When the previous generation of Lexus RX rocketed into the market back in 1998, the design was seen as nothing short of groundbreaking. With the second generation maturing in its model cycle, Lexus introduced the 2009 Pebble Beach edition RX350, carrying on a tradition of involvement with the Pebble Beach organization that goes back to the 2003 model year.

What Is It?

Scheduled to be redesigned in time for the 2010 model year, it’s a continuation of the luxury mid-sized sport utility vehicle line as introduced in 1998 as the RX300. The RX350 is virtually unchanged from the 2008 model year, save for a slightly different front grille, wheel offerings and chrome accents. It can be had in front-wheel or all-wheel-drive.

What’s It Up Against?

Slotted up against the likes of the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Lincoln MKX, Saab 9-7x, Subaru Tribeca, and VW Touareg, the Lexus RX350 has been a solid competitor throughout its model cycle. Is it enough to continue forward?

Any Big Breakthroughs?

Not many after the original debut. Leading edge technologies, long a hallmark of the Lexus brand, continue throughout the line and the RX350 wants for nothing. In the AWD variant, the RX350 features Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), which helps maintain lateral traction while cornering, by way of adding (increasing) torque, and if necessary, by adding braking pressure.

A viscous limited-slip differential assists with traction in all types of driving conditions by deviating from the 50/50 balance of the RX350 to an as-needed balance as determined by the TRAC system.

The final breakthrough, which really isn’t, is the ability for Pebble Beach owners to “customize” their ownership experience by selecting a Callaway golf experience (including clubs), a travel package, or an epicurean encounter. Part of the available options for the RX350, the Pebble Beach package retails for $3880.

How Does It Look?

The RX350 was one of the first of the mid-size SUVs that has a rather “spaceship” appearance. At that time, it was an acquired taste. Now it is rather mainstream. But it still manages to hold its own against others in the marketplace. Following the traditional station wagon/SUV layout, the RX350 features finely sculpted curves flowing from a flared waterfall-like grille. A creased hood hides the motive power underneath, while leading outward to crisp fenders, which in turn lead to subtle flares over the wheel wells. Follow the RX’s waist up through the rear where, aggressively styled D-pillars trail in a forward leaning motion.

Chrome car bling (in the form of Pebble Beach badges and door handles) holds sway over the side panels while the clear rear taillight assemblies mimic accessories from the JDM tuner market. Tastefully done dark smoke rear glass keeps prying eyes away, while everything gets underway on 235/55R18 inch-tires with special 18-inch alloy wheels.

And Inside?

Facing a two-tone taupe and beige dashboard, it is clear to see all gauges and the clear access to controls that are typical of the Lexus design teams. A wood-accented steering wheel joins other wood placement in the cockpit, including the shifter surround, door trim strips, center storage bin and the shifter knob itself.

The center stack houses the HVAC controls as well as those of the Lexus premium audio system, and navigation module with a seven-inch LCD monitor. There are enough buttons here to satisfy even the most demanding of techno-geeks. For convenience, there are two 12-volt power outlets in addition to the lighter in between the front seats.

Supportive 10-way adjustable front seats with swivel-mounted armrests occupy the business side of the cabin, joining the three-place bench seat that folds forward in a 40/20/40 arrangement in back. The rest of the RX350 is relatively low on the frills quotient; save for the rear-mounted A/C ducts, and the tonneau cover. With the rear seat up, you get 38.3 cubic feet of storage space. Push it all the way down for a total of 85 cu. ft. A power lift gate makes filling and emptying the hold a relatively easy affair.

The Pebble Beach edition carries on the theme with embroidered floor mats that feature the familiar logo of the famous California golfing destination

But Does It Go?

Well enough to get out of its own way. With only one engine choice, your decision is easy. (Save your comments: This story is not about the RX400h Hybrid) The 3.5-liter transverse-mounted V6 with VVT-I (variable valve timing with intelligence) is used throughout the Toyota and Lexus lines; it is a proven entity. With power at 270 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, it isn’t a lightweight, but at 3870 pounds of curb weight (4090 pounds with AWD), it is sufficient for the V6 to turn a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds with the FWD configuration, and 7.4 seconds in AWD mode.

The five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is a smooth-shifting box with Shift logic control that is basically of the “set it and forget it” variety. Thanks to this, quick starts are at hand to move the RX quietly into the flow of traffic. We did mention quiet, right? The RX is at the top of its game in interior comfort and quietness, thanks to Lexus’s attention to sound deadening and detail. The powertrain is able to deliver its output to the pavement through the use of MacPherson struts up front, and dual-link MacPhersons in the rear. The power rack and pinion steering offers just a tiny amount of overboost for our tastes. Optionally available is an adjustable height air suspension to vary ride height while on the highway or in unlikely off-road situations.

The RX is equipped with the typical list of safety and stability controls. User cancelable Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with TRAC traction control is there, as is anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake assist (EBA) and electronic Brakeforce distribution (EBD).

With fuel prices in the neighborhood of $4-per-gallon, it is refreshing to see an SUV that gets better than 18 city / 23 highway miles per gallon. It’s not spectacular, but it is a step in a positive direction. EPA pegs the average of the RX350 at 20 mpg. We observed the same. By the way, top speed is electronically limited to 112 miles per hour.

Why You Would Buy It?

If you have been a fan of futuristic SUVs from Lexus, and would like to get a set of Callaway clubs in the process, your oversized golf cart has arrived!

Why You Wouldn’t?

If you must have the latest and greatest, be like a Chicago Cubs fan, and wait until next year for the redesign!

Story and Photo by Mark Elias

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