<P> In August 2010, Lexus began offering the RX 270 (AGL10), a front - wheel drive model with a 2.7 - liter 1AR - FE inline - four engine, in Japan, China, and Russia . The RX 270 was a new entry - level offering for the RX lineup, produced with a lower base price and fewer emissions . It was introduced at the 2010 Moscow Auto Show, and aimed to circumvent the additional taxes applied to automobiles with large engine displacements and higher emissions; import cars in China over 3.0 L are subject to additional fees . </P> <P> In July 2010, Bloomberg reported that an all - electric Lexus RX had been developed in partnership with Tesla Motors . The RX was fitted with a Tesla - designed battery pack, and is to be used as a test mule for electric vehicle development . </P> <P> A facelift was designed through late 2010 and patented on 7 January 2011 under design registration number 001845801 - 0004 . The facelift was unveiled at the March 2012 Geneva Motor Show with new wheels, interior colors, new head and tail lamps and new grilles . New LED running lights were introduced as well . The F Sport was introduced, with a honeycomb grille, 8 - speed automatic transmission, and a unique sporty interior . In the US, the new model uses the Lexus Enform telematics system, which includes the Safety Connect SOS system and Shazam tagging . Sales began worldwide in April 2012 for the RX 350 and RX 450h, with sales for the F - Sport variants starting in July of the same year . </P> <P> Several awards won by the third - generation Lexus RX include AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Luxury Crossover SUV, Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Award for Luxury Utility Vehicle, and Residual Value Award for Near Luxury SUV from Automotive Lease Guide . The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the RX 350 its Top Safety Pick accolade . In 2013, J.D. Power and Associates named the RX as the most dependable vehicle in the U.S.; it was the first time a SUV / crossover had ever been listed as such . </P>

When did lexus rx 350 change body style