2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Launched In Malaysia
The 5th generation Lexus RX first saw its launch in Malaysia in May with the RX 350 Luxury variant. As a follow-up, Lexus Malaysia has launched the RX 500h F Sport variant for customers who wish for a hybrid powertrain option. The hybrid RX offers efficiency with the flexibility, practicality and even the off-road capability of an SUV, along with the handling, performance, refinement and comfort of a premium sedan.
Power comes from the combination of a high-torque T24A-FTS 2.4L turbocharged engine and an electric motor offering 202 kW (271 hp) and 460 Nm that is channeled through a 6-speed transmission. This powertrain is also aided by a compact 76 kW motor in the rear axle. This hybrid combination allows the RX 500h to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.
Furthermore, with this rear e-axle, Lexus is able to label the RX 500h as having its exclusive Direct4 system. This essentially makes this hybrid RX an all-wheel-drive SUV with the Direct4 drive force technology constantly controlling torque and braking force of each wheel to optimise traction and improve handling and stability. The system also prioritises electric power over the combustion engine even when it is driven spiritedly, thus keeping performance smooth, refined and dynamic.
To further provide the RX 500h F SPORT with a more dynamic and sporty feel, the new suspension design features a Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) system where the rear wheels steer up to 4° either way depending on the speed of the vehicle. At higher speeds, the rears adjust in phase with the front wheels to offer stability and confidence. At slower speeds, they turn in opposing direction to the fronts to make turning into corners and tight spaces more effortless.
Some Lexus firsts found in this hybrid SUV are the WSC (Wet Start Clutch) which is adopted as the starting mechanism for HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) driving. This provides direct power transmission through a mechanical clutch, and highly precise and responsive torque control. Another new item is the separate 2-port Vane Oil Pump to provide optimal distribution of oil and reduce pump losses. Further, the High Voltage Electric Oil Pump is also a Lexus first, providing hydraulic supply during driving, and cooling and lubrication oil supply for the WSC.
With the electric motor contributing to a large part of propelling the RX, fuel consumption is thus reduced, with the RX 500h going 20% further with per tank. Furthermore, since it is 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.
The RX 500h F SPORT uses a new low-resistance nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack with a bi-polar structure that delivers high output to support fuel efficiency. Placed beneath the vehicle’s rear seat, the battery pack doesn’t compromise on cabin nor boot space. It is also quieter thanks to the refinement of its air-cooling system. Compared to previous HEV models, the battery resistance has been reduced, while components capable of handling the high output have been adopted.
The RX rides on the improved GA-K (Global Architecture – K) platform that has been lightened by 90 kg thanks to the use of stronger metals in strategic areas such as the side rockers, roof, and B-pillars, allowing for reduction in thickness of side members and door assemblies. Changing the front wings from steel to aluminium also contributed to improved weight distribution and reduction. Furthermore, the use of innovative adhesives and welds, has improved overall rigidity which enhances ride quality, agility and comfort. The overall weight has been lowered as the thickness of the side members and the door assemblies has been reduced. The vehicle’s centre of gravity is also about 15 mm lower now.
The expanded GA-K platform with extended wheelbase and wider track also allowed for a more spacious cabin, within a body length that is the same as the previous generation. There is more knee room offered to rear seat passengers and a better view both to the side and ahead, helped by the car’s lower beltline and the wider forward field of vision. Access is also made easier with a lower hip-point and adjustment of the easy access power adjustment.
The interior of the 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 more intuitive connection with the vehicle, many elements around the dashboard have been carefully considered and designed. For example, the head-up display, instrument panel and centre display are arranged in a way that allows for smooth line of sight to help minimise driver head movement. The modular design and positioning of the principal information sources means only small changes in the driver’s viewing angle are required to view them. Moreover, driving-related controls are concentrated around the steering wheel, enabling the driver to have more focus on driving.
The Omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) concept is another prominent feature in every Lexus model. A deeprooted 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’ hospitality to enrich the experience for all the occupants. There are different phases of ‘welcome‘, and ‘send-off’ which reflect Omotenashi. The illumination concept is based on the Seamless Anticipation, Incisive Simplicity, and Intriguing Elegance of L-finesse and uses indirect light glow to show off the beauty of the forms and materials to create a comforting space.
The F SPORT version uses Ultrasuede as accent material in the seat upholstery to complement the genuine leather. This plant-based synthetic leather with suede effect is not an oil-derived product and is a more sustainable and durable material. Another notable difference in the F SPORT compared to the Luxury spec (other than the F Sport steering) is the Dark Spin Aluminium trim. The ‘spin’ refers to the exquisite spin finish applied to give the cold texture and sharp shading of metal, while dark tones provide a sense of continuity with the meters.
Other features inside include a full HD 14″ EMV (Electro Multi Vision) wide display with easy readability, a Dynamic Voice Recognition System, Android Auto (wired) and Apple CarPlay (wireless), 21-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System, 5 USB Type-C ports in the cabin (and 1 Type A port for data connection), 2 12V accessories sockets, and a Qi wireless charger.
Boot volume measures about 612 litres and can take up to 4 golf bags, or 4 large suitcases. There is additional storage under the boot floor due to the replacement of the spare tyre with a repair kit, to free up more space and reduce weight. Loading and unloading is also easier as the floor level has been lowered by 30 mm. Further, the powered rear liftgate has a kick sensor for hands-free operation, as well as a Walk-Away function to close it by walking away with the key fob.
On the outside, the signature spindle grille has transformed into a spindle body that has a more mesh-like pattern on the F SPORT compared to the Luxury trim. Flanking this are a pair of Ultra Slim 3-Beam LED projector headlamps, and LED fog lamps integrated with air curtains. Meanwhile, the rear LED Blade tail lamps span the width of the vehicle. The RX 500h F SPORT rides on 21″ light alloy rims finished in matte black and come with exclusive 235/50 R21 tyres that offer high-quality ride comfort, quietness as well as enhanced grip.
“The arrival of the 2023 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT here in Malaysia further enforces Lexus Malaysia’s intent to elevate the driving experience for our customers while steering towards a future of carbonneutrality ,” said President of Lexus Malaysia Datuk Ravindran K. “Through advanced technology, we have achieved the pinnacle of automotive sophistication while delivering on performance and driving pleasure with this new RX 500h F SPORT,” he added.
For safety, the RX 500h F SPORT is fitted with Lexus Safety System+ which features a suite of safety and pre-collision systems designed to alert drivers and activate preventive measures to avoid accidents in daily driving situations. It also comes with the e-Latch which is an electronic door release system that replaces the internal door handle with a push-button switch positioned next to the armrest in the door panel for smooth and easy access and exit from the vehicle.
Using 12 ultrasonic sensors and 4 cameras, the RX 500h F SPORT’s Lexus Teammate Advanced Park system makes parking easy. Not only does it warn of near objects, it also assists through automatic control of steering, shift operation and braking for automated convenience in narrow spaces.
The Lexus RX 500h F SPORT comes with 4 colour choices i.e. White Nova Glass, Sonic Iridium, Graphite Black Glass Flake and Sonic Copper. Vehicle warranty coverage is 5 years (unlimited mileage), while the Hybrid Battery Pack enjoys an 8-year unlimited mileage warranty, extendable for an additional 2 years as an option.
Booking is now open and retail price starts from RM498,888.
For more details, visit www.lexus.com.my 
