"This is the first time we have had a full-sized, seven seat family SUV in this price range," said Paul Carroll, the Senior General Manager of Lexus New Zealand. "The benefits of seven-seats for family life are substantial. For larger families taking one vehicle to sports events, recitals and restaurants is a game-changer."

"Taking young children and their friends anywhere is less hassle when you have the room to do it in a seven seater," he said. "The RX L is the epitome of a luxury vehicle for families that require more than five seats."

The third-row seat will provide two more seats in two variants, the hybrid RX 450hL Limited and the V6 petrol RX 350L Limited.

With the body being extended 110 mm at the rear, the RX 350L and RX 450hL retain the model's bold styling and sleek interior features. A steeper tailgate window ensures good headroom and substantial luggage space behind the power folding third row seat, which has a 50:50 split for greater versatility.

Children can be accommodated in the third row which has 3-zone climate control and is set slightly lower than the second row seat to provide more leg room.

When folded flat the third row seat provides a flat extended luggage area, accessed through a hands-free powered tailgate by waving a hand over the Lexus "L" badge, provided the key is carried on the person.

Access to the third row is made easy with a one touch lever that folds and slides the second row seat forward. Head and legroom in the second row is still spacious despite the addition of the third row seat.

A smaller power tilt and slide moon roof in the seven seat models replaces the panoramic moon roof used in the five-seat models.

The five-seat RX will continue to be available in six variants with a choice of hybrid and 3.5 litre V6 powertrains in standard, F Sport and Limited specifications.

Revisions to the 2018 five seat RX see the alloy wheels on all models now having the black centre caps with a chrome Lexus logo previously only fitted to the F Sport model.

The Lexus Safety System+ is standard, upgraded across the entire RX range to include pedestrian detection as part of the pre-collision system.

In the cabin, models with ivory upholstery now have noble brown seat belts to provide colour contrast.

The 3.5 litre V6 engine used in the RX 350 provides 221 kW and 370 Nm. The output in the RX 350L is reduced slightly, 216 kW and 358 Nm, due to a packaging requirements resulting in a single rather than dual exhaust system. The engine is mated to a smooth eight-speed sequential -shift intelligent automatic transmission.

The hybrid models have a revised version of the 3.5 litre V6 with two high torque electric motors producing a combined performance of 230 kW for strong acceleration and overtaking performance.

The AWD system for the hybrid models uses one of the electric motors at the rear, instead of the transfer gears and drive shaft used on the RX 350. Once wheel slip is detected the rear electric motor is activated to provide AWD traction.

Occupants in the seven seat RX models will experience the same luxuriously smooth, quiet ride as the two row seat models offer.

The RX 350 and 450h come with: Lexus Safety System+ ; leather accented upholstery; 20-inch alloy wheels; smart entry and start key; rain sensing wipers; LED headlights; eight-way power adjustable front seats with heaters and ventilation; 12 speaker audio; satellite navigation; reversing camera; and front and rear clearance sensors.

The F Sport variants add: F Sport wheels; alloy trim in the cabin and F Sport upholstery; steering wheel paddle shifters; adaptive variable suspension; ; panoramic view monitor; hands-free powered tailgate, rear seat heaters; and head-up display.

The seven and five seat Limited variants feature: wooden steering wheel trim; unique wheels, 10-way power adjustable front seats with memory function; power fold back row seats; and 15 speaker Mark Levinson audio system as standard.

The new seven seat version of the RX, with added luggage length, rear climate control and additional electrically folding third row of seats adds only $500 to the retail price.

The full Lexus RX model range and pricing is:

- RX 350 3.5 V6 Petrol SUV 4WD $95,900
- RX 350 F Sport 3.5 V6 Petrol SUV 4WD $107,900
- RX 350 Limited 3.5 V6 Petrol SUV 4WD  $107,900 
- RX 350L Limited 3.5 V6 Petrol SUV 4WD - 7 seater $108,400
- RX 450h 3.5 V6 Hybrid SUV 4WD  $114,900 
- RX 450h F Sport 3.5 V6 Hybrid SUV 4WD  $125,900 
- RX 450h Limited 3.5 V6 Hybrid SUV 4WD  $125,900 
- RX 450hL Limited 3.5 V6 Hybrid SUV 4WD - 7 seater $126,400