2012 Geneva: 2013 Lexus RX gets new hourglass grille

March 6, 2012 Omar Rana 2012 Geneva Motor Show, 2013, Crossovers, Green News, Hybrids, Green News, Lexus RX, Lexus RX 350, Lexus RX 450h, RX, SUVs

Lexus’ hourglass grille is expanding its reach across the lineup today at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with the debut of the 2013 RX. Besides the new front grille, the 2013 Lexus RX also gets a new front bumper, new headlamp design, LED daytime running lights and fog lamp bezels, updated tail lights, power back door and USB iPod/mp3 control are now standard.

The 2013 Lexus RX 350 continues to be powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine mated to a 6-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) for an output of 270-hp.

The 2013 Lexus RX 450h continues on with a 3.5 liter V6 Atkinson-cycle engine, electric-motors for a total system output of 295-hp. EPA rated fuel-economy for the FWD model comes in at 32/28/30 mpg (city/highway/combined) and 30/28 and 29 mpg for the AWD model. Under certain circumstances, a driver-selectable EV mode can allow the vehicle to be driven short distances using only the electric motors (keywords are ‘certain, circumstances and short’).

While available with a bunch of standard features, the 2013 Lexus RX continues on with a bunch of options including a Sport Appearance Package (not available on the RX 350 AWD), 12-speaker audio system featuring a DVD/CD player and HD radio with iTunes tagging comes with the optional Navigation Package and includes two-rear-door tweeters and a compact, L-shaped subwoofer in the rear-luggage compartment. There is also an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system and Lexus Enform with Safety Connect. There is also an optional back-up camera.

Prices for the 2013 Lexus RX will be announced closer to launch date.