What is the M gear on a Lexus RX 350?
The M gear is the Manual shift mode inside the RX 350’s automatic transmission. It lets you manually choose gears instead of the transmission selecting them automatically. Depending on the model year and trim, you’ll access it via a dedicated gate beside the shift lever or via paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
What the M gear represents
M stands for Manual. In RX 350s equipped with a sequential shift option, selecting M puts the transmission in a manual-shift mode where you can choose gears up or down. The car will typically stay in manual mode until you return to automatic, and it includes safeguards to prevent revving beyond the engine’s limit. The exact control method can vary by year and trim; some vehicles use a leftward gate on the shifter, while others rely on steering-wheel paddle shifters when in manual mode.
How to use M mode on the RX 350
To engage manual mode, follow these steps. The precise method can vary by year and trim, so consult your owner's manual for your exact configuration.
- With the transmission in Drive (D), move the shift lever to the left into the M gate (if your model uses a separate Manual position). If your RX 350 has steering-wheel paddle shifters, use the paddles to enter manual mode.
- Use the +/- controls on the gear selector or the paddles to upshift or downshift as desired.
- The transmission will remain in manual mode until you return to Drive (D) or shift back to automatic, or until a safety limiter intervenes.
- Be mindful of engine speed; avoid downshifts that would over-rev the engine, and let the car revert to automatic when you’re done with spirited or controlled driving.
When you want to resume normal automatic behavior, return the selector to its standard Drive position or release the paddles to let the transmission select gears automatically.
When and why to use M mode
Manual mode is useful in certain driving conditions where you want more control over gear selection, such as engine braking on steep descents, precise acceleration on winding roads, or when driving in slippery conditions where you want predictable shift points. For typical daily driving, many drivers leave the RX 350 in automatic mode to maximize fuel efficiency and smoothness.
Model-year and trim differences
Control details can vary by year and trim. Some RX 350 models offer paddle shifters as a standard feature, making manual shifting available without moving the lever. Others rely on the leftward gate on the shifter to enter manual mode. If you’re unsure, check the owner’s manual for your specific year and trim to confirm how to engage M and which controls are available.
Pros and limitations of M mode
The following summarizes typical advantages and caveats of using Manual mode on the RX 350:
- Improved engine braking on downgrades and during controlled descents
- Enhanced control for spirited driving or when traction is limited
- Potentially higher fuel consumption if used aggressively
- Shifts may feel more deliberate or abrupt than in standard automatic mode, depending on configuration
- Not all trims include paddle shifters; some rely on the gear lever’s manual gate
Use M mode when you need precise control, and switch back to automatic driving for everyday commuting and smoother operation.
Bottom line
Summary: M mode is manual shifting in the RX 350’s automatic gearbox, accessible through a shift gate or paddles, used for greater control in certain driving conditions but not required for normal daily driving.
