Lexus RX 500h in the driving report – practical exotic with a sonorous number, luxury in a different way

The “magic” number 500 used to necessarily mean “big Mercedes” with a V8. Lexus has long since adopted such a nomenclature and uses it, for example, in the large RX SUV. However, there is no eight-cylinder engine under the hood of the hybrid.

The noble Toyota subsidiary Lexus is well known for solid vehicles with large engines under the often somewhat over-styled sheet metal. And Lexus also has plenty of hybrid drives, at best it’s a combination of electric motor and V8.

And now here stands the large Lexus RX 500h, 4.89 meters long, in front of you, still looking crazy styled with wildly jumbled lines and distinctive beads. But what kind of gasoline engine is under the hood? Unfortunately only a plain 2.4 liter four-cylinder, which is however powerful with 271 hp – together with two powerful electric units (87 hp on the front axle and 103 hp on the rear axle).

Now, of course, the thought immediately arises as to how such a mundane drivetrain performs in such a noble tourer. In any case, you shouldn’t expect a sonorous sound. But no problem, a bit of a robust timbre doesn’t hurt the distinguished Japanese. Especially since the engineers obviously wanted to give their top RX a little more sportiness anyway, otherwise there wouldn’t be the designation “F Sport+”.

In addition, this RX finally has a revolutionary feature for Lexus hybrid standards: This drive does not work with the typical continuously variable transmission (power-split system), but with a conventional six-speed automatic. A turbocharger also powers the four-cylinder.

The Lexus interior is chic

And so the driver doesn’t experience the infamous “rubber band effect” (the speed remains at the top), which is much more harmonious in terms of driving. Speaking of harmonious – that’s definitely what the RX is. At least when used on long journeys. Fine, comfortable leather armchairs, plenty of space and a chic environment make your stay pleasant.

And now the Lexus architects are also striving for pragmatism. This can be recognized, for example, by the central monitor being tilted slightly towards the driver. Nowadays you have to ask yourself whether the passenger is not being discriminated against. Ultimately, the excellent accessibility of the monitor for the driver means poorer accessibility for the passenger.

It doesn’t matter, the infotainment at Lexus is special anyway, and the RX is no exception. Cruise control operation via steering wheel touch fields with poor accuracy are things that the user has to endure just as much as overloaded steering column levers. But not everything is bad about the operation. The brand has finally thrown its outdated joystick overboard in order to now be able to work easily via the menu on the large display. Yes, Lexus now also has the touchscreen. And it works quite well. Almost as confident as driving the turbo all-wheel drive.

Bearish, but not excessively motorized

The technical data of the individual drive components are already available and you can also find out the system performance before the first test round. With 371 hp, it almost sounds a bit lean for the modern “five hundred”, as a reminder: big car and all. But no, Lexus doesn’t have to prove anything to itself or other people. Especially since that is more than enough power. Think. So, well, that’s right. But there are situations where the V8 competition (there are said to be BMW, Mercedes and Porsche SUVs that still offer something like this) simply acts more aggressively and more aggressively. For example, if you want to accelerate sharply on highway inclines. From a standstill, the turbo pushes hard and reaches 100 km/h after 6.2 seconds. That’s okay for a 2.2-ton truck. And it also packs a lot of torque. The combustion engine produces 460 Newton meters, typical of a turbo. And the Stromer pulls with 292 and 169 Newton meters respectively.

The WLTP consumption of around eight liters proves that this aggregate composition is quite efficient. If you constantly use the power and, for example, the top speed of 210 things, this mark is difficult to maintain. Somehow logical. However, the RX is more of a cruiser anyway. Its electronically controlled damping carries it gently over bumps. And the fine tech features include all-wheel steering. It contributes a good part to the agility of the RX.

In the end, the question remains why it should be the Lexus and not other brands. Maybe because the label gives customers the opportunity to stand out from other drivers. Lexus somehow also means individualism, but in an unobtrusive form. And not because of, but despite the extroverted design. It’s different, catches the eye, but isn’t too bulky. So the RX collects a lot of sympathy points.

Given its status, the RX 500h is hardly available cheaply given its base price of 94,250 euros. And there is always more. After all, any passengers in the second row would also like to travel first class – with air-conditioned seats in the rear, this is also possible. Cost: 3150 euros extra for the so-called interior package. Anyone who invests this amount can also electrically position or fold down the rear seat back of their RX. In this case, the RX shows its practical side and can load the equivalent of almost 1700 liters of luggage.

So it’s not just a fancy, fashionable look that’s important for the RX, but also practicality. The RX is unlikely to lose its exotic existence, but that’s why fans love it so much. A few more of them couldn’t hurt the brand.