Luxury Hybrid Lexus RX 500h: Embracing Exotic Practicality with a Solid Figure
Back in the day, the number 500 was synonymous with a beefy Mercedes featuring a powerful V8 engine. Trendsetter Lexus, a prestigious offshoot of Toyota, adopted this terminology and applied it to their large SUV, the RX, even though it doesn't come with an actual V8 under its hood.
Lexus is renowned for its high-end vehicles boasting powerful engines wrapped in stylish designs. And when it comes to hybrid powertrains, Lexus has numerous options featuring a combination of electric motors and, at times, even V8s.
Presently, we have the Lexus RX 500h, which stretches to 4.89 meters and continues to flaunt an eccentric exterior filled with chaotic lines and prominent creases. However, the surprise is beneath the hood – a compact 2.4-liter V4 engine, albeit a potent one with 271 hp. This power is supplemented by two robust electric motors (87 hp at the front axle and 103 hp at the rear).
If you're wondering about the performance of this unique powertrain in this luxury vehicle, you won't be disappointed. The engine may not provide the traditional rich sound one associates with luxury cars, but it has its own distinctive appeal. Moreover, the engineers added a sportier edge to the top RX, which is evident in the "F Sport+" label.
Additionally, this RX boasts a revolutionary feature for Lexus hybrids – it replaces the conventional CVT (performance split system) with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V4 engine is also turbocharged.
A Stylish Interior
Driving this RX avoids the infamous "rubber band effect" where the RPM stays high, making it a smoother ride. The interior is designed to be comfy and elegant, ideal for those lengthy drives. The luxurious, soft leather seats, generous legroom, and high-end ambiance ensure a pleasant journey.
Lexus designers have made practicality a priority recently, like in this instance with the central monitor facing the driver – a decision that might be criticized in terms of the passenger's viewing experience. However, Lexus's infotainment system comes with its distinct quirks – the touchpad controls on the steering wheel, for one, require a learning curve due to their low precision and perhaps confusing placement of steering column levers.
But some aspects undeniably improved, like the replacement of the outdated joystick with a menu navigation option on the large display. The presence of a touchscreen significantly enhances user experience.
Power, but not an Overkill
The individual drive components' specifications and overall system performance are readily available before the first test drive. With 371 horsepower, the RX 500h may seem moderate compared to its V8 competitors, but it's sufficient for Lexus, which prefers to walk its own path and doesn't require validation from others.
However, the V8 competition can sometimes feel more assertive when needing to accelerate strongly on steep highway inclines. But the turbo ensures a powerful getaway from a standstill, allowing the RX to reach 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, which is decent for a 2.2-ton vehicle.
The hybrid components perform efficiently, demonstrating an average WLTP fuel consumption of around eight liters. However, durability may be compromised if maximum power is consistently used in high-speed scenarios.
The RX combines luxury with comfort, offering an electronically controlled suspension that gently navigates even the bumpy roads. Its all-wheel steering system improves agility and maneuverability.
Ultimately, the decision to choose Lexus over other brands may stem from the desire to stand out among other car owners. Lexus represents a unique blend of individualism and high-end luxury, despite its showy design.
The RX 500h does not come cheap, starting at 94,250 euros. Additional features, such as air-conditioned rear seats, can elevate the cost to 97,400 euros for the "comfort package." Luckily, passengers in the second row can also travel comfortable with this upgrade.
So, while the RX focuses on aesthetics, it delivers as a practical vehicle with ample luggage space and air-conditioned seating arrangements. Its distinctiveness and metrics make it a preferred choice among its fans, and an increase in admirers would only benefit the brand.
The following information is provided: The Lexus RX 500h comes with a surprise under its hood – a compact 2.4-liter V4 engine, despite being named as a '500' model, which is a terminology often associated with large vehicles equipped with powerful V8 engines.
Furthermore, though Lexus is known for its high-end vehicles with powerful engines, the RX 500h also exemplifies their approach to power, preferring a moderate 371 horsepower rather than an overkill, keeping true to their philosophy of walking their own path.
