The Lexus RX 350 has been selected as the ‘Best Small Premium SUV’ at this year’s Middle East Car of the Year Awards (Mecoty) ceremony.

“The mix of sharp creases and curves of this perennial best-selling luxury crossover represents a bold evolution in the model’s styling. Moreover, the winning RX 350 comprises of new redesigned powertrains, sophisticated safety technologies, driver aids as well as new convenience and technology features to make this the best Lexus sport-utility vehicle offering to date,” said a company statement.

The Lexus RX created the blueprint for the crossover utility segment when it was first launched in 1997, and has set the tone for luxury crossovers ever since, the statement added.

Commenting on the win, Takayuki Yoshitsugu, chief representative of Middle East and North Africa representative office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “The appeal of the RX 350 goes beyond its stunning looks. It is a vehicle that blends elegance with utility while offering an abundance of luxury and safety features to pamper its occupants. The RX 350 also exhibits superb performance while offering a great driving experience and it’s not hard to see why the RX has been a perennial favourite with customers throughout the region.”

The Lexus RX is available with two powertrain choices: the RX 350 model comes with a 3.5-liter, V6 petrol engine mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission, while the RX 450h is equipped with a 3.5-liter, V6 petrol engine and revised hybrid powertrain components.

The hybrid-powered powertrain in the Lexus RX is the latest, most advanced iteration of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. Its key components and control systems have been enhanced and reengineered to deliver impressive fuel economy, low emissions and excellent on-road performance that will satisfy the most demanding driving enthusiast, the statement concluded. – TradeArabia News Service