Press Release
Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Engine and Transmission
Page 3: Interior
Page 4: Specifications
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
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Lexus Multimedia and Navigation System combines Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System with integrated DVD video playback capability, next generation Lexus Navigation and Parking Assist Monitor
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Electro Multi Vision 7� high-quality, VGA LCD touch screen allied to multi-lingual voice command for high-speed, intuitive control
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Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone compatibility
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Power tailgate with automatically retracting tonneau cover
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Unique 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat format
LEXUS MULTIMEDIA AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM
The new RX 350’s optional Lexus Multimedia and Navigation System features a peerless Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System with integrated DVD video playback capability, the latest Lexus Navigation technology incorporating Bluetooth® phone connectivity, and the Lexus Parking Assist Monitor.
All three systems are operated via an Electro Multi Vision 7�, high-quality, VGA LCD centre console display screen. Reinforcing the intuitive functionality of all Lexus controls, the touch-sensitive, Electro Multi Vision screen is flanked by a comprehensive range of main menu buttons, allowing every single operational requirement to be rapidly effected within a maximum of just three steps. Each button opens a different function menu, which may then be adjusted entirely via the touch screen. The satellite navigation, audio and hands-free telephone systems also benefit from voice command, the system now recognising three languages: English, French and German.
Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System
Maintaining the exemplary standards already established by Lexus in the field of in-car high fidelity, the RX 350 sound system features a magazine-less, 6-disc, in-dash DVD changer and steering wheel mounted audio control switches fitted as standard. The system is now prepared to play both WMA and MP3 music files.
Moreover, the Lexus Multimedia and Navigation System provides Lexus owners with the possibility of watching music videos and DVD films within the luxurious environment of the new RX 350 interior.
The unique link between Lexus and Mark Levinson® -the world’s most exclusive maker of home audio systems is based on the conviction that Lexus cars alone offer an appropriate level of acoustic integrity to allow occupants to experience and appreciate the subtle detail and nuance that separate the very best audio systems from those that are merely adequate.
The quality of the new Lexus RX 350 cabin makes a significant contribution to achieving the sound quality demanded of Mark Levinson® audio systems. The interior of the car is exceptionally well isolated, with ultra-low levels of ambient noise. Several components have a high level of rigidity in order to avoid undesirable resonances.
The new Mark Levinson® system features a 7 channel DSP amplifier employing an all digital signal path, with both Dolby Digital 2.1 and DTS (Digital Theatre Systems) 2.1 capabilities. It will produce a total RMS power output of 210 Watt, all channels driven, covering a frequency range of 20-20 kHz, with less than 0.1% Total harmonic Distortion (THD). Key to the new Mark Levinson® system are no less than 11 loudspeakers, including front centre and coaxial rear centre speakers, each one custom engineered for the particular acoustic characteristics and location within the new RX 350 cabin. The sonic benefits of the 11 speaker system include lower distortion, higher resolution, natural dynamics through greater sound pressure levels and an extended frequency response for harmonic richness and musicality.
The system will play CD, DVD video and DVD audio discs, as well as MP3 and WMA files stored on an CD or DVD.
The Lexus Navigation System
Employing a DVD disc to store map information of the entire Western Europe, the next generation Lexus Navigation System display now features a VGA resolution (Video Graphics Array, 800x480 pixels). The new system now features a 32,000 colour range, as opposed to 256 of the outgoing system.
The appearance of navigation maps was deliberately aligned with the colour and graphics of printed maps in order to afford the user instant familiarity with the on-screen image. In addition, key POIs (points of interest) are now displayed in 3D.
The speed of calculation of the new system’s processor has increased an impressive 65%, whilst the graphic draw performance is also three times faster.
The new Lexus Navigation System is equipped with 3-language voice command (English, French and German) for several navigation, audio, climate control and phone functions. In addition, voice guidance is available in 10 languages. The system is one of the few on the market to combine the advantages of both touchscreen and voice command. A Search function that allows the user to search for the nearest Point of Interest using voice
recognition has been incorporated, as well as a route tracing feature and detailed lane guidance in several main European cities (Berlin, Birmingham, Brussels, Cologne, Frankfurt, Glasgow, London, Manchester and Munich).
The new system also introduces a practical ETA (estimated time of arrival) feature, which foresees the exact time of arrival to the final destination. In addition, if required by the user, the navigation system can mark the route taken by the vehicle during the current journey.
Other functions are carried over from the previous system, such as RDS-TMC (Radio Data System – Traffic message Channel) which, in countries with the available infrastructure, provides dynamic route guidance capabilities. The system automatically monitors traffic information in conjunction with its route search programme, enabling alternative routes to be suggested if congestion or delays are detected ahead.
Bluetooth® Connectivity
A Bluetooth phone, hands-free system is also integrated into the new Lexus Navigation System. It enables the user to make and receive hands-free cellular phone calls by operating the touch-sensitive 7� LCD screen, the steering pad switches or through vocal commands. Moreover, the system can store up to 1,000 contact numbers from a mobile phone.
Lexus Parking Assist Monitor
Abetted by the new luxury SUV’s class-leading turning circle of just 5.7 metres, the RX 350’s Multimedia and Navigation system further benefits from a Lexus Parking Assist Monitor. Lexus was the first manufacturer to offer this system in the premium SUV segment.
Operating through the vehicle’s high-quality, Electro Multi Vision centre console display screen, the system features a video camera mounted in the rear number plate surround that automatically projects a full colour rear view of the surroundings whenever reverse gear is engaged. Even greater manoeuvring accuracy is promoted by screen-generated guidelines which indicate the prospective path of the vehicle based on the current steering position.
In displaying the estimated path, vehicle width line and distance guidelines on the EMV screen, the Parking Assist Monitor represents a significant advance over conventional, sonar equipped systems.
ADDITIONAL LUXURY FEATURES
A key feature of the new Lexus RX 350 is the power operation of the rear tailgate, a feature still rare in the premium SUV segment. The tailgate will automatically open and close at the touch of a button, and may also be activated from a distance via the vehicle’s key fob. To ensure safe operation, movement of the tailgate is indicated by the sounding of a buzzer, whilst touch and motor sensors will stop the door when an obstruction to either closing or opening is detected. In this eventuality, the Power Back Door will immediately move in the opposite direction.
To further aid convenience, the tonneau-type luggage bay cover is automatically retracted as the tailgate opens. There are 12 Volt power outlets in the centre console and luggage compartments, whilst hidden underfloor storage compartments with click-release pop-up lids are also accessible in the luggage bay.
For more flexible, versatile load carrying, the three rear seat backs (which are adjustable forwards and backwards by 120 mm and may be reclined independently) can be folded down in a variety of combinations unique to the RX 350: 100%, 80%, 60%, 40 or 20%. With the central section of the 40:20:40 seating format lowered, long loads such as fishing rods or skis can extend through from the luggage compartment between the two outer rear passengers. Larger loads can be carried by laying one of the larger seat backs flat, allowing awkward shapes to be easily accommodated.
In addition, a sliding centre console box adapts the RX 350 cabin architecture to the needs of the front seat occupants. The adjustable console box may either slide forwards to give the feeling of a continuous sweep from the centre console, or backwards to allow a ‘walkthrough’ between the front seats.
