New Lexus Naas showroom to open in 2027
New Lexus Naas showroom to open in 2027
Lexus Ireland has just confirmed that Toyota Naas has been appointed as the new Lexus Retailer for Kildare. The announcement comes as part of a development of a new state-of-the-art premises, located at Junction 10 on the N7. The new Lexus Naas showroom is expected to open in April of next year.
Liam Fitzpatrick, Dealer Principal, has represented Toyota in Naas, County Kildare, since 2012, with an outstanding reputation as a trusted, family-owned dealership focused on providing an excellent customer experience.
The Fitzpatrick family have a long and successful history in the Irish motor industry since the foundation of Monasterevin Motors over 72 years ago.
Ian Corbett, Head of Lexus Ireland commented:
“We are delighted to appoint Liam Fitzpatrick and Toyota Naas as a Lexus Retailer in County Kildare. Lexus has experienced significant growth over the last number of years and with the arrival of further new models into our range we have no doubt that Lexus will achieve continued success in Naas also."
Growing Lexus range in Ireland
The Lexus range has been bolstered in Ireland in recent years with the arrival of the LBX, its most compact model yet, as well as popular models like the NX and RX hybrid SUVs that continue to be among its bestsellers.
A new NX is expected to arrive shortly, while the brand will expand its presence in 2027 with the arrival of the new Lexus TZ luxury, electric six-seat SUV.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Lexus RZ 300e Review
Read Caroline's Lexus RZ review for everything you need to know about buying the new electric crossover in Ireland.
Lexus Ireland has just introduced the Lexus RZ to the market, a new electric crossover that will be sold here alongside its range of cars and SUVs.
Over the years, Lexus has built a strong presence in Ireland with luxury hybrid vehicles; it was the first premium car brand to being a hybrid to market in 2004.
The RZ has been on sale in other markets for a while now and arrives at a time when EV sales are starting to bounce back from a slump in 2024.
Let's take a closer look.
Design
The RZ shares a platform and battery with the co-developed Subaru Solterra and Toyota BZ4X - but it looks nothing like those cars. It's very distinct and really stands out for its sharp styling. Though it's also easy to recognise as a Lexus and fits nicely in the range between the NX and RX.
It's quite a considerable car - a little over 4.9 metres long. At the front, it gets an interpretation of the brand's classic spindle grille framed by sharp LED lighting that gives it a high-tech appearance. It's a beautiful, striking car with a tasteful addition of cladding to qualify for its crossover credentials.
There is just one trim level for Ireland and it includes 18-inch alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The aerodynamic design includes a small active front grille with shutters that close automatically when cooling air flow into the motor compartment is not required. It has a slightly wider track at the rear of the car that contributes to its smart stance.
Lexus RZ Interior
Inside the RZ feels every inch the luxury car with excellent build quality and plenty of high-end features including black leather upholstery and soft-close doors with a button release. The design is also very well-resolved with an intuitive layout and driver-focused feel.
In Ireland, the RZ comes in just one trim level called Executive. But it has a good specification list including 10-speaker sound system, wireless smartphone charging, heated steering wheel, heated front seats with power adjustment and lumbar support, and lots of safety features.
There's also a full digital driver display and 14-inch touchscreen with navigation and Hey Lexus voice assistant. It's not too complicated to use and the touch sensitive buttons for the ventilation and heated seats are always present in the lower half of the screen, as well as two dials to adjust the temperature of the climate system.
Practicality
The RZ is built on a bespoke electric vehicle platform and so offers plenty of passenger space, with generous amounts of legroom. The floor is a bit higher to accommodate the battery underneath so you might need to stretch out a little to get comfortable. A double glass roof comes as standard. Other amenities including an armrest with cupholders and a couple of USB-C ports. There's no through loading but the rear seats do split fold 60:40.
There's a generous 522 litres of boot space and a handy hatchback-style opening. The sill is also low and flat, with some underfloor storage to stow away the charging cables for instance. The parcel shelf can also be removed easily, folded in half and stored there too. A powered tailgate comes as standard.
What is the range of the Lexus RZ 300e?
The RZ range is very simple in Ireland; at the moment it's just offered as one version called the RZ 300e. It's front wheel drive and uses a 71.4kWh lithium ion battery (64kWh usable). The range is quoted up to 475 kilometres (WLTP).
In other markets, there's also the RZ 450e, which adds another electric motor to the rear axle for four wheel drive and more power.
Driving the RZ
The RZ is built upon a dedicated platform for battery electric vehicles It's called the e-TNGA platform and is shared with the Subaru Solterra and Toyota BZ4X. However, Lexus has tweaked the RZ to make it better to drive and more premium. For a start the wider track at the rear improves handling. It stays very flat and balanced through bends, and feels natural and engaging to drive.
There's also more insulation, acoustic glass and Active Sound Control to improve the refinement, the latter which feeds noise cancelling frequencies through the speakers. It's definitely quieter on the road, with just a touch of road noise at very high speeds on the motorway.
It's smooth and comfortable to drive, particularly out on the motorway, though it does feel firmer should you hit any bumps or lumps in the tarmac.
The RZ 300e has a 204hp motor sending power to the front wheels and 266Nm of torque. 0-100 is 8 seconds and acceleration is at its most lively in the Sport mode. Other drive modes include Normal, Eco, Range and Custom, though the menu to toggle between these is buried in the touchscreen. There's also four different levels of regenerative braking, which can be adjusted from paddles behind the steering wheel.
Lexus rates efficiency at 15.1kWh per 100 kilometres and during my test I averaged a reasonable 19.5 kWh per 100 kilometres. Based on the 64kWh battery, this translates to a real world range in the region of 328 kilometres. A heat pump is included as standard for more efficient heating of the cabin.
Charging
There is 11kW AC charging as standard, while DC charging is up to 150kW for a 5-80% charge in about 31 minutes.
Pricing
The new RZ 300e is available from €65,150.
Verdict
The RZ is a great addition to the Lexus range in Ireland, offering a full electric model that's both stylish and practical, with decent range and efficiency. It excels for its build quality and driver-focused feel, while the comfort and refinement it offers does make it feel a cut above the rest. The battery size is relatively modest these days for a large crossover, and that does translate to the real world range particularly if you spend a lot of time on the motorway. Yet for Lexus fans, the RZ is a stylish and interesting step to full electrification.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Lexus LBX Review | Compact crossover with luxury edge
Read Caroline's Lexus LBX review for everything you need to know about buying the new Lexus compact crossover in Ireland.
Lexus is expanding its line-up of cars in Ireland with the arrival of the new LBX.
Styled as a very fashionable compact crossover, it marks a new entry point into the Lexus range - priced from €39,440 - and is likely to attract new buyers to the brand.
The LBX is powered by a 1.5-litre hybrid engine, so it should fit favourably among those seeking an efficient small car with a luxury edge.
Let's take a closer look.
Design
LBX stands for 'Lexus Breakthrough Crossover' and it's a new departure in design for a brand known for its classic large saloons and SUVs. The new LBX is designed to appeal to a younger audience and those who might not have considered a Lexus before. It sports a friendlier face than many of the other Lexus models in the range, but retains classic Lexus design cues like the brand's spindle grille. Though it shares its basic underpinnings and hybrid powertrain with the Toyota Yaris Cross, the LBX looks nothing like that car, with a smart, upmarket presence all of its own.
There are two different trim levels for Ireland - Elegant and Emotion - but 18-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights come as standard. The Elegant model's alloys are dark grey with a high gloss finish, while the Emotion model's have a machined finish. The Emotion also adds rear privacy glass and a bi-tone exterior with a black contrast roof colour.
What colours does the Lexus LBX come in?
There are a range of colours available but the LBX looks particularly smart in Neptune Blue like the car I tested. Other options include Sonic White, Sonic Grey, Sparkling Silver, Urban Grey, Midnight Black, Metallic Ruby and Sonic Copper. The standard colour is Passionate Yellow, which you don't have to pay extra for. Metallic paint options cost between €980 and €1400.
Lexus LBX Interior
Once you sit into the LBX, you can see this car belongs to an elite club. The finish of the cabin is impeccable and there's a premium feel that's rare to find in such a compact car. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and cream leather upholstery come as standard. The LBX feels snug from behind the wheel and all the controls fall easily to hand. A lot of consideration has gone into the driving position and how you interact with the controls. Even how the doors close - the 'e-Latch' electronic door release system ensures a soft close that makes the LBX feel more special than most. There's also a digital instrument cluster and 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, as well as 'Hey Lexus' voice control.
Even the Elegant model comes very well equipped including dual zone automatic climate control, automatic lights and wipers, rear view camera, heated front seats with lumbar support and radar cruise control as part of the Lexus Safety Sense package. The Emotion model adds black leather with red stitching, keyless entry and wireless smartphone charging.
The new LBX is smaller than the Lexus UX but it can still seat five. However, it is quite a compact vehicle and there is not a huge amount of legroom or elbow room in the back. But it should be fine for children or small adults from time to time.
Lexus LBX boot space
At 332 litres, the boot offers a good amount of space for a small car and will easily fit a few suitcases or bags of shopping. The rear seats can also split fold 60:40.
Driving
Engine
The LBX uses the same 1.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain as the Yaris Cross. But it's been heavily revised to boost the refinement and performance of this set-up, including a new battery. There's 136hp and the 0-100 km/h sprint is done in 9.2 seconds. The official consumption figure is 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres and motor tax costs €180 per year.
Is it any good to drive?
The LBX rivals other small premium crossovers like the Volvo EX30 and the Smart #1 – but has the benefit of a hybrid powertrain which offers an EV drive at low speeds in town but no charging required. The LBX proves to be very efficient in real world driving, achieving consumption of 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres during my test drive over a variety of roads. It also delivers its power impressively and the engine never gets too noisy, despite the eCVT gearbox.
Lexus also made revisions to Toyota's GA-B small car platform for the LBX to give it the control, comfort and confidence of a Lexus. This is the first time Lexus has used the platform. The LBX has a longer wheelbase, wider track and increased body rigidity compared to its cousin the Yaris Cross and this contributes to better handling and stability. Larger wheels and tyres add to the stable feel. Lexus also revised the suspension and tuned the steering. It's not quite as fun to drive as a Smart #1 but the LBX feels very mature and stable on the road, and combined with the refinement of the hybrid powertrain, it is a very pleasant drive. There is some road noise apparent at high speeds on the motorway.
What is the price of the Lexus LBX?
The LBX is available in Ireland from €39,440 for the Elegant, which comes very well equipped, and from €41,600 for the Emotion with a little bit more gear like black leather, keyless entry and wireless smartphone charging.
Verdict
The new Lexus LBX is a brilliant new entry point into the Lexus range and makes the brand's upmarket design and quality now accessible to more buyers. Extra points for the fact that it's a trendy compact crossover and the LBX is sure to appeal to buyers looking to downsize but without compromising Lexus luxury and build quality. Despite being a small car, it still feels very much like a Lexus - particularly from behind the steering wheel.
While many rivals are going electric, the LBX offers a great hybrid solution with many of the benefits of EV driving thrown in - particularly in low speed town driving. Lexus is also to be commended for the refinement of the hybrid, which makes it a pleasant drive no matter the circumstances.
At close to €40,000, it's still a lot of money to pay for a small crossover but it does sit at the higher end of the segment and is priced well compared to other upmarket crossovers like the Smart #1 and Volvo EX30, with plenty of equipment and high-end features on board.
Pros: Upmarket, well-built, smooth to drive, fuel-efficient hybrid.
Cons: Not the most spacious for rear seat passengers, expensive for a small car.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Lexus RX 450h+ Review
Read Caroline’s Lexus RX 450h+ review for everything you need to know about buying the new RX plug-in hybrid in Ireland.
The Lexus RX has been the Japanese brand's flagship SUV for 25 years and a pioneer of hybrid technology in the luxury segment since the first RX hybrid was launched in 2005.
In 2023, the new fifth generation model introduces plug-in hybrid technology to the RX range for the very first time. And in Ireland it will be available exclusively in this form.
The new Lexus RX 450h+ is priced in the region of €89,000, with two trim levels available. The new RX gets improved design and handling, and a new digital cabin.
It goes up against other luxury SUVs like the BMW X5, the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Lexus has been a leader in hybrid technology in the luxury segment for many years. So is the new RX plug-in hybrid one of the best luxury SUVs on sale?
Styling
The new RX is probably the brand's best yet when it comes to design. With a few tweaks including an elegant new nose, the RX oozes class and sophistication - a sort of understated elegance without any brashness.
It's about the same length as before but the wheelbase is a bit longer and the A-pillar pushed back for a more elongated bonnet. There is a tasteful evolution of the famous Lexus spindle grille at the front with nice detailing and slim LED headlights. At the back, there is a new full width light bar and L-E-X-U-S spelt out.
There are two trim levels on offer, Luxury and Premium. Both now come with 21-inch alloy wheels for a dynamic look.
Interior
The theme of understated elegance continues inside. The cabin has been suitably modernised with an upmarket design and new tech on board too, like the full digital driver display and new 14-inch touchscreen with over the air updates and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. There are two handy dials to adjust the temperature but otherwise there is a heavy reliance on the touchscreen, which may upset traditionalists.
But it's hard not to be seduced by the quality of the cabin, with plenty of leather and soft touch materials to command the luxury price tag. It's very easy to get comfortable, thanks to heated and ventilated front seats as standard with massage function and 8-way power adjustment.
There's good storage too for a large family car. Some neat features include the centre cubby that can open from either the driver or passenger side, and an electronic door release that adds the premium touch.
The Luxury model also features full leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, heated steering wheel, panoramic view monitor, ambient lighting, panoramic roof and the third generation Lexus Safety System+. If you step up to the Premium model, there's an upgraded premium stereo with 21 speakers, wood trim, heated and ventilated rear seats, 10-inch head-up display and an adaptive variable suspension.
Practicality
The new RX has a longer wheelbase than before, so there’s a bit more legroom and plenty of headroom as well. It feels high-end in the back with lots of features like an armrest and tri-zone climate control.
There's a 461-litre boot and a powered tailgate as standard. There's also space under the boot floor to put the charging cables and lots of handy features like switches to let the rear seats down and a retractable cover to hide valuables.
Engine
In Ireland the new RX is available as a plug-in hybrid, badged the 450h+. It uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and an 18.1kWh battery. The power output is 309hp and the battery can be charged to full at a maximum of 6.6kW in as little as 2.5 hours to give an electric driving range of up to 65 kilometres.
Driving
Lexus has a long history in building hybrid cars and SUVs. When the RX 400h launched in 2005, it was the first electrified model available in the premium market. Built now on the brand’s GA-K platform shared with Toyota, the RX has improved handling and responsiveness. Four wheel drive ensures there’s loads of grip for a nice, secure drive. There's even a Trail mode to prevent wheel-slip when driving on slippery or uneven roads.
The plug-in hybrid balances power well with efficiency. The RX 450h+ is smooth and responsive to drive, with 309hp and the 0-100 sprint completed in 6.5 seconds. Though it's not an SUV you will really want to hurry in, offering a comfortable drive and hushed cabin. It's easy to drive and doesn't feel too big in town.
There are a number of different modes you can switch between like an Auto mode that moves between the EV and hybrid drive as the car sees fit, and a battery save mode. When the battery runs out of charge, the RX behaves like a standard hybrid so it’s remarkably efficient. Over a week of driving I averaged about 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres. With regular charging, it would be possible to achieve even lower fuel consumption or run it as an EV exclusively on short commutes. Motor tax is €140 per year.
Pricing
The Luxury model starts from €89,070, while the Premium is available from €97,680. Both prices include metallic paint.
Verdict
The Lexux RX is quietly elegant and classy, with a gorgeous interior and high levels of equipment. The new plug-in hybrid makes a lot of sense, offering buyers the option to run the RX on electric power alone for a limited range or as a fuel-sipping hybrid. It does't feel too bulky on the road, yet is spacious inside. There's a lot to like about the new RX and it's a great alternative to the usual suspects in the large luxury SUV class.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
