Have some cash to blow, but the wife, and/or husband, won’t let you buy a Porsche? Well, as bad as that might be, mid-range crossovers won’t solve that pain. Instead, they’ll provide a luxury driving experience with the fun factor of getting stabbed.
Okay, so maybe it’s not that bad. As much as we don’t like crossovers, we do think they’re better than massive SUVs. Some can even be fun to drive now and again. For these tests we will be looking at style, image, standard equipment, interior space, and driving dynamics. Price will also be considered, but not as much as the other areas.
We will have to get a price cap to keep things in the mid-level, so we’ll set it at $45,000. That should be more than enough to get the lower end luxury models from Cadillac plus the German and Japanese car companies.
Hit the jump to see the list.
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The third generation RX 350 made its debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. First launched in 1998, the RX 350 comes completely redesigned and will continue to set new benchmarks in areas that have made it the best-selling luxury utility vehicle: innovation, styling, performance, utility and comfort. The luxury SUV is available in two versions: AWD and FWD, with prices starting at $39,025 and $37,625 respectively.
Under the hood, the 2010 RX350 offers an improved 275-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an electrically controlled, sequential-shift six-speed transaxle. The all-wheel-drive version will feature an Active Torque Control AWD system that optimizes torque depending on driving conditions, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.
The luxury SUV features a strong stance and powerful new body design with the goal of enhancing comfort and maneuverability. The inverted-trapezoid design in the front and the horizontally integrated rear are incorporated together via a pronounced shoulder along the RX’s profile. Stylish molding around the side windows and at the base of the doors provides low-profile strength.
It sits on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and comes with a selection of luxury and sport option packages, which include features like Lexus’ exclusive Mark Levinson® Surround Sound system, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, dynamic radar cruise control, and a Sports Package featuring a sport-tuned suspension.
Press release after the jump.
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Lexus RX was first introduced in 1998 as one of the first crossovers’, a mix between the sedan comfort and the SUV style. The RX brings together the luxurious Lexus style with the legendary reliability of Toyota SUVs. Originally built off the Toyota Camry/Lexus ES platform,
the RX is a long time best seller for Lexus, and a benchmark to all other crossovers.
The RX350 is the second generation of the famous Lexus RX series.
Eleven years after its introduction, the RX recipe remains mostly unchanged. Over the course of its career, Lexus updated the RX with a more powerful engine (including a Hybrid version (400h)) and has added the latest high tech options (such as GPS and voice commands).
To keep its lead in the very competitive crossover market, Lexus just offered the RX a mild facelift, with a more powerful 3.5L engine and a name change (from RX330 to RX350)
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Lexus today announced pricing for the Pebble Beach Collection RX 350 and ES 350 special edition packages. Production of the Pebble Beach Collection RX and ES is limited to 6,000 vehicles each. The MSRP for the RX 350 Pebble Beach package is $3,880, while the ES 350 package carries an MSRP of $4,170.
The RX 350 Pebble Beach Edition will be available in three colors: Classic Silver Metallic, Obsidian Black and Truffle Mica. For the RX models Truffle Mica is available only with this special edition package. The RX will feature new and unique design 18-inch wheels and chrome grille, a color-keyed rear spoiler and a special interior trim combination. Customized floormats, featuring Pebble Beach Company’s signature The Lone Cypress(TM) logo, are included. On the exterior of the RX, Pebble Beach Edition badging will be on the front fenders. The RX 350 Pebble Beach Edition is offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive and marks the first Lexus special edition model built in North America at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada.
The sleek ES 350 Pebble Beach Edition is available in the special Truffle Mica color, as well as Tungsten Pearl Silver and Obsidian Black. The 7-spoke 17-inch wheels come with an exclusive liquid graphite finish while the interior of the ES features semi-aniline leather-trim and a wood and leather-trim steering wheel. The ES Pebble Beach Edition also features The Lone Cypress(TM) logoed floormats and special Pebble Beach Edition badging on the front fenders.
Lexus unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show two limited editions: the Pebble Beach Collection RX and ES. The edition will be limited to only 6,000 vehicles each and will be available beginning in mid-February for the RX and mid-March for the ES models. Also a SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition model will be introduced this summer and a 600h L Pebble Beach Edition will debut this fall.
The RX 350 Pebble Beach Edition will be available in three colors: Classic Silver Metallic, Obsidian Black and Truffle Mica. Truffle Mica is available on the RX only with this special edition package. The RX will feature new and unique design 18-inch wheels and chrome grille, a color-keyed rear spoiler and a special interior trim combination. Customized floormats, featuring Pebble Beach Company’s signature The Lone Cypress(TM) logo, are included. On the exterior of the RX, Pebble Beach Edition badging will be on the front fenders. The price for the RX Pebble Beach Edition package is $3,880.
The sleek ES 350 Pebble Beach Edition is available in the exclusive Truffle Mica color, as well as Tungsten Pearl Silver and Obsidian Black. The 7-spoke 17-inch wheels come with an exclusive liquid graphite finish while the interior of the ES features semi-aniline leather and a wood and leather steering wheel. The ES Pebble Beach Edition also features The Lone Cypress(TM) logoed floormats and special Pebble Beach Edition badging on the front fenders.
More after the jump.
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