Lexus RX 350 Is an Upscale Tailgater for the Gridiron

WATERTOWN, MASS. (09/14/2011)(readMedia)-- Lexus has a reputation for building quiet, refined and reliable luxury automobiles, but thanks to Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com it can add "NFL-worthy tailgating" to its list of strengths. The editors at kbb.com included the 2012 Lexus RX 350 on its Top 10 Tailgating Cars for 2011 list, taking note of the comfortable interior and cutting-edge technology that separate it from the competition.

Available this fall at Lexus dealers, the 2012 RX 350 is the luxury automaker's smallest SUV, but still has plenty of room for five people and their game-day gear. While the interior will please the wine and cheese crowd, the RX 350's performance is tough enough for those who prefer to chow down on beer and bratwurst before the big game, especially New England football fans excited for another Super Bowl run.

"Lexus struck the right mix between luxury and capability with the RX 350, and that's something Patriots' fans will appreciate when they're grilling outside on game day," said Vincent Liuzzi, general manager of Greater Boston Lexus dealer Lexus of Watertown. "Its amenities make it a prime choice for long drives down to Foxborough, but it is built to take the abuse New England weather can throw at it."

Like any good SUV, the Lexus RX 350 has the capacity to carry large amounts of cargo, whether it's a cooler and grill or chairs and folding tables. With the rear seats up, there is 40 cubic feet of space, which more than doubles when the seats are folded flat. The RX 350 can even tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, further adding to the luxury SUV's cargo-hauling resume.

Power for the RX 350 comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 275 horsepower, providing acceleration and pace that ensures that fans will make it to Gillette before kickoff. The Lexus luxury SUV is available with either front-wheel- or all-wheel-drive, which provides increased traction when the turf gets slippery. While on the way to the game, an available Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System will make sportscasters sound like they are in the vehicle during pre-game shows.

Whether the Patriots win or lose, traffic will be a problem leaving the game, but RX drivers are able to pick their way through traffic with the model's available voice-activated navigation system featuring real-time traffic and weather updates. Meanwhile, their passengers will be comfortable in leather-trimmed seats that can be heated and ventilated in the front and reclined in the back, a relief after hours spent on the bleachers.

"Watching the Pats is a great way to spend an afternoon, so why not make the drive just as good?" Liuzzi noted. "Plus, when the weather takes a turn for the worse in November, I can't think of anything more pleasant than a heated leather seat and a smooth ride through tough conditions."

About Lexus of Watertown:

Lexus of Watertown is New England's #1 volume Lexus dealer and a recipient of multiple Elite of Lexus awards given annually to dealerships that showcase overall excellence. They have a huge selection of new and certified pre-owned Lexus models, in addition to an exemplary service department that keeps customers coming back. Easily accessible from MetroWest, the North Shore and the South Shore, Lexus of Watertown is just minutes off the Mass Pike between Route 128 and Route 93. For more information, visit them online at www.lexusofwatertown.com, call them at 888.227.9560, become their fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LexusWatertown, or stop by their showroom at 330 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA.