Lexus RX 350 named ‘Best Small Premium SUV’ at 2016 MECOTY Awards

The Lexus RX 350 brought laurels to the brand at the 2016 edition of the Middle East Car of the Year Awards (MECOTY). At the annual award ceremony which is one of the most prestigious awards in the regional automotive industry, the model won the award for the best car in the ‘Best Small Premium SUV’ category. The popular luxury crossover award was selected as the winner in this category by a jury of 12 independent motoring journalists drawn from leading automotive publications across the Middle East on the basis of its bold styling, sophisticated safety technologies, highly innovative technology features and the completely redesigned powertrains.

The Lexus RX 350 shares the same design style of other recent Lexus models and comes with features that make it the best sport-utility vehicle in its class.

Speaking about the award, Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative of Middle East & North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said that the appeal of the Lexus RX 350 extends beyond mere good looks as it effectively blends elegance with functionality and luxury components. In addition to advanced safety features, it offers motorists outstanding performance and a great driving performance. He expressed his delight at the award and went on to thank Lexus customers for their support.

When it was first launched in 1997, the Lexus RX was one of the pioneering models in the crossover utility segment and has set the benchmark in the luxury crossover segment ever since.

The model is available in two powertrains – while the RX 350 has a 3.5-liter, V6 petrol engine which is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission, the RX 450h comes with a 3.5-liter, V6 petrol engine and revised hybrid powertrain components.

The hybrid-powered powertrain used in the Lexus RX is the latest, most advanced form of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. Its main components and control systems have been thoroughly revamped and enhanced to offer motorists outstanding fuel economy, low emissions and excellent on-road performance.