A Long Time in the Making: The Three-Row Lexus RX
There’s been a lot of chatter in the car world surrounding rumors of a three-row Lexus RX, but it almost seemed like a pipe dream for many fans. However, Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken recently announced what many had been waiting for: the three-row Lexus RX is on the way.
Why the hype? Luxury midsize crossovers with three rows of seating are in demand and yet hard to find. Drivers have been choosing Lexus for years because of the brand’s consistent reliability, impressive curb appeal and high-end touches, but the need for more room has been an important issue for the carmaker to consider.
Even with this news, it’ll take some time to be sure; at the New York Auto Show this year, Bracken told Automotive News that the model’s expected to arrive in either late 2017 or early 2018. Bracken referenced the hype that’s been drummed up for the model by Lexus dealers who are sure the extra seating will be a hit for families that want the Lexus luxury and performance but need additional room. “2017-2018’s not early enough,” joked Bracken. “They would just love to have it now. But I think they’re quite relieved that they know it’s coming.”
Considering that Lexus recently trademarked the RX 350L and 450L nameplates in the U.S., it’s speculated that the three-row RX will be offered in both V6 and hybrid powertrains, much like its forefather. In fact, Bracken stated that the design will likely stay true to the original RX, since the current five-seater’s design is a point of pride among Lexus designers.
Of course we don’t have any of these three-row RX’s on the lot just yet, but we’d love to see you stop in to your Highland Park Lexus dealer so you can start to feel the difference it makes to sit behind the wheel of a Lexus. Take a test drive in one of our 2016 models, like a brand-new 2016 RX 350 or RX 450h, and let us show you the power of Lexus.
