The Lexus RX lineup has long been a benchmark in the luxury midsize SUV segment, particularly in markets like the United States, where the model remains a consistent bestseller. Known for its serene ride quality, exceptional hybrid efficiency, and premium cabin materials, the RX appeals to buyers looking for understated luxury rather than flashy performance figures. With Lexus introducing a new trim—the RX 350h Exquisite—for the Indian market, many U.S. readers may wonder why this launch matters globally. However, this update reveals a lot about Lexus’ broader product and pricing strategies, and why similar future adjustments could become relevant for American buyers as hybrid SUVs dominate the premium space.
The introduction of the RX 350h Exquisite significantly reduces the price of entry into the RX hybrid family while maintaining Lexus’ known premium appeal. Although the trim debuts specifically in India, the move strongly reflects Lexus’ global commitment toward expanding accessible hybrid offerings, marking another step in the brand’s long-term electrification roadmap. This article takes a deep dive into the new Exquisite variant, its design philosophy, feature set, performance, market positioning, and what this means for U.S. consumers.
A More Affordable Gateway Into the RX Hybrid Lineup
The RX 350h Exquisite enters the lineup as the new entry-level hybrid trim, replacing the previous Luxury variant as the base model. With a starting price of ₹89.99 lakh (approximately $108,000 USD), it offers a more approachable route to owning a hybrid-only RX. While luxury vehicle pricing in India differs considerably from U.S. pricing because of high import duties, the relative price drop highlights an important shift in Lexus’s strategy: introducing lower starting points in premium hybrid segments to attract a wider buyer base.
This shift is particularly noteworthy because the RX is one of Lexus’ core models globally. In the U.S., the RX 350h often represents the entry point for buyers transitioning from internal combustion luxury SUVs to hybrid powertrains. By creating a more value-oriented trim in another major market, Lexus demonstrates its intent to make hybrids more accessible without compromising on the essential luxury experience.
Exterior Design: Familiar Lexus Sophistication
Despite being the entry-level trim, the RX 350h Exquisite maintains the bold, refined visual identity that characterizes current-generation Lexus models. The exterior styling remains unchanged from other RX variants, featuring a sleek silhouette, a sculpted front fascia, pearl-like LED headlights, and Lexus’ signature spindle body design. This design direction emphasizes both aerodynamic efficiency and a premium aesthetic—traits valued highly in both the U.S. and Asian markets.
The Exquisite trim does not come across as stripped down. Alloy wheels, LED DRLs, flush door finishes, and the clean rear LED blade light bar continue to deliver a polished luxury appearance. For U.S. readers, this is comparable to the RX 350h Luxury—or even Premium+—trim levels already on sale domestically. Lexus has ensured the brand identity remains intact, even while making the entry point more affordable.
Interior and Comfort: Lexus Luxury Remains Intact
Lexus has always excelled in creating interiors that feel serene, balanced, and timeless. The RX 350h Exquisite retains almost all of the fundamental comfort and technology features found in mid-level RX trims in the U.S. This shows that Lexus is unwilling to dilute cabin quality even in a cost-down variant.
Key Interior Highlights
Premium soft-touch materials
14-inch high-resolution touchscreen infotainment
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
10-way power-adjustable front seats
Heating and ventilation for both front and rear seats
Electrically reclinable second-row seating
Dual-zone climate control
Ambient interior lighting
The seating is especially noteworthy. Lexus continues its reputation for producing incredibly comfortable seats with supportive cushioning and an ergonomic design ideal for long-distance travel. The inclusion of ventilated second-row seats—uncommon in many entry-level trims globally—demonstrates Lexus’s intent to avoid cutting corners.
For U.S. consumers accustomed to the comfort of the RX, this reinforces that Lexus delivers a consistent luxury experience across regions. This uniformity is part of why the RX has long been a segment leader.
Technology and Infotainment: Future-Proofing the RX Experience
The Exquisite trim retains the newest Lexus infotainment ecosystem, which is significantly smoother and more responsive than previous generations. The 14-inch touchscreen is crisp and intuitive, offering large icons, fast processing, and deep integration with smartphone ecosystems.
Additional tech features include:
Voice assistant with natural language recognition
Cloud-based navigation (market dependent)
Digital rear-view mirror
Wireless charging
Connected car technology with remote vehicle access
From the standpoint of U.S. buyers, this trim matches the Lexus interface already available domestically. The global consistency of the user experience is a major selling point, especially as Lexus aims to streamline tech compatibility across markets.
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Safety and ADAS: Lexus’s Strongest Selling Point
Lexus is well-regarded for its comprehensive safety systems. The RX 350h Exquisite includes a suite similar to the U.S. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, ensuring high-end safety features remain available even in the base hybrid variant.
Safety and ADAS Highlights
Pre-collision braking
Adaptive cruise control
Lane-keeping assist and lane departure alert
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
360-degree view camera system
Parking assist sensors
These features significantly enhance daily usability and highway safety. In global crash safety evaluations, the RX consistently scores at the top of its segment—an assurance U.S. buyers expect from a luxury SUV.
Optional upgrades include the premium 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, which is considered one of the best audio packages in the automotive industry.
Powertrain and Performance: Smooth Hybrid Efficiency
The RX 350h Exquisite is powered by Lexus’ proven 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, delivering a combined output of 246 hp. Early tests indicate that the power delivery remains smooth and predictable, emphasizing refinement rather than aggressive acceleration.
Performance Specifications
Engine: 2.5L hybrid system
Power: 246 hp combined
Transmission: e-CVT automatic
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): approx. 7.9 seconds
Fuel Efficiency: 18.6 km/l (43+ mpg combined equivalent)
While these figures align closely with the U.S. RX 350h, the Exquisite trim is front-wheel drive only, as opposed to the standard AWD system offered in the U.S. market. Still, the driving experience remains exceptionally quiet, smooth, and ideal for buyers prioritizing comfort and efficiency.
Hybrid SUVs are seeing unprecedented growth in the U.S., and the RX 350h continues to be a top performer in this category. Lexus’ hybrid technology delivers reliability and real-world fuel efficiency that often surpasses EPA estimates. The Exquisite variant reinforces this strength by making hybrid performance more achievable for a wider audience.
Market Positioning and Why This Matters to U.S. Buyers
Although the RX 350h Exquisite is currently an India-exclusive launch, U.S. auto consumers and industry watchers should pay close attention. This global shift suggests several implications for the American market.
1. More Affordable Hybrid Trims Could Come to the U.S.
Automakers are increasingly sensitive to the changing economic landscape. Offering lower-priced luxury trims can attract new buyers who previously viewed premium hybrids as financially out of reach.
Lexus may be preparing to introduce simplified trims or more competitively priced variants in North America to stay ahead of Acura, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
2. Reinforcement of Lexus’ Hybrid-First Strategy
Lexus is rapidly reducing reliance on pure gasoline powertrains. The RX 350h Exquisite underscores that hybrid configurations are now central—not optional—to Lexus’ global product planning.
3. Increased Competitive Pressure on Rivals
The RX has always set the benchmark for comfort and efficiency. With Lexus making the model more accessible, competitors may be pushed to lower prices or increase equipment levels.
4. Consumer Demand for Hybrid Luxury is Surging
In the U.S., hybrid SUV sales have grown year over year, particularly among luxury buyers who want lower fuel costs without transitioning fully to EVs. The RX 350h remains a perfect middle-ground vehicle.
Final Verdict: A Smart Strategic Move by Lexus
The Lexus RX 350h Exquisite proves that value-driven luxury is not only possible but also desirable in today’s automotive market. By offering buyers nearly the full Lexus RX experience at a lower entry point, Lexus broadens its reach while staying true to its identity: refined comfort, top-tier reliability, and exceptional hybrid performance.
Even though this trim is introduced in India, the decisions behind its pricing strategy, equipment balance, and hybrid positioning reflect a global pattern. U.S. buyers could very well see similar streamlined, more accessible hybrid trims in the future.
The RX 350h Exquisite doesn’t reinvent the RX formula—it strengthens it. And for a model that has dominated its segment for decades, this shift represents strategic evolution rather than revolution. The result is a more inclusive luxury SUV offering, aligned with modern consumer expectations.