Japanese luxury carmaker Lexus has taken the wraps off the refreshed RX. As is the case with facelifts, the mid-life update of Lexus’ mid-range SUV showcases a number of cosmetic changes. Additionally, the engineers have tried to make it stiffer and more engaging to drive. Lastly, and predictably, it packs a number of new safety features and a couple of technology upgrades.

First up, the looks. At first glance, the refreshed model looks exactly the same as before. However, if you really concentrate, you’ll notice the spindle grille has a different filling and it is flanked by two sleeker LED-powered headlamp units. The front bumper has received design tweaks too, especially with the fog lamps which now lay horizontally and sit right at the chin of the front fascia. On the side profile, you’ll find new alloy wheel designs which will change with variants. At the back, the taillamp units have been re-profiled and the bumper’s design has been tinkered with.

Inside the cabin, the three-row RX features two different seating positions and the second-row in the same version comes with captain seats as well. Apart from those layout changes, there is nothing different in terms of design. However, the list of features has now been upgraded to include a new touchscreen infotainment system which supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Baidu CarLife. While the system can be controlled via voice commands or by simply tapping on the screen itself, it can also be controlled using the remote touch interface.

The refreshed RX also introduces Lexus’ BladeScan Type AHS (Adaptive High beam System). The tech has been designed to detect objects, pedestrians and road signs much earlier, without troubling the visibility of oncoming commuters. Apart from that, the SUV also comes with the latest version of Lexus Safety System +. It comprises of a Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, AHS and Road Sign Assist.

With high-strength adhesives, Laser Screw Welding in addition to spot welding and stiffer stabilizer bars, the Lexus RX facelift should be more fun to drive. To enhance its capability in fast corners, Lexus has also thrown in Active Cornering Assist which reduces understeer. And, because it is a Lexus after all, the shock absorbers now come with Friction Control Device which decreases high-frequency vibrations over minute road surface imperfections.

In March 2017, the RX became one of the three models that Lexus started its India chapter with. On our shores, the RX has been available in two trim levels, Luxury and F-Sport, and both powered by the same powertrain. Since it is brought to India as a direct import, its price starts at Rs 1.29 crore (ex-showroom). The facelift, which should come to India either by this year-end or early next year, will follow the same route. And, it will continue the innings with the same hybrid setup as well.