As the pioneer of the luxury crossover segment, Lexus has enjoyed considerable success with the RX and with the recent introduction of the NX crossover. Today they unveiled the all-new RX here at the 2015 New York Auto Show. I was sitting beside Takayuki Katsuda, chief engineer of the new RX, during the unveiling and as it was being introduced I could see he was beaming with pride. I have to say, the new RX is quite the looker. The design of the front end doesn’t stray too far from the Lexus design language with the bold spindle “hourglass” grille up front and center flanked by all-new triple L-shaped LED matrix headlights with LED daytime running lights. Unlike on the smaller NX crossover and RC sedan, the LED daytime running lights are not separated from the main headlight offering in my opinion a much cleaner look.

Looking down the side of the RX the first thing you’ll notice is the blacked out C-pillar creating the appearance of a floating roof on the lighter colored vehicles. The 20″ wheels you see are optional and replace the 19″ optional wheels available on the current RX. The new wheels are also available with a body color-matched insert for those that want to personalize their RX. You’ll also notice when viewing the vehicle from the side how far the headlights and taillights wrap around the vehicle. For the first time, the F SPORT package will be available on the RX. With the F SPORT package on the RX the spindle grille and lower center piece of the rear bumper incorporate an “F” mesh design while new exclusive 20″ wheels with graphite finish will complete the sportier look. The rear hatch now opens with a new hands-free gesture by hovering ones hand over the rear Lexus logo for a couple seconds. Pretty cool, but how well will this work if your hands are full of groceries and/or boxes?

Inside, the driver is treated to a custom F SPORT instrument cluster with a TFT Multi Information Display as well as a sport steering wheel, featuring perforated leather trim, an F SPORT emblem, and paddle shifters. Exclusive colors and trim pieces are also part of F SPORT.

Lexus increased the wheelbase on the 2016 RX by just under 2 inches which will be a welcome change for taller passengers in the rear. Speaking of passengers in the back, they’ll also be happy with the new heated rear seats to keep them comfortable as they’re watching a movie on the 11.6″ screens attached to the back of the front seats. For drivers, an available color heads-up display (HUD) projects pertinent vehicle information onto the windshield, while the information display area, featuring an available 12.3-in. monitor with full-screen map is in the center stack.

Under the hood is the same 3.5L V6 but power has been bumped up to 300 horsepower thanks to the introduction of direct-injection. The revised engine will be mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The new RX will be offered initially with two models the RX 350 and the RX 450h.