Lexus RX500h F SPORT Hybrid joins RX350

Following the launch of the 5^th generation Lexus RX350 in May, Lexus Malaysia has now added the RX500h, which has a hybrid powertrain, in line with Toyota’s approach of providing customers with different powertrain choices as it strives to achieve its own objective of carbon-neutrality.

While the latest generation has been available in some markets since 2022, production in Japan has been limited due to the microprocessor shortages that impacted vehicle production in the post-pandemic period. For high-end models like the RX, there are a lot of electronic systems in the vehicles, hence limited production and supply. Thus it is only this year that Lexus Malaysia has received its allocations and from what we hear, there have been a number of customers waiting.

Pioneer of premium SUVs
By now, the RX line is well established with 3.5 million units of the first four generations sold since 1998. Like the RAV4 three years earlier, the RX (which was also sold under the Toyota brand as the Harrier) created a new market segment almost overnight. Where the RAV4 had started the trend towards small and passenger-like SUVs, the RX brought SUVs into the premium segment.

Within a few years, Mercedes-Benz and BMW would come out with their SUVs, and then Porsche. The SUV trend would continue to this day, completed with Rolls-Royce and Bentley also offering a SUVs.

As the RX500h is the flagship version of the model line, Lexus Malaysia has chosen the F SPORT version, priced from RM498,888. Unfortunately, though this model has an electrified powertrain, the duty-free incentive only applies to fully electric vehicles and not those with hybrid powertrains.

GA-K platform
As with all other versions, the new RX500h rides on the GA-K (Global Architecture – K) platform which is much improved over the platform used for the previous generation.

Thanks to the use of stronger metals in areas such as the side rockers, roof, and B-pillars, as well as innovative adhesives and welds, overall rigidity has been improved as well. The inherent rigidity of the GA-K platform translates directly into enhanced ride quality, better responsiveness, with agile handling and comfort.

F SPORT performance enhancements
The performance enhancements in driving dynamics for the F SPORT version come from having Adaptive Variable Suspension as standard to control the damping force of the shock absorbers on all 4 wheels.

Additionally, there is Dynamic Rear Steering with an enlarged rear wheel turning angle, providing the optimal vehicle characteristics for the vehicle speed. The system allows the rear wheels to be turned by a maximum of 4°. By turning in phase or counter-phase to the front wheels, the vehicle’s handling will be more natural with better manoeuvrability in the low speed range, while maintaining nimble handling in the mid-speed range, and enhancing stability in the high speed range.

While having a similar suspension layout as before, the front MacPherson strut suspension has new suspension arms and bushings to better absorb high frequency vibrations and shocks from the road. The new rear 5-arm multi-link setup is more compact than before, liberating additional cabin space for passengers, cargo and battery pack placement.

Lexus Hybrid Drive
While Toyota was first to introduce hybrid powertrains in mass produced cars, Lexus can also be considered a pioneer in electrified powertrains in its segment. In 2005, the Lexus Hybrid Drive in the RX400h (second generation of the model) was the first model in the premium segment with a hybrid powertrain.

Self-charging, the Lexus Hybrid Drive offered full hybrid technology, which means the vehicle can run on its electric power alone. Since then, the brand’s Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) technology has been greatly improved and used in many Lexus models.

For the RX 500h F SPORT, there is completely new parallel hybrid architecture incorporating the petrol engine, integrated front motor and power control unit, and nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack.

The 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine (T24A-FTS) delivers 202 kW (275 ps)/460 Nm to a compact 76 kW rear e-axle via a 6-speed transmission. There is also a front electric motor which is positioned between the engine and the transmission (which has a clutch on both sides).

The hybrid control system automatically switches between parallel and EV modes according to the driving situation, giving both strong acceleration and fuel efficiency. The hybrid system prioritises running on electricity for as much as possible, regardless of how hard the driver uses the accelerator.

DIRECT4 all-wheel drive
Power delivery to each wheel is controlled by DIRECT4, a Lexus-developed system. This intelligent all-wheel drive system uses a separate electric motor and inverter to constantly vary the power and torque between the front and rear axles in any driving situation. It automatically and seamlessly adjusts the level of drive force between the two axles – more quickly and precisely than any mechanical system could.

The DIRECT4 system also enhances ride comfort with instant torque that helps control body movement. Information from various sensors received by the HEV ECU is used to constantly and precisely control the front-rear torque distribution (70:30 to 20:80) for the best traction, whatever the surface condition.

With the electric motor contributing to a large part of propelling the SUV, fuel consumption is obviously less, and the RX 500h is said to be able to go 20% further with each fuel tank of fuel. As it is a HEV and not a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), recharging of the battery pack is not necessary as there is constant charging while on the move.

Owners therefore do not have to worry about looking for a charging station on long journeys. This is an important difference with fully electric vehicles and justifies continued provision of self-charging hybrid powertrains in markets where the charging infrastructure may still be limited.

Lexus Safety System+
Where active safety systems used to function independently, many sophisticated systems are now integrated for better overall performance. In the case of the new RX, the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) is a suite of active safety features. Besides taking preventive measures to avoid accidents in daily driving situations, LSS+ also aids daily driving to reduce burden on the driver.

The new generation RX has an improved version of LSS+, employing the current technology with new functions. Many of the systems in LSS+ use a millimetre wave radar sensor and monocular camera to scan the road ahead and identify potential hazards. Data and imagery are analysed at high speed by the on-board computer and either the driver will be alerted or autonomous action such as braking will be initiated.

The LSS+ suite in the new RX includes Road Sign Assist (RSA) which is not common in the active safety systems of cars in Malaysia (the current Supra has it) It is one step towards autonomous motoring and it can identify certain signs, specifically speed limit signs. While we do have some variations in our signs, fortunately speed limit signs are standardised and therefore can be recognised by the system.

With RSA active, the driver will be informed of the speed limit on the display. Additionally, if enabled by the driver when using Adaptive Cruise Control, the system can also automatically adjust the speed to the speed limit.

There are also some other systems which are not part of LSS+ but worth mentioning as they make meaningful contributions to safety.

One is Safe Exit Assist (SEA) which is linked to the vehicle’s Blind Spot Monitor. Besides giving an alert, also prevents the door from being opened if there is a vehicle or cyclist approaching from behind. SEA is expected to help prevent 95% of ‘dooring’ accidents.

Additional driver support in the RX500h includes Lexus Teammate Advanced Park to assist in parking operations. This provides automated control of the steering, shift operation and braking. It uses the vehicle’s array of 4 cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors to gain an all-round picture of the immediate surroundings for positioning the vehicle.

Evolving Lexus design language
With this new generation, Lexus designers have been given an opportunity to establish a new expression of Lexus design. The spindle grille, a signature feature of the Lexus brand for the past 11 years, has now evolved into a ‘spindle body’.

The body panel extends to the L emblem bottom emphasizing the sense of mass, while the body and grille merge at their boundaries. The strengthened and evolved Lexus signature has Ultra Slim 3-Beam LED Projector headlamps with a black-toned extension that creates a subdued presence, highlighting the L-signature DRL.

At the rear, the ‘L’ mark has been discontinued and replaced with the brand-unifying LEXUS logo located centrally, while the model name logo is located at the bottom right for brand consistency.

The shape of the RX has evolved from the original design in 1998, becoming larger and more aerodynamic. In the latest generation, the front fascia, for example, efficiently directs airflow around the spindle body while cooling the brakes.

Other aerodynamic elements include flush windows and door moldings, and the addition of a fin on the bottom edge of the rear bumper which suppresses airflow turbulence behind the rear wheels. Even the shape and position of the rear spoiler have been calculated precisely.

The outer mirror and the door glass surface have been located further apart and the size difference between the airflow path entrance and exit has been decreased, reducing the change in wind speed.

The underside is not overlooked either as air also flows between the floorpan and the road. A larger area of flat undercover and flat-surfaced heat insulators has been installed, creating a flat floor for smoother airflow. An engine undercover with a dimpled surface creates air vortices as the vehicle moves, enhancing the feeling of it being in firm contact with the road.

The Michelin 235/50R21 tyres for the RX 500h F Sport have special visual treatment. Using Michelin’s mold technology, a Premium Touch finish around the full circumference of the tyre sidewall provides a deep premium black and a luxurious velvet-like tactile surface.

Tazuna concept interior
The interior of the new RX adopts the Tazuna concept, a design vision inspired by the Lexus Driving Signature and first used in the NX. ‘Tazuna’ refers to the Japanese word for the reins of a horse, an important element in the perfect relationship between rider and horse. The aim is to help the driver focus on driving, with a direct, emotional connection to the vehicle.

To give the driver a deeper, more intuitive connection with the vehicle, many elements around the dashboard have been carefully considered and designed. The HUD (Head-up Display), instrument panel and centre display are arranged in a layout that allows for smooth line of sight to help minimise driver head movement.

The modular design and positioning of the principal information sources mean only small changes in the driver’s viewing angle are required to view them. Driving-related controls are concentrated around the steering wheel, enabling the driver to drive freely as intended.

Exploiting the benefits of the GA-K platform with the extended wheelbase and wider tracks has allowed the interior designers to package the cabin space as a true SUV – within a body length that is the same as the previous generation. However, there is more knee room for rear seat passengers and a better view both to the side and ahead. Access has been made easier with a lower hip-point and adjustment of the easy access power adjustment.

Omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) is an extremely strong feature in every Lexus model. A deep-rooted tradition in Japan, Lexus applies it to provide care and comfort during every moment spent inside the vehicle.

In the spirit of Omotenashi, all elements that comprise the cockpit layout—including the forms, graphics, and illumination—are used to express the atmosphere that gives a sense of ‘omotenashi’. There are different phases of ‘welcome‘, and ‘send-off’ which reflect Omotenashi.

The lighting is part of the process and the illumination concept throughout the cabin is based on the Seamless Anticipation, Incisive Simplicity, and Intriguing Elegance of L-finesse. Indirect illumination is used, rather than direct light, to show off the beauty of the forms and materials, providing a comfortable space. The ambient lighting has a range of 64 colours to choose and mix and there are also 14 low-saturation colours pre-selected that evoke different emotions and atmospheres.

The driver has two types of displays to constantly view necessary information while driving. With the F SPORT package also comes an exclusive racing-style read-out that adds to the model’s performance-focused feel. The switches are priority-based and those with a low priority are on-screen switches. This has reduced the number of physical switches by 37%, from 80 switches before to 51 switches in the new RX.

Though the rear overhang of the new RX is shorter than before, the boot volume is the same. This has been possible with clever design solutions such as a thinner door which has allowed the length to be increased by 50 mm.

With the rear seats in use, the available volume is 612 litres. This can take up to 4 golfbags as before. Likewise, up to 4 suitcases can be contained and with the new RX, they can also be bigger suitcases. Incidentally, loading is also easier as the floor level is 30 mm lower.

The RX 500h F SPORT comes with warranty coverage for 5 years with unlimited mileage. The HEV System is covered with an 8-year warranty, with additional option of 2 more years of coverage (if the owner wants it).

When Lexus Malaysia began selling cars over 10 years ago, many people were happy that they could get full aftersales support. Buying from the private importers meant they did not get proper technical support, no warranty and no assured spare parts.

Lexus Malaysia, as the authorised representative of the brand, can give full support through authorised service centres nationwide. Besides genyine parts, these service centres have the necessary diagnostic equipment for the RX and other models, as well as technicians who have been specially trained on the models.