The Lexus RX 2023 has just beefed up the carmaker's presence in the UAE and fans of the brand have a choice of three powertrains, two of which are electric and sit as the manufacturer’s first turbocharged hybrid vehicles.
While the brand is already popular in the Middle East, it can claim further bragging rights when it comes to the origins of this model, as 1998's RX 300 is cited by many as the world’s first luxury crossover.
As for the 2023 version, the pure fossil fuel option, the 350, is powered by a newly developed inline 4-cylinder 2.4-litre turbocharged engine that produces 275hp and 430Nm of torque.
Meanwhile, the first of the new hybrid-electric systems, the 500h, combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with electric drive to produce 246hp.
That figure goes through the roof with the next fresh option, though — the RX500h F Sport Performance model is a 2.4-litre hybrid with a motor capable of generating 366hp.
All this helped, no doubt, by Lexus managing to shave 90kg off the car since its previous incarnation.
You wouldn’t expect a Lexus to be anything but tidy, and the new RXs are no exception.
The models, all with a lower centre of gravity than previous versions, have a refined air, incorporating the usual delicate, smooth lines, but they also retain an assertive and dynamic stance.
The LED headlights are horizontal and sleek, while the body and spindle grilles merge to create a seamless look from all angles.
The interior features Lexus’s Tazuna design, which focuses on direct but intuitive control, for the driver’s cockpit, something revealed for the first time in the brand’s LF-30 concept car.
Each model has been fitted with the latest version of the Lexus Safety System, and all-wheel drive comes as standard.
The new RXs are available for order now, with prices starting at Dh350,000.
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 380hp at 5,800rpm
Torque: 530Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Price: From Dh299,000 ($81,415)
On sale: Now
Everybody%20Loves%20Touda
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GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Racecard
5pm: Al Maha Stables – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Emirates Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Emirates Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m
7pm: The President’s Cup – Group 1 (PA) Dh2,500,000 (T) 2,200m
7.30pm: The President’s Cup – Listed (TB) Dh380,000 (T) 1,400m
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
AUSTRALIA SQUAD
Aaron Finch, Matt Renshaw, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (captain), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle
RESULT
Al Hilal 4 Persepolis 0
Khribin (31', 54', 89'), Al Shahrani 40'
Red card: Otayf (Al Hilal, 49')