NEW LEXUS RX 500h

Advanced hybrid tech is now mandatory for the big RX and our first taste came in the form of the flagship 500h in its striking hero colour, Cobalt Blue. We’ve previously driven the pure-electric RZ and at first glance, you might think the ‘spindle-bodied’ pair are closely related given similar takes on Lexus’s Next Chapter design language. They’re even priced at similar figures around the $140k mark.

But once acquainted with the RX 500h, differences between RX and RZ models soon become apparent, starting with the platforms and dimensions. The RX joins the NX in moving to Toyota’s GA-K platform and the result is a meaningful weight saving of nearly 100kg, greater body rigidity and a lower centre of gravity. It certainly feels bigger than the RZ although overall length only differs by 85mm.

F-Sport badging and 21-inch alloys hint at genuine sporting credentials for the range-topper. They’re underpinned by four-wheel steering and a Direct4 system that instantly vectors torque at each axle for supreme balance. The overall look is more sporting than ever thanks to a lower roofline and wider tracks, the bigger stretch being 40mm at the rear. Sleeker LED headlights clasp a black, unframed spindle grille and a shapely light bar extends from very high hips across the rear end. The fluid lines and prominent wheelarches cement a very purposeful and imposing look.

Under the bonnet, the V6 of old has been replaced by a 2.4-litre turbocharged four that links up with two electric motors to deliver permanent four-wheel drive. Total combined output is 273kW and 460Nm. While the entry RX 350h features a CVT, the 500h gets a six-speed auto and is capable of returning 7.2L/100km on the NEDC cycle, Lexus claims. Acceleration is brisk when you demand it with power building smoothly and quickly and there’s even a pleasing exhaust note in the mix. In brief, it’s more fun to drive assertively with something in reserve rather than wringing its neck. At seven or eight tenths, the RX 500h flows down favourite back roads with surprising agility, exhibiting excellent body control and comfortably disguising its considerable weight.

But as good as the 500h feels in spirited mood, it’s still better as a relaxed grand tourer where its luxury bent comes to the fore on any road, urban or rural. You may notice a faint tremble from step-off with this powertrain but our concerns about the 21-inch alloys compromising ride quality proved largely unfounded. Even Lexus’s legendary noise isolation on coarse surfaces remains intact. We concluded we would plump for this RX over an electric RZ if cruising down country for the weekend. Once settled in the beautifully crafted, cleanly presented interior, it’s easy to stay put for several hundred kays and enjoy a calming and cosseting experience with ‘Hey Lexus’ on call for tweaking settings by voice control.