Lexus RX with three-row seats under consideration

Lexus is expected to bring a seven-seater three-row version of the mid-size RX SUV to the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. Currently offered only as a five-seater, the RX is being awaited with more seating capacity for years now, especially in the American market.

The seven-seater RX won’t get an extended wheelbase to pack in the extra row. However, a larger rear overhang with a more upright D-pillar seems unavoidable. With a wheelbase of 2,790mm, the current RX looks rather compact and sporty with its sloping silhouette. Nonetheless, adding a couple of seats to the configuration will make the Japanese crossover furthermore practical.

With the same wheelbase, the space for the third-row passenger won’t be promising still. Even the visibility will be compromised given the heavy D-Pillar of the crossover. A test prototype of the seven-seater RX was also spotted testing a couple of years back, but that development never saw the light of day after that, until now perhaps.

Lexus has been rumoured to be developing a seven seater RX for a couple of years now. They also admitted they missed out the opportunity of developing a three-row crossover instead of the RC Coupe . The carmaker is mulling over selling 70,000 units in terms of yearly sales and a seven-seater crossover would have helped with these numbers apart from bridging the gaps that exist between the current product line-up.

Image Source