2011 Lexus RX 350: Maybe the perfect South Florida Car

by Angus Myles

The 2011 RX 350 is Lexus' latest venture into a market many say they created in 1998 when they introduced the RX 300. Many impressive models populate the luxury crossover market today, but in my estimation the RX 350 still sits at the top of this special automotive class, which is defined as a cross between a luxury vehicle and a SUV.

Even its third-generation, Lexus continues to raise the bar for the RX350 design, with engineering and luxury innovation in the segment. After introducing an all-new RX 350 in 2010, this Lexus coasts into 2011 with a new brake override system and additional exterior colors.

For Lexus traditionalists the RX 350 profile remains unchanged and is easily recognizable from the outside with its traditional roller skate design that features four doors and it rounded rear entry hatch back.

Driving the Lexus RX 350 is as a luxury ride should be, refined and responsive with no surprises or racing intentions. It was designed to be a comfortable, luxurious family transport, and it is obvious that this was a Lexus priority over performance. Its architects gave the RX350 for 2011 what its followers have come to expect; pleasant driving dynamics, plenty of space for driver, passengers and cargo, plus high-tech features, quality interior materials and sound construction.

For power, the 2011 Lexus RX 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 275 hp and 257 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only available transmission, but you have the option of either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The RX stops with the help of two-piston front caliper disc brakes.

The EPA estimates fuel economy at 18-mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined for the FWD model, with AWD models making 18/24/20 mpg. Equipped with the optional towing package, the RX 350 can pull a boat or a pair of jet skis weighing up to 3,500 pounds.

What makes the RX350 so special is that it is a well-equipped luxury vehicle. Standard equipment for its single trim level includes a 12-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and 10-way power front seats. Options include leather seating, a side-view monitor, USB connectivity for MP3 players, a Mark Levinson sound system, a hard-drive navigation system, XMNavTraffic, a rear-seat entertainment system, ventilated front seats, remote start, LED adaptive headlamps, and a sport-minded suspension.

One option that is really special is the Remote Touch controller that's included with the navigation system. It is a track pad-like controller that feels natural like a computer mouse and allows the user to operate the navigation system, climate, audio, phone controls and more. The screen menus are selected with the controller, eliminating the need to reach out and reducing eye movement. It gets even better when paired with the available Heads-Up Display (HUD) utilizes white high-intensity LEDs that project high-contrast figures onto the windshield.

But you should keep track of the cost of these options as some of them are only offered as part of packages that can in some cases add thousands to the bottom line, as was the case of the test car I drove. The cerulean blue model had a manufactures suggested retail price is $37,975, but when you add all the really cool stuff to it, which I really like, the tab was pushed to $49,874 before taxes. If that isn't enough you can also order it as a hybrid.

The RX 350 is perfect South Florida ride. It is just as comfortable when headed to a black tie event as it is going to pick up the kids at soccer practice.