The 2016 Lexus RX 350 F SPORT. |
So why does the new RX 350 look like a fighter jet?
2016 Lexus RX 350 F SPORT |
When you spend $49,125 for an RX 350 F SPORT, you get all the standard features found in an RX 350, but there's more...much of it designed to make the RX 350 a higher performance car. Not in terms of power---it shares the 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters found in all RX models (EPA estimate 19 city/26 highway)---but in terms of handling. That means F SPORT tuned suspension with front and rear performance dampers, which virtually eliminate body lean and roll in corners. It is a cliche, but the RX 350 F SPORT handles like a slot car. It simply goes where you point it, with no drama. You would swear you are at the wheel of a sport sedan, not a rather tall crossover. Switch the variable suspension to Sport+ and you will carve canyons with the best of them.
2016 Lexus RX 350 F SPORT interior. |
As virtually always, the vehicle we tested had extra-cost options as well:
- Blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert ($500)
- Color heads-up display ($600)
- Lexus safety system with triple-beam LED headlights ($2,250)
- Touch-free power rear door ($200)
- 12.3-inch navigation system/15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio package ($3,260)
- Intuitive parking assist ($500)
- Moonroof ($1,100)
- F SPORT steering wheel ($50)
With $940 delivery, processing and handling fee, the as-tested price came to $58,525. Yes, that is a lot of money. But there is no other crossover in or out of its price range that combines luxury and sports-car handling the way the RX 350 F SPORT does.