/h) time.

More popular are likely to be the hybrids, led by the RX350h, pairing a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with various electric motors for a combined output of 179kW, available exclusively with all-wheel drive. It’s capable of a 7.4-second 0-60mph (97km/h) dash.

Stepping up to the RX500h swaps the 2.5-litre non-turbo engine for the RX350’s 2.4-litre turbo motor, increasing combined outputs to 270kW and a claimed 550Nm – making it the most powerful Lexus hybrid currently on sale, and capable of 0-60mph (97km/h) in 5.9 seconds.

Details are scarce on the RX450h+ plug-in hybrid flagship, though it’s expected to draw from the NX450h+ PHEV’s 2.5-litre petrol engine, electric motors and 18.1kWh battery, which in the smaller vehicle develop 227kW, and offer up to 80km of claimed driving range.

The RX500h is offered exclusively in F Sport Performance form – a name debuted on the IS500 F Sport Performance V8 sedan, denoting a sportier model one step below the full F high-performance range.

Over lesser variants, it gains six-piston front brake calipers (also used on the F Sport), rear-wheel steering (with up to four degrees of movement), sportier 21-inch wheels and tyres, body-colours and black accents, and a synthesised sound generator.

Crucially, the RX500h F Sport Performance is fitted with Lexus’ Direct4 all-wheel-drive system, which uses acceleration, cornering speed and steering angle sensors to adjust the front-to-rear power split on the fly between 100:0 and 20:80 for maximum performance and traction.

As the driver turns into a corner, the power split sits between 70:30 (front to rear) and 50:50, changing to between 50:50 and 20:80 on the way out of the corner for “exhilarating cornering performance”, according to Lexus.

Underpinned by the Toyota group’s TNGA-K platform (shared with the NX and Toyota Kluger), the new RX is no longer than its predecessor at 4890mm long, but measures 25mm wider (1920mm), 10mm lower (1695mm) and 60mm longer in wheelbase (2850mm).

The new car is reportedly 90kg lighter than the model it replaces, while the wheelbase is 60mm shorter for improved manoeuvrability at low speeds. Lexus notes a 50mm-longer rear luggage space, 30mm-lower load height, and improved entry and exit into both rows.

Aiding driving dynamics is a 15mm-lower centre of gravity, 15mm wider front and 45mm wider rear wheel tracks, MacPherson strut front and redesigned multi-link rear suspension, aluminium steering components, and clever tuning to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.

The new RX features the Japanese brand’s Lexus Teammate assisted driving tech, with semi-autonomous driving capability in traffic jams (in certain markets) at speeds up to 40km/h, and an automatic parking system that can be controlled from an app while standing beside the vehicle.

Other advanced safety features include autonomous emergency braking (with support for intersections), adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, and safe exit assist, enabled by ‘E-Latch’ electronic door handles.

With an available app, the owner’s smartphone can be used as a digital key to unlock/lock the doors, and start the engine.

The 2023 Lexus RX has been confirmed for Australia – though exact arrival timing remains unclear.

Prices are likely to rise over the current model, which costs from $73,136 to $110,460 plus on-road costs in five-seat form.

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Smaller electric Ineos off-roader confirmed

There’s a smaller four-wheel-drive on the way from Ineos, and it will use an all-electric powertrain.

Ineos Group CEO and founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe have confirmed the British off-road car maker will add a new model to its portfolio – and it will be battery powered.

The fully-electric Ineos will be built on an all-new platform which promises to be smaller than the current Grenadier, but the company says the vehicle will remain true to its workhorse roots and off-road image.

“What we’re also looking at quite carefully at the moment is a smaller version of the Grenadier… electric,” Ratcliffe said in an interview.

“We need to embrace the future, which clearly, in an urban environment, is going to be electric – but even in a country environment, if you’re a farmer, you probably will have an electric vehicle you can drive around on tracks and things like that,” he said.

“So you want one that’s capable, but it’s electric. I think that’s our vision at the moment.”

It’s unclear whether the electric vehicle will wear the Grenadier badge or not, but it’s expected the model will go head to head with the likes of the Land Rover Defender 90 and two-door Ford Bronco.

Ratcliffe said Ineos was continuing to pursue hydrogen power for the current Grenadier, which the company is developing in partnership with Hyundai.

While the hydrogen Grenadier will begin testing in late 2022, there’s no word yet on when the electric Ineos will launch.

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2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 previewed with four-cylinder hybrid power

This lightly-veiled concept revealed in Germany showcases AMG’s new 500kW four-cylinder plug-in hybrid-powered performance model.

Photo credit: Autocar.

The next-generation 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 4Matic – already confirmed to forgo traditional V8 power in favour of a new hi-tech four-cylinder plug-in hybrid drivetrain – has been revealed in concept form, ahead of a planned unveiling for the final production model later this year.

Displayed at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race in Germany (photos here via Autocar), the new 2023 C63 4Matic is differentiated from other fifth-generation C-Class models by way of a comprehensive body kit, giving it a more muscular appearance than its standard siblings.

Although the concept wears a composite wrap featuring AMG’s new corporate colour scheme, various exterior styling elements are clearly evident, including a new front bumper with a low-set splitter, large air ducts and signature ‘Panamericana’ grille treatment.

Photo credit: Autocar.

Further back, the new C63 receives a uniquely-styled bonnet with a central air vent, and widened front fenders in combination with a lengthened front track and chunky sills underneath the doors.

The rear is distinguished by a revised bumper similar in style to that featured on the recently unveiled C43 4Matic as well as a subtle boot-mounted spoiler and AMG’s traditional trapezoidal-shaped tailpipes. The concept also receives 20-inch wheels with Michelin tyres.

More than the styling, though, it is the drivetrain of the new C63 4Matic that is already the subject of heated discussion among the performance car crowd.

Photo credit: Autocar.

The upcoming Audi RS4 and BMW M3 rival is powered by a longitudinally-mounted 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine featuring an electrically-driven turbocharger in combination with an electric motor, which together will provide the third-generation C63 4Matic sedan and wagon pairing with a significant boost in performance.

Exact power claims have not yet been made public, though AMG says its new four-cylinder E-Performance drivetrain is capable of delivering a combined 500kW – some 125kW more than the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 used by the outgoing C63 S range.

The heady reserves include 350kW from the internal combustion engine alone – 40kW more than AMG’s existing ‘M139’ four-cylinder engine, as used by the A45 S hot hatch, promising to make the new AMG-developed unit the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine in a production car.

Photo credit: Autocar.

The petrol engine is supplemented by a 150kW electric motor mounted on the new C63 4Matic’s rear axle.

It provides drive exclusively to the rear wheels via a two-speed gearbox, with electric energy provided by a 6.1kWh lithium-ion battery mounted within the floor of the boot. Charging can be achieved at up to 3.7kW on an AC system via a port located within the right-hand side of the rear bumper.

Details remain scarce ahead of the new performance sedan’s official unveiling, though its peak power of 500kW is claimed to be available in short 10-second bursts of full-throttle acceleration.

AMG’s new plug-in hybrid system is also rumoured to develop up to 750Nm of torque, 50Nm more than the outgoing turbo V8.

Photo credit: Autocar.

By comparison, the new C43 4Matic’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine develops 300kW and 500Nm (click here for full details).

An ability to run on the electric motor alone is set to provide the new C63 4Matic with a limited electric range of less than 20km at speeds up to 130km/h.

One of the key advantages of the adoption of the new electrified drivetrain is a reduction in weight over the front axle of the new C63 4Matic. At 160.5kg, AMG’s ‘M139’ four-cylinder engine weighs 48.5kg less than the ‘M177’ V8 engine used by today’s C63.

The mounting of the electric motor and battery at the rear, a layout mirroring that of the recently introduced GT63 4Matic E Performance four-door, adds extra weight overall but it is claimed to provide an improved front-to-rear weight distribution.

As well as featuring in the new C63 4Matic, the new four-cylinder plug-in hybrid drivetrain is also planned to appear in the top-rung AMG version of the new second-generation GLC.

It’s also set to feature an upcoming coupe and convertible model pairing that will go under the name CLE, as a replacement for today’s C- and E-Class coupe and convertible models – with the new models to be codenamed C236 and A236.

Our thanks to Autocar for permission to use these images.

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2023 BMW X1 revealed with electric iX1 option

The third-generation BMW X1 may arrive in Australia before Christmas, with more space, more tech, and the choice of petrol and all-electric power.

The 2023 BMW X1 small SUV has been revealed, ahead of its Australian launch likely towards the end of 2022 – with the electric iX1 thought to follow next year.

Replacing the current ‘F48’ model on sale since 2015, the new ‘U11’ X1 small SUV introduces BMW’s latest design language, interior tech and powertrains to its small-car range – and previews the next X2 and 1 Series hatch, due closer to the middle of the decade.

It’s the first X1 to offer an electric option in global markets, badged (unsurprisingly) iX1. With production set to begin in November, Australian deliveries of the EV are likely to commence early next year, a few months after the petrol range.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed for Australia, though expect to pay more than the current car, which is priced from $47,900 plus on-road costs for a base sDrive18i, to $56,900 for an sDrive20i (following the axing of the $66,990 xDrive25i last year).

Above: BMW X1 xDrive30e, with the M Sport pack.

Details of the Australian range are yet to be confirmed, though if the current range is a guide, expect sDrive18i front-wheel-drive and xDrive23i all-wheel-drive petrol models to be available, plus the electric iX1 xDrive30. Whether a diesel engine continues remains to be seen.

On the styling front, the new BMW X1 draws cues from the brand’s latest models – including its twin under the skin, Europe’s 2 Series Active Tourer hatch – with chiselled shoulder lines, flush door handles, and an almost-rectangular pair of kidney grilles even larger than those of its predecessor.

Styling details vary depending on the model chosen; standard models receive chrome highlights and black body cladding, M Sport cars get sportier bumpers and body-coloured arches, and the electric iX1 gains blue accents, i badging and a unique rear bumper.

Alloy wheels between 17 and 20 inches in diameter are available, as are matrix LED headlights (similar to the updated 3 Series sedan), LED tail-lights, a selection of metallic and satin colours, and optional black accents on M Sport cars.

Inside, the new X1 benefits from BMW’s latest twin-screen dashboard for its compact cars, with a 10.25-inch instrument display and a 10.7-inch touchscreen integrated into a curved panel.

Running the latest iDrive 8 software, the centre screen incorporates augmented-reality satellite navigation, a ‘Hey BMW’ activated voice assistant, 5G connectivity, over-the-air updates, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The current X1’s traditional gear lever and centre tunnel designs have been dropped in favour of a space-efficient floating console, home to a switch-style ‘shift-by-wire’ gear selector – but no rotary iDrive controller, for only the second time in a BMW since iDrive was introduced in 2001.

Other interior highlights include a storage area below said floating console, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, four USB-C ports, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, a head-up display, and a choice of six-speaker unbranded or 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound systems.

Drivers can choose between five new ‘My Modes’, spanning Personal, Sport and Efficient modes as standard, with Expressive and Relax Modes available from the options list.

Standard and sport front seats available in Europe, trimmed in cloth, Sensatec synthetic leather, Alcantara (suede-like trim) or Vernasca genuine leather, and available with heating, electric adjustment, massaging and lumbar support.

In the rear, BMW claims “noticeably greater seat comfort than that offered by the [old model]”, with 40:20:40 or 60:40 adjustment available for the seat bench, and sliding (up to 13cm of movement) and reclining functionality.

The new BMW X1 measures 4500mm long, 1845mm wide and 1642mm tall, riding on a 2692mm wheelbase – 53mm longer overall, 24mm wide, 44mm taller and 22mm longer in wheelbase. Track widths are up 31mm for more confident handling.

Boot space is up to 540 litres in petrol models (up 35 litres), increasing to 1600 litres with the seats folded (up 50L). Electric and plug-in hybrid models offer slightly less, at 490L with the seats up, or 1495L with them down.

Under the bonnet, four models will be available in Europe at launch – two petrols and two diesels – with more combustion-engined options to follow in the months after, plus the electric iX1 and two e-badged plug-in hybrids.

Above: BMW iX1.

Australia will likely receive one or both of the launch petrol engines, led on price by the sDrive18i, powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder developing 100kW and 230Nm, driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The xDrive23i introduces a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder with 150kW and 320Nm – or 160kW/360Nm when its 48-volt mild-hybrid system’s outputs are added – with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive for a 7.1-second 0-100km/h time.

Diesel buyers overseas can select two versions of a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch auto: 110kW/360Nm front-wheel-drive sDrive18d, or a 145kW/400Nm all-wheel-drive xDrive23d with mild-hybrid tech (155kW with petrol and electric combined).

Headlining the electrified range will be the iX1, launching in a sole xDrive30 variant with dual electric motors developing 200kW and 494Nm in standard driving, with a further 30kW available in ‘boost’ power mode (for 230kW total).

Above: BMW iX1.

It’s the quickest X1 money can buy – until the inevitable M35i performance model arrives this time next year – with a 5.7-second 0-100km/h time, and a 180km/h limited top speed.

A 64.7kWh battery laid flat in the floor delivers a claimed 413km to 438km of driving range (depending on options) according to European WLTP testing – on par or exceeding its Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus rivals in Australia. Regenerative braking is on offer.

DC fast charging at up to 130kW is available, good for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 29 minutes, or 120km of on-paper claimed range after 10 minutes of charging.

AC charging at 11kW or 22kW is available, for empty to full home charges in as little as six hours and 30 minutes with the former, or three hours and 45 minutes with the latter.

Above: BMW X1 xDrive23i, without the M Sport kit.

European buyers can also choose from two plug-in hybrids – the 180kW/477Nm xDrive25e and 240kW/477Nm xDrive30e – both with 1.5-litre three-cylinder engines, all-wheel drive, seven-speed dual-clutch autos, and 14.2kWh battery packs.

These variants – which are yet to be confirmed for Australia – are capable of up to 89km of electric driving range, and 0-100km/h sprint times as low as 5.7 seconds with a full battery. However, maximum charging power peaks at 7.4kW AC.

Under the skin, adaptive suspension with a 15mm-lower ride height is available, along with variable electric steering, overhauled suspension geometry, and trick “near-actuator wheel slip limitation” stability control said to intervene 10 times faster than traditional systems.

A full suite of advanced safety technology is available, led by a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-following assist to accelerate, brake and centre the car within its lane at up to 180km/h.

Other assistance features include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection and intersection support, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, automatic parking, and a 360-degree camera.

The 2023 BMW X1 is expected to go on sale in Australia with petrol power in late 2022, ahead of the iX1’s arrival in early 2023.

Pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch.

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