We get behind the wheel of the sporty RX 500h – the first-ever turbocharged Lexus hybrid…
The three Cs (‘confidence, management and luxury’) are the cornerstones of the Lexus driving expertise.
There’s no point out of ‘sport’, but the most recent model of the large RX SUV we’ve been testing appears to embrace efficiency and driver engagement as a lot because the three Cs.
What’s extra, effectivity takes a again seat too, together with one other Lexus fixture – the much-maligned CVT transmission.
So. the RX 500h (marketed as a ‘efficiency hybrid’) is a real curiosity and marks one thing of a departure for Toyota’s upmarket sister model.
Simply to recap, the unique RX 450h was the world’s first luxurious hybrid SUV when it was launched in 2005.
The RX is now in its fifth era and consumers can select from a 350h hybrid or 450h+ plug-in hybrid, plus the brand new range-topping 500h.
All provide four-wheel drive, however the 500h is the first-ever Lexus turbocharged hybrid.
The 500h mates a 2.4-litre petrol engine with two electrical motors (entrance and rear) and a traditional six-speed automated gearbox.
For the document, the engine develops 366bhp and 550Nm torque, translating right into a brisk 0-62mph acceleration time of 6.2 seconds.
There’s additionally a brand new ‘Direct4’ torque-vectoring electrical rear axle and four-wheel steering.
Priced from a hefty £77,195 and obtainable in F Sport or Takumi trim, the 500h seems a lot the identical as its siblings (the 350h and 450h+) which is not any unhealthy factor, and it’s a tad smaller than a BMW X5.
The RX’s design has subtly developed from the earlier era. It’s retained a lot the identical form and athletic presence, however the styling is sharper and extra refined, whereas its new pointy nostril (full with trademark Lexus spindle grille) is the largest change.
Inside, the RX is lush, comfy and superbly constructed. The cabin is gentle and spacious, and there’s ample leg and headroom within the again.
You possibly can then add 461 litres of bags capability (seats up) or 621-litre (seats up, loaded to the roof), increasing to 1,678 litres with the rear seats folded.
On the tech entrance, the most recent RX has ditched the earlier mannequin’s fiddly touchpad infotainment management and there’s now a extra typical 14-inch central touchscreen, alongside a digital driver’s show. The system is on the quirky aspect and takes some getting used to, however it’s an enchancment on RXs of outdated.
Nevertheless, it’s on the highway that the Lexus RX 500h (we examined it in F-Sport trim) comes into its personal.
Firstly, the old-school auto gearbox has reworked the RX 500h. Gone are the times of easing the accelerator to be able to keep away from the momentary din of excessive engine revs (a CVT gearbox foible). As a substitute, the six-speed shifts easily with simply the proper trace of aggression.
It’s a giant 4×4 and weighs 2.1 tonnes, so it’s by no means going to be the type of automotive that may barrel as much as quick corners and get away with it, however because of some intelligent tech, it’s extra succesful and enjoyable than you would possibly suppose.
Physique lean is best managed than lesser RXs, and there’s loads of grunt, particularly within the mid-range.
The steering is responsive and there’s a strong engine be aware, whereas the hybrid system works imperceptibly within the background.
The experience is in on the agency aspect, however on A-roads and motorways, it’s the composed and assured cruiser you’d anticipate from a Lexus.
In fact, no automotive is ideal, and the Lexus RX 500h is not any exception. Lexus claims it might return 34.0-35.3 mpg, but we managed nearer to 25mpg. With a little bit of restraint 30-ish mpg is feasible, however contemplating Lexus’s pioneering hybrid historical past, we anticipated extra.
Verdict: The Lexus RX 500h is one thing of a revelation. The addition of a traditional automated gearbox, a turbocharged petrol hybrid powertrain and different intelligent tech delivers efficiency and perspective to an already achieved large SUV.
Lexus UK
