Overview

TOPPING off the Lexus RX large SUV range is the electrified RX500h F Sport Performance priced at $131,100 plus on-road costs; a car that until recently owned the title of the most powerful Lexus hybrid, since supplanted by the upper large LX700h at about $70K more.

The premium Japanese manufacturer spruiks its RX 500h F Sport Performance as redefining the Lexus Driving Signature with a host of dynamic performance enhancements.

“Steering, braking and handling have all been sports-tuned on the model taking it beyond the mild sporting modifications associated with traditional F Sport variants,” says Lexus.

Recently upgraded, the latest line-up ushered in a complete redesign inside and out with sharper sheet metal giving more presence on the road while the interior offers “new levels of comfort, refinement and driving enjoyment”.

Power for the all-wheel drive RX500h F Sport Performance range topper is via a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a transmission integrated front electric traction motor and rear axle mounted electric motor (parallel hybrid) for a combined 273kW/550Nm output, sufficient to propel the portly 2160kg SUV from 0-100kmh in about 6.0 seconds.

The engine(s) are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission feeding power to the wheels via Direct4 all-wheel drive (AWD) aided by Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system that incorporates Dynamic Rear Steering to maximise handling and grip.

Dynamics are further enhanced by Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) while on the stopping front are front aluminium monoblock six-piston callipers, single pistons at the rear – in black under model specific 21-inch, matt-black-painted alloys.

On the equipment front, the RX 500h F Sport Performance is, as expected, highly specified featuring all optional equipment from the RX model’s Enhancement Packs, along with sporting visual upgrades, leather upholstery, and aluminium ornamentation.

A piano black theme continues across various body hardware, the test model adding front F Sport scuff plates with black logos and F Sport branded carpet floor mats.

Aural stimulation is provided by an Active Sound Control generator.

All RX variants come standard with the latest Lexus multimedia system displayed on a 14.0-inch high-definition touchscreen, compatible with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

It offers in-built satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio, and Lexus Connected Services functionality.

Five USB-C ports are dotted throughout the cabin along with two 12V sockets and one USB-A port to support multimedia connection and smartphone charging.

A comprehensive suite of Lexus Safety Sense + active safety features are included across the RX range including pre-collision system with intersection collision avoidance support, emergency steering assist and low-speed acceleration suppression, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, parking support brake, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and more.

A driver monitor camera is now fitted to assess the driver’s state of attention and all new-generation RX models feature safe exit assist (SEA) incorporating new e-latch electrically activated door handles which can detect cyclists or vehicles passing close to the vehicle and can keep the door closed to avoid a collision.

Exterior colours include the striking, newly developed Sonic Copper hue on the test vehicle.

The F Sport also introduces a multitude of comfort and convenience features including high-grade three-projector Bi-LED headlights with BladeScan technology, dynamic auto-levelling, cornering lamps and headlamp cleaners, power tailgate with kick sensor, easy access driver’s seat, smart key card, rear door sunshades and multi-colour interior illumination.

Colour head-up display and touch-type steering wheel controls are included, along with a high-grade instrument cluster display, wireless smartphone charging and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system.

Additional safety features include a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and Adaptive High-Beam System (AHS).

Driving Impressions

As impressive as the 500h’s sculpted sheet metal is, the test car’s Sonic Copper duco was a real pedestrian stopper, setting off the large SUV’s muscular lines amongst a sea of boring silver, grey or white clones.

The powerful visual is firmly underlined by sporty performance from the complex powertrain that never leaves you wanting for more.

It translates into quick sprints out of the blocks, no buttoning off pretty much at any point and zesty mid-range response for overtaking on the highway. All of this to the other-worldly and quite satisfying “note” emanating from the sound generator.

On the other side of the coin is characteristic Lexus smooth and quiet running with proper silent mode often invoked through the electric motor when petrol power isn’t required which, incidentally, is quite often particularly around town.

What is perhaps even more important nowadays is fuel economy which in this case hovered around the 7.2 litres per 100km mark (of 95RON premium unleaded) across a wide range of driving. Lexus claims 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle which would potentially be do-able with careful driving.

In any case, the result is impressive for a vehicle this size and weight with this level of performance.

With a raft of techa-na-logia on board handling dynamic duties, it’s hardly surprising the big Lexus is fleet footed and predictable.

Drive mode dependent, it delivers either a supple magic carpet ride, through a competent all-round setting for everyday driving and on to a firmer, more responsive, sporty setting for corner carving if you’re game (or silly) enough in a near 2200kg luxury SUV.

Drilling down into the dynamics we find relatively feel-ful steering with quick reflexes thanks to a 2.76 ratio lock-to-lock rack that errs more on the sporty side.

The 500h can be placed accurately through turns and execute mid-corner direction changes with aplomb no doubt aided by a combination of all-wheel drive, dynamic rear steering and large 21-inch rubber but the turning circle at 11.0 metres is a touch too big.

The adaptive suspension works continuously to smooth the ride which contributes further to a confident feel.

Braking is accomplished through necessarily large 400mm front discs with six piston callipers, 340mm single piston units at the rear. We had no issues with the brakes at all during the test drive that included the gamut of applications.

But the big Lexus only tows 1500kg so a tow test with our usual 2000kg test rig was not on the agenda.

We were surprised how subtle most of the ADAS was which occasionally meant we didn’t bother to spend the time and switch it all off as is usually the case. It will tug on the wheel if you cross a line (but doesn’t take control) while the driver attention monitor is a pain although at least it doesn’t beep incessantly at every “errant” eye movement – like some…

The interior is plush and cossetting in an understated way Lexus not feeling the need to fill it with cheesy gimmicks that tend to pall quickly. Instead, it has a killer 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, super-efficient climate control, supple leather upholstery, and instantly legible readouts.

We think the adaptive matrix LED headlights are over the top particularly when compared with the light emitted by a smallish brand-name light bar, for a few hundred bucks.

The soft leather clad multi-function wheel is small and feels good in your hands while the conventional gear selector makes a welcome change to the silly systems mounted appearing all over the shop these days commonly afflicting other brands.

Our over-riding impression of the Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance is one of quality, competence and comfort.

You can feel it as soon as you get into the driver’s seat. The robust luxury feel continues through all aspects of the drive experience then you get out, take a walk around the vehicle and it’s quality is clearly evident wherever you look, even underneath.

Perhaps we might not stump up the $131K for this particular model but a lesser RX (and there are many to choose from) might fill the bill to a satisfactory and more affordable level.