Two years ago, Lexus introduced a new generation of the popular RX SUV, which is no longer sold in the seven-seater configuration, but has a new hybrid with two important innovations: a turbocharged engine and a classic automatic transmission with a hydrodynamic converter. And it’s almost flawless.
Design, interior
When Lexus introduced the new generation of its flagship RX SUV early last summer, it began writing a new chapter dedicated to technology and design. The latest “eRXo” came into the world on the modern technical basis of the GA-K platform, based on the smaller NX model, which Japanese engineers significantly modified for the larger model. And before going into the technical descriptions, I remind you that we have already tested all the engines of the brand’s largest SUV for you. That is, until the climax.
I drove the new major Lexus product with the most powerful technology of the penultimate year for the first time on the roads of sunny California and already at the first impression I could notice a huge leap between generations.
The Lexus RX arrived with a significant evolution of the design of its predecessor, the biggest novelty was the radiator grille without the decorative chrome frame that was characteristic of the brand until recently. The grille is now framed by the sharp lines of the front bumper and is available in body color as standard, in this case a beautiful Sapphire Blue paint.
The Japanese brand calls the 500h variant a sporty version, which is why in the Czech Republic it is only available in the top-of-the-range F Sport or the even improved F Sport Plus. If you prefer to opt for more comfortable specifications, you will have to settle for the base lower RX 350h hybrid or RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. The top engine of the RX 500h is reserved only for those who love dynamics.
And “our” blue trim is perhaps the nicest you can order for the Lexus RX 500h. Close behind is Sonic Cooper’s copper color, and then you’re left with four unnecessarily subtle shades: white, silver, gray and black. In all colours, your F Sport RX will contrast with black exterior accessories and stylish 21″ F Sport Performance wheels as standard.
A more detailed presentation of the main external and internal innovations seems superfluous to me after our previous tests, but I would still like to focus on the cabin as well. Until recently, Lexus’ biggest problem was outdated infotainment, which unfortunately significantly spoiled the overall impression of the otherwise pleasant luxury and comfort of Japanese cars. Fortunately, this has ended up in the brand’s more modern cars, including the new RX.
Lexus RX 500h Direct4 FSport
In the latest Lexus RX you won’t even find a contradictory trackpad for controlling the multimedia system, but you will have a brand new infotainment system with a 14″ touch screen with the classic control wheels for adjusting the air conditioning temperature. Next you can control ventilation, steering wheel heating or seat heating and ventilation on the lower display bar. There are also accelerated menus to control the most popular functions.
The most powerful “eRXo” got my hands with the notification of a new voice control, which you can use if you are lazy to perform basic actions by default. It can also execute commands like “Hey Lexus, roll down the passenger window”. The window will actually roll down, which will surely amaze all passengers on board, but you can carry out this command from the car technician more easily by pressing the corresponding button on the door. To be honest, I haven’t learned how to assign tasks to the car yet.
And before you step out of the cab again and look under the hood, let me remind you of two things. You can buy the new Lexus RX only in five-seat configuration (the extended seven-seat configuration is a thing of the past), but thanks to the intergenerationally longer wheelbase, it is more spacious in the rear seats (+60 mm to 2850 millimeters). Furthermore, behind you you have a trunk with a basic volume of 838 liters.
And the second point of interest is the new way of opening doors with electronically controlled locks: the internal handle is controlled by pressing as standard. Lexus protects you with this system, among other things, when you open the door, when the assistance systems monitor cars or pedestrians approaching behind you who could endanger you or yourself. Pulling the handle outwards is mainly used to exit the passenger compartment in the event of an accident or road accident. At that moment, however, the car’s intelligent electronics do not protect you in any way.
Engine, driving characteristics
Let’s finally take a look under the hood, because there the new Lexus RX 500h brings important technical innovations. In the Czech Republic the latest generation of the brand’s flagship SUV is sold with three engines, but the most powerful one is also the most technically interesting. For the first time ever, Lexus presents us with its traditional hybrid drive with a completely new concept that will also be loved by all opponents of electrified cars.
The technical basis of the new Lexus RX 500h is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, positioned transversely at the front, with a six-speed automatic transmission with hydrodynamic converter and all-wheel drive with two electric motors. If you still can’t see it, let me draw your attention to the two most important innovations: the turbocharger (twin scroll type) and the classic automatic for the hybrid. The first Lexus hybrids were mostly naturally aspirated with an e-CVT transmission.
The combustion unit develops a maximum output of 202 kW (275 hp) and 460 Nm and is connected to the Direct4 electrified permanent all-wheel drive. The front wheels are driven by a four-cylinder, 64 kW (87 hp) electric motor, while the rear wheels are driven only by a 76 kW (102 hp) eAxle electric motor. The combined power of the most powerful “eRXa” system reaches an impressive 273 kW (371 HP) and the maximum torque of the electrified drive is 550 Nm.
And of course it’s no surprise that the most powerful version of the Lexus RX is also the fastest: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h. Furthermore, with a regular automatic transmission with a hydrodynamic converter, the Lexus RX 500h accelerates as standard and no longer uses constant revs like its brothers with an e-CVT box. Acceleration thus appears more dynamic and acoustically more tolerable without the unnecessary noise of the engine running.
You will appreciate the pleasant dynamics of a large SUV especially on the highway, but in the city it can effectively use electric drive. At Lexus, to preserve electrical energy, they opted for a nickel-metal hydride battery that will never run out, because the electronics constantly work with the current state of charge.
Although the technology of the hybrid Lexus RX 500h is very complex in theory and practice, you will approach and drive it like a fairly normal car. You get there, start it, deactivate the annoying warning of exceeding the maximum speed allowed on the touch screen and drive. If there was an archaic non-electrified drivetrain under the hood, you’d do exactly the same thing.
And there’s another fascinating tech toy that I fell in love with the first time I encountered it in California. Lexus developed the latest RX as the world’s first car with active body control during acceleration, braking or cornering. The brand’s largest SUV in Europe does not “sink” its nose into the asphalt when braking, nor does it rear up during brutal acceleration. So it doesn’t tilt in corners.
The AVS active chassis works with new shock absorbers with independent and continuous adjustment for each wheel separately. Thanks to this, the ride is “flat” and very comfortable, because with this feature the “eRXo” can put even the flagship LS sedan in its pocket. I remember it being pleasantly comfortable, but technically more obsolete and I still can’t do it.
Lexus RX 500h Direct4 F Sport
And how does the Lexus RX 500h fare in sporty driving? The Japanese engineers left nothing to chance, because if you get carried away and really step on it, the powerful brakes with 400 mm discs and six-piston calipers on the front axle are at your service. Dynamic rear wheel steering with the DRS system helps improve cornering agility and decent oversteer.
Let’s slow down and slowly approach the destination of our virtual journey with the new Lexus RX 500h. You will use the most luxurious SUV of the Japanese brand in the old continent especially in everyday life, when it will guarantee you comfort on trips (much more pleasant than its predecessor) and due to its dimensions and weight of 2175 kilograms, it will also allow you to provide a consumption of acceptable petrol.
In cities, when electrified technology is more efficient, you can travel with just over 7 liters per 100 kilometres. Only at higher speeds on the motorway, when the use of the powerful four-cylinder increases significantly, does the actual petrol consumption exceed 10 liters and can reach up to 12 liters per 100 kilometres. However, this is a small price to pay for not obstructing traffic.
Conclusion
Today, I might think of the flagship Lexus RX 500h as one of the best cars I drove last year. It looks sensational, especially with the blue paint and F Sport equipment, is more technologically advanced than its predecessor, has a stylish interior with a new working infotainment system and a powerful ride under the hood.
If there’s anything to complain about about this model, it’s just the little things. Perhaps the most annoying element is the “euro warning” active if the maximum speed limit is exceeded (it is mandatory for all new cars), but you can deactivate this function by creating a user profile and associating it with the vehicle in the mobile app or on the website. Lexus does not even require you to constantly confirm the licensing and legal conditions for using the car and its functions. From our journalistic point of view this is the disadvantage of coming to the vehicle “only as a guest”.
The cheapest version of the model 1,555,000 CZK* (RX 350h Comfort) Base with tested engine 2,530,000 CZK (RX 500h, F Sport) Tested car without supplements 2,530,000 CZK (RX 500h, F Sport) Tested car with equipment 2,570,000 CZK (RX 500h, F Sport) *Special price
Professionals
- Modern infotainment
- Powerful hybrid drive
- Fascinating frame
Downsides
- Annoying speeding warning if you don’t have a user profile
2024-01-03 11:57:00
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