Photo: Lexus
Remember those rumors that announced a seven-seat crossover from Lexus? Well, it turns out they were right, as Lexus officials have confirmed they have finalized plans to build a seven-seat version of the RX.
Jeff Bracken, Lexus General Manager, confirmed the information in an interview with Automotive News at the New York Auto Show.
During that interview, the Lexus executive has also said that the new crossover from Lexus will come in late 2017, or in the first part of 2018. From this, we believe that the seven-seat crossover will be a 2018 model.
Lexus’s new crossover will still carry the RX name, despite several reports that announced trademarks like UX and TX registered by the Japanese company.
As the Lexus official quoted for this story explained, the brand prides itself on the RX and its recognition, so there is no need to invest in a new name when customers already are familiar with the RX. And since the new car will share the platform and features of the RX, there would be no need to change the designation of the vehicle.
As Automotive News reports, Lexus has filed a trademark application for the RX 350L and RX450hL names. It is easy to see what those names mean, as they have the “L” suffix to show a larger wheelbase. The trademark filing also indicates that the Japanese brand will sell its new crossover in both hybrid and conventional versions, so customers will be able to buy a seven-seat hybrid crossover from Lexus in 2018.
Concerning design, Lexus will follow their current language and will only change a few elements of the RX with the expansion of the wheelbase. Jeff Bracken specifies that Lexus has invested “too much energy into the styling,” so they do not want to compromise anything.
Considering the sloped roof and the shape of the C-pillar, it will be tricky for engineers to squeeze in the third row of seats in the back of an extended RX without cutting space for the rear passengers.
During that interview, the Lexus executive has also said that the new crossover from Lexus will come in late 2017, or in the first part of 2018. From this, we believe that the seven-seat crossover will be a 2018 model.
Lexus’s new crossover will still carry the RX name, despite several reports that announced trademarks like UX and TX registered by the Japanese company.
As the Lexus official quoted for this story explained, the brand prides itself on the RX and its recognition, so there is no need to invest in a new name when customers already are familiar with the RX. And since the new car will share the platform and features of the RX, there would be no need to change the designation of the vehicle.
As Automotive News reports, Lexus has filed a trademark application for the RX 350L and RX450hL names. It is easy to see what those names mean, as they have the “L” suffix to show a larger wheelbase. The trademark filing also indicates that the Japanese brand will sell its new crossover in both hybrid and conventional versions, so customers will be able to buy a seven-seat hybrid crossover from Lexus in 2018.
Concerning design, Lexus will follow their current language and will only change a few elements of the RX with the expansion of the wheelbase. Jeff Bracken specifies that Lexus has invested “too much energy into the styling,” so they do not want to compromise anything.
Considering the sloped roof and the shape of the C-pillar, it will be tricky for engineers to squeeze in the third row of seats in the back of an extended RX without cutting space for the rear passengers.
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