Lexus RX 350 named ‘Best Small Premium SUV’ at 2016 Middle East Car of the Year Awards

Lexus earned top honours at the 2016 Middle East Car of the Year Awards (MECOTY), the premier annual award ceremony for the region’s automotive industry, winning the award in the ‘Best Small Premium SUV’ category for its popular luxury crossover Lexus RX 350. The RX 350 was selected as the winner by a jury of 12 independent motoring journalists from leading automotive publications throughout the Middle East. 

The mix of sharp creases and curves of this perennial best-selling luxury crossover represents a bold evolution in the model’s styling, sharing the same design DNA with other recently launched models in the Lexus line-up. Moreover, the winning RX 350 comprises of new redesigned powertrains, sophisticated safety technologies, driver aids as well as new convenience and technology features to make this the best Lexus sport-utility vehicle offering to date. 

Sharing his excitement over the win, Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative of Middle East & North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “The appeal of the RX 350 goes beyond its stunning looks. It is a vehicle that blends elegance with utility while offering an abundance of luxury and safety features to pamper its occupants. The RX 350 also exhibits superb performance while offering a great driving experience and it’s not hard to see why the RX has been a perennial favourite with customers throughout the region.” 

Yoshitsugu added: “We are delighted that the Lexus RX 350 has been picked as the best vehicle in its class at MECOTY 2016. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their support as well.” 

The Lexus RX created the blueprint for the crossover utility segment when it was first launched in 1997, and has set the tone for luxury crossovers ever since. 

The Lexus RX is available with two powertrain choices: the RX 350 model comes with a 3.5-liter, V6 petrol engine mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission, while the RX 450h is equipped with a 3.5-liter, V6 petrol engine and revised hybrid powertrain components.

The hybrid-powered powertrain in the Lexus RX is the latest, most advanced iteration of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. Its key components and control systems have been enhanced and reengineered to deliver impressive fuel economy, low emissions and excellent on-road performance that will satisfy the most demanding driving enthusiast.