To fully appreciate the commanding role of electronics, technology and material science in the 2009 Lexus RX 350, take it out for a spin. Nearly every component and system in the RX 350 is improved in some way by breakthrough thinking and materials. That’s what makes the RX 350 so right for the 21st century.
The 2009 Lexus RX 350 leads the luxury midsize crossover SUV segment with one of the best combinations of performance, comfort and technology to be found on this type of vehicle. Automotive writers consider the Lexus RX the benchmark for the midsize SUV class and use it as a yardstick to measure competing brands on style, quality, function, standard features, performance, amenities and technologies. Car and Driver minces no words when recommending the RX 350. "If you're seeking a serene and swift transporter for up to five persons, this is your SUV." The RX 350 with front-wheel drive starts at an MSRP of $37,700 while the RX 350 with all-wheel drive begins at an MSRP of $39,100.
Controlled by a five-speed automatic transmission, the RX 350 features a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a towing capacity up to 3,500 pounds. Available traction control, antilock brakes and intelligent airbags are incorporated for safety, while chrome alloys, heated leather seats, a navigation system with rearview camera and DVD entertainment system are also available. 
Options like a multi-panel sunroof and an advanced suspension system are exclusive to the 350.
Let’s start with the exterior of the RX 350. Advanced styling is a given, but look closer and you begin to appreciate “exterior” technologies. There’s the available Adaptive Front Lighting that pivots the headlamps during turns to illuminate more of the road. How about those rain-sensing wipers? Sensors detect the presence of rain on the windshield and activate the wipers at the appropriate speed. Dynamic Laser Cruise Control may be activated from within, but exterior laser emitters and receivers establish your preferred interval between the RX 350 and the vehicle ahead and maintain it. Moving to the rear, the RX 350’s power rear door will surely be appreciated when your arms are full, and you need access to the cargo bay. You may be able to spot the video camera that takes the worrisome uncertainty out of backing up. Technology to the rescue!
Slip inside the RX 350 and you enter a luxurious cabin and yet another technology-shaped environment, much of it emanating from the center stack. There’s the available DVD Voice Activated Navigation System that recognizes more than 100 voice commands as it guides you to your destination. Audiophiles will have the Mark Levinson Premium Audio System onboard. It supplies 210 watts of concert hall quality sound through 11 speakers with greater fidelity than most home audio systems. The receiver incorporates SIRIUS Satellite Radio programming for commercial-free music and information spanning just about any genre, style or source you might prefer. Then there is the Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System that your children flatly insisted upon. That’s no surprise since it provides those in the second row with a nine-inch screen and headphones for quiet viewing. If you live your life on a cell phone or PDA, you’ll appreciate the Bluetooth technology that enables mobile phones to integrate with the navigation and audio systems for hands-free communication. Finally, there is HomeLink, the built-in remote control that’s capable of operating your garage door, entry gates and even lighting for convenience and safety when leaving or returning home.
Moving onto mechanical technologies, the RX 350 uses electronic and computerized engine management to make the most of its 24-valve, four-cam, 3.5-liter V6 engine with 270 hp at 6,200 rpm and 251 lb/ft of torque at 4,700 rpm. Dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence enables this high-tech motor to produce “oomph” throughout the power band. You feel it at launch, and you feel it when you pull out to pass on the highway. It wouldn’t be there without the “brains behind the brawn.” The engine teams up with an equally technological marvel in the RX 350’s five-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission. The electronics coordinate power distribution ensuring smooth, quick shifts and instantaneous “kick-down” when you demand the power of a lower gear.
In addition to front-wheel drive (FWD), the RX 350 offers the option of all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive RX features a viscous limited-slip center differential, an advanced drivetrain and standard electronic Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control to help optimize handling in even the most challenging driving conditions. VSC may someday assist you in maneuvering out of a skid that would otherwise result in a crash.
All of these marvels of science and engineering add up to make the RX 350 the near-perfect family vehicle. As New Car Test Drive puts it, “The Lexus RX 350 will handle just about any driving task, from the commute to camping to a Sunday cruise, in style and comfort, regardless of the weather and with reasonable operating costs. It's smooth, roomy, luxurious and responsive."
It would be our pleasure to introduce you to the 2009 Lexus RX 350 and provide a test drive. Please give us a call soon.
