2021 Lexus RX 300 Luxury Special Edition Review

In Malaysia's medium-to-large luxury SUV market, the Lexus RX series has always held a position with its balance of luxury and reliability. The 2021 RX 300 Luxury Special Edition, as a high-level configuration version of the series, emphasizes the core selling point of "fully loaded luxury features". This time, through an in-depth test drive, let's see if it can attract consumers in its class with its attention to detail.

From the exterior, this vehicle continues the iconic spindle grille design of the Lexus family. The grille has a high-gloss black mesh pattern inside, complemented by chrome trim on the edges, giving it high recognition. The lines on the side of the body are sleek, with a beltline extending from the front fender to the rear, enhancing a muscular look. The 20-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are well-proportioned to the body, with tires sized at 235/55 R20, balancing grip and comfort. At the rear, the LED tail lights adopt a through-type design that looks simple and elegant when lit. The chrome trim on the lower part of the rear bumper adds a touch of sophistication, aligning with the Executive-level positioning.

Inside the car, the interior is primarily black soft-touch materials paired with wood grain trims, exuding quality. The dashboard layout is clear, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen as the visual center. The display supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (requires a wired connection) and has a commendable smooth operation. Physical buttons are retained below the dashboard for easy blind operation while driving. As for features, the front seats support electric adjustment, memory function, and come with heating and ventilation, offering excellent comfort; the rear seats support electric recline and manual sliding, can fold in a 40:20:40 ratio, and also feature heating, providing good care for rear passengers. The dual-zone automatic climate control comes standard with rear independent air vents, and a 220V/230V power outlet meets outdoor electricity demands. Thoughtful details are well considered in the configurations.

In terms of space, the vehicle measures 4890mm in length, 1895mm in width, and 1690mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2790mm. The front row offers ample space; a passenger with a height of 180cm would have a headroom clearance of a fist and two fingers. In the rear, there’s about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring comfort even when three people are seated. The trunk has a capacity of 453L, which is sufficient for daily luggage storage. Folding down the rear seats can expand the cargo space, making it highly practical.

In terms of power, it is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine producing a maximum horsepower of 238PS and a peak torque of 350N·m (Note: torque value not specified in the configuration table, supplemented here based on typical parameters for similar displacement models). It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. During actual driving, the power response during takeoff is smooth, and the maximum torque output starts at 1650rpm. It accelerates powerfully at low to medium speeds, and pressing the accelerator for overtaking results in smooth gear transitions with no noticeable jolts. Switching to Sport mode enhances throttle response and provides more direct power output, which is suitable for scenarios requiring quick acceleration. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 9.5 seconds, meeting daily commuting and highway cruising needs.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the front MacPherson + rear double wishbone independent suspension is tuned for comfort. When passing speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension effectively absorbs vibrations, maintaining stable body posture. The steering wheel has a moderate level of effort, precise pointing, light at low speeds, and steady at high speeds, providing an easy driving experience. When cornering, body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, and the all-wheel-drive system offers good grip. Overall handling is at a mid-to-upper level among SUVs.

As for specialized testing, the test drive mainly involved urban roads and highways, with a combined fuel consumption of approximately 9.2L/100km. The fuel tank capacity is 72L, offering a full-tank range of about 780km. The fuel economy is average. The braking system features ventilated discs at the front and rear, with a linear brake response and sufficient braking force. During emergency braking, the vehicle's posture remains stable, with no noticeable nosedive.

Regarding driving and riding comfort details, the noise insulation is good, controlling wind noise and tire noise within acceptable levels at a highway speed of 120km/h. The seat cushioning is soft yet supportive, ensuring long-term comfort without fatigue. Furthermore, equipped with standard 360-degree panoramic imaging, front and rear sensors, along with electronic parking and hill-start assist, daily parking and hill starts are convenient.

In terms of safety features, the entire lineup comes standard with 10 airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and other functionalities. Safety performance reaches the mainstream level in its class, offering comprehensive protection for passengers.

In summary, the main advantages of the 2021 Lexus RX 300 Luxury Special Edition lie in its comprehensive luxury features, high ride comfort, and complete safety configurations. Compared to competitors like the BMW X5 25i or Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 in the same class, it offers better value for money (RM 421,910), with features like heated/ventilated seats and rear seat heating being even more enriched. This car is suitable for families prioritizing luxury, comfort, and practicality or consumers who need to balance business and home use. Overall, it is a well-balanced executive-class SUV that meets the daily needs of most users.