The popular RX model from prestige manufacturer Lexus has been reinvented for the here and now as a hybrid. The design is very much refreshed and this, the most powerful variant, is Lexus’ first performance-focused turbo-charged hybrid with six-speed automatic transmission and Direct4 all-wheel-drive torque control system. It’s the complete package for the compact SUV world.
The new RX comes with a line-up of three different electrified power-trains. At the core of the brand’s offering, the RX 450h+ is the first RX to adopt Lexus‘ plug-in hybrid technology. The RX 350h hybrid electric is positioned as an efficient alternative to lower displacement diesel and petrol engines and for customers seeking more exhilarating performance, the Lexus RX500h (pictured) is the first performance-focused turbocharged hybrid from the brand which comes, as mentioned, with Direct4 AWD.
The RX 500h is introduced exclusively as an F Sport model, with additional performance engineering features. In design terms, the F Sport model is distinguished by exclusive styling touches inside and out. The exterior details include dedicated 10-spoke 21 inch alloy wheels with a matt black finish, black roof rails and door mirrors, a seamless grille with a specific piano black mesh pattern, F Sport front and rear bumpers, black F Sport badging on the front wing and additional black stainless steel mouldings on the doors and bumpers.
On The Outside
Lexus has developed its new ‘Next Chapter’ design language for the new RX, including a new ‘spindle body’, achieved by integrating the signature spindle grille concept into the entire front of the vehicle. While they were at it, the RX designers also drew inspiration from the model’s design heritage to produce a car that is instantly recognisable as an RX, but with a more dynamic, elegant and confident character.
The visual appeal of the exterior design is matched by its aerodynamic efficiency as is the way these days. Precise calculation of the rear spoiler shape and position, a belt moulding that is flush with the bodywork and the addition of a fin on the bottom edge of the rear bumper which suppresses air flow turbulence behind the rear wheels all act in tandem for a slippery drive through the air. An interesting addition beneath the car is an engine undercover with a dimpled surface that creates air vortices as the car moves, enhancing the feeling of it being in firm contact with the road. Across the range, each model has a larger area of flat undercover and flat-surfaced heat insulators, creating a flat floor, again for smoother air flow.
Slim, three-projector LED headlights are featured on the new RX at Takumi grade and, with a BladeScan Adaptive high-beam System, on the RX 500h F Sport model; other versions use a three-projector LED system with automatic high beam. The headlights sit above daytime running lights with surface illumination that have a stronger three-dimensional look than before.
The front fog lights and cornering lights are discreet units, incorporated in bezels set low in the front bumper. At the rear, the combination lights are set in an L-shaped light bar with a single lens that spans the full width of the vehicle and wraps around the corners, emphasising the powerful design.
On The Inside
Inside, the driver-centred cockpit focuses on giving the driver direct, intuitive control of the vehicle, following the principal of the old maxim of ‘hands on the wheel, eyes on the road’. It also improves the driving experience, with its intuitive and clean layout, enhanced by the new Lexus Link Pro multimedia system with the “Hey Lexus” (another car you can talk to) onboard assistant, a 14 inch touchscreen and remote functions that can be accessed using the Lexus Link smartphone app.
The RX’s interior expresses luxury through simplicity. This “less is more” approach dispenses with superfluous details in favour of a cool, contemporary look with clean, uncluttered surfaces as can be seen in our images. The effect is of an immediate sense of space, well-being, refinement and comfort, say Lexus.
The cabin retains elements that display Lexus’ premium hand-crafted luxury. Even the opening and closing feel and sound of the doors came under close scrutiny at the design stage, enhancing that prestigious feel. The new design simplicity can be seen in the way the dashboard sweeps in a continuous form, taking in the gauge cowling, instrument panel and the door trims. Equipping the car with the new e-latch electronic door release system has allowed the interior handles to be moved lower down and the upper section of the door panels to be carved out, creating a natural extension of the instrument panel. It’s very effective.
Further, the design provides more knee room for rear seat passengers and a better view both to the side and ahead, helped by the car’s lower belt line and the wider forward field of vision. Access has been made easier with a lower hip-point (the level of the seat squab) and alteration of the easy access power adjustment. The rear load compartment matches the previous model RX for capacity, despite the new model having a shorter rear overhang and of course the extra battery pack.
On The Road
The Lexus RX has been the mainstay of this popular brand for many years. Now there’s choice of RX variants to suit, including the lusty 500h. It's powered by Lexus’ first ever turbocharged hybrid system, which comprises a 2.4 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a pair of electric motors and a compact battery pack. It produces 366hp and has a 0–62mph time of 6.2 seconds.
Unusually for a Lexus, the 500h does away with the company’s continuously variable transmission for a conventional six-speed automatic gearbox and more sporting drivers will appreciate that. It’s not a super-fast SUV but acceleration is quite punchy when the driver needs it to be with the traffic light sprint being managed in just over six seconds, so it’s no slouch. On the road this car is very comfortable but the softer suspension means that there’s a little lean into corners, although that being said, there’s tons of grip available at all times thanks to the 500h’s all-wheel-drive.
This is a very appealing car that is available now. For more frugal travel, look at the lower specified versions of the RX mentioned at the beginning, but it is our guess that most interested drivers will go for this very well specified RX 500h. This, or most other Lexus cars, are available for export tax-free from the UK to global destinations like New Zealand, Kenya and the Caribbean. Get in touch to find out more.
