Lexus has long had a reputation for building cars that weren't terribly exciting. However, the brand has made massive strides in addressing this, and the RX 500h F Sport is nothing if not exciting. Our review...
It's not been long since Lexus was viewed as the brand with 'cars for older people', but that isn't the case now. The luxury division of Toyota has upped the ante in a big way since vehicle production started in 1989.
Gone are the days of chunky sedans and design-impeded SUVs because the current range is nothing short of luxury—starting with the RX. The SUV was introduced globally in 1998 and is currently in its fifth generation. The RX 500h F Sport tops the range and is priced at R1.7 million, with the entry-level spec starting at R1.4 million.
Premium attraction
Being the flagship model in the range, the RX 500h F Sport comes standard with a plethora of convenience and safety features. The safety list consists of six airbags, a tyre pressure monitor, park distance control, blind spot monitor, hill hold assist, stability and traction control, lane keeping system, intelligent park assist, pre-crash system, active noise control, active cornering assist, pre-crash safety, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert and an abnormal driver condition response system.
The convenience list is just as impressive: wireless charging, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, reverse camera, heads-up display, navigation, front and rear heated and ventilated seats, and adaptive cruise control. A panoramic sunroof and LED Adaptive headlights (with daytime running lights) round off the list.
Lexus was very particular with its body colour options, which are limited to trim levels. For the F Sport, they consist of White Nova, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Copper, Sonic Iridium, Graphite Black, and Poseidon Blue.
The interior feels like it was put together with love, with soft-touch leather elements on the steering wheel and shift lever (known as the Tazuna concept), while the seats are full leather. The driver and passenger seats have 4-way lumbar support, which feels great when you've had a long day and want to relax on your way home.
One of the biggest attractions on the exterior is a distinctive bonnet bulge with a futuristic feel. In true Toyota and Lexus fashion, function follows form; it contributes to the overall rigidity of the front end while also delivering quieter performance with less vibration when travelling at speed.
The rear end has horizontally opposed LED lights with a lower bumper section that gives it a nice hunky stance. The whole package is topped off with 21-inch alloy wheels offered as standard across each RX derivative.
Engine and dimensions
The RX 500h is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine that works together with an electric motor positioned between the engine and the gearbox to deliver a total system output of 273kW with 550Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic gearbox is responsible for changing gears, which also allows the SUV to achieve a claimed fuel consumption of 6.5 litres/100km. It can also accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds and run to a top speed of 210km/h.
The Direct4 all-wheel drive system uses a separate electric motor and inverter to constantly balance the power and torque between the front and rear axles.
Despite the RX's shorter rear overhang of 960mm, it has quite a spacious boot, which usually has the opposite effect. Its boot space is rated at 612 litres with the rear seats in place. As a practical example, this gives enough space to carry four 9.5-inch golf bags or two 77-litre and two 63-litre suitcases. The second row of power seats can also be folded flat for more space if required.
What's it like to drive?
Getting into an SUV with a price tag of just over R1.7 million, besides having a plethora of features, you'd expect it to drive and handle like a dream. Combined with the Direct4 drivetrain, the SUV accelerates quickly and has more than enough grunt when required.
EV Mode (which can be engaged by a button on the centre console) is ideal for driving in traffic, where driving solely on hybrid battery power really helps decrease overall fuel economy.
Speaking about fuel economy, we ended our stint of driving with a final reading of 6.8 litres per 100km, which included bouts of driving in Sport mode. The switch between battery and engine power is where the success lies. A graphic on the digital instrument cluster shows you exactly what stage the various components are in; when the battery is recharging via coasting or when it relies solely on the ICE (internal combustion engine).
Particularly noticeable when driving was the adaptive variable suspension, which allows you to feel how the chassis and suspension change between Normal and Sport driving modes. The former provides a more comfortable ride, while the latter improves handling tremendously but with a stiffer damping force. Steering is also very responsive due to the dynamic rear steering that steers the rear wheels up to four degrees in the opposite or same direction as the front wheels.
It is superb in everyday driving. The seats are comfortable, and you always feel in control of everything. Even with the shorter overhang, rear passengers have enough head and leg room.
Assessing the quality of these vehicles, it's hard to comprehend why Lexus isn't selling more cars. There is an argument to be made about the hefty price tag, especially compared to other luxury SUVs. However, if you're shopping in this category, Lexus certainly deserves your consideration.
Spec and pricing
RX 350 - R1 452 600
RX 350h - R1 487 600
RX 350 F Sport - R1 574 100
RX 450h+ - R1 629 300
RX 500h F Sport - R1 723 100
All models come standard with a 7-year/105,000 km maintenance plan and mechanical warranty. The hybrid models also come with an eight-year/195,000 km battery warranty. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first.
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