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Redesigned 2016 Lexus RX 350 is...bold (pictures)

Like it or lump it, you have to give the designers over at Lexus credit for making some bold design choices on their bread and butter luxury crossover.

Emme Hall
I love two-seater, RWD convertibles and own a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata for pavement fun and a lifted 2001 Miata for pre-running. I race air-cooled Volkswagens in desert races like the Mint 400 and the Baja 1000. I have won the Rebelle Rally, seven-day navigational challenge, twice and I am the only driver to compete in an EV, the Rivian R1T.
Emme Hall
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1 of 26 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The spindle grille is a polarizing design choice, to say the least.

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Lexus created the luxury crossover segment with the RX 300 in 1998. The model is still going strong into this fourth generation.

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3 of 26 Emme Hall/Roadshow

Sculpted fog lights and triple beam LED headlamps take a backseat to the spindle grille.

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5 of 26 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The sharp lines continue to the rear of the RX 350 with a steeply raked rear window and spoiler.

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6 of 26 Emme Hall/Roadshow

Handsome tail lights round out the rear fascia.

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7 of 26 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The outside of the F Sport trim line gets a few special touches, like these black-capped side mirrors.

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8 of 26 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The profile of the RX 350 would make a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon proud with all the sculpted lines.

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9 of 26 Emme Hall/Roadshow

When a car can pull your attention from a beautiful redwood forest, you know the designers have made a bold choice.

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It's too bad the F Sport doesn't quite live up to its name but hey...you got the badge.

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The overall length and the wheelbase are a bit longer this year in the RX 350, allowing for more passenger room inside.

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The 2016 Lexus RX 350 F Sport starts at $49,125. Our test model came with a few extras, making our final price $56,995 with destination.

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While the outside is certainly bold, the performance of the F Sport was disappointing.

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The interior of the RX 350 is full of quality materials and sophisticated design choices.

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15 of 26 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The Remote Touch joystick is difficult to operate and should be replaced with a rotary dial or...anything else, really.

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A tilt and telescoping steering wheel makes it easy to find a comfortable driving position.

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The eight-speed automatic transmission can be shifted manually from the paddle shifters.

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18 of 26 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The crown jewel in the interior is the crisp 12.3-inch display screen.

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Rear-seat passengers will have plenty of room, thanks to the stretched wheelbase.

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The F Sport seats are bolstered to hug your rear, but larger drivers might find them uncomfortable.

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21 of 26 Emme Hall/Roadshow

A 3.5-liter V6 puts out 295 horses and 267 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

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Most of the cabin is well-thought out, although the buttons for the seat warmers are awkwardly located behind the shifter.

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The large display screen is set just below your driving sightline.

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24 of 26 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The RX 350 offers Eco, Sport Plus and Normal driving modes.

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An LED screen in the middle of the gauge cluster shows information like fuel economy, audio, navigation and vehicle settings.

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Classic Vinyl on the satellite radio? Sorry but First Wave is where it's at.

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