KUALA LUMPUR: Lexus Malaysia has expanded its full-sized RX sports utility vehicle (SUV) offering with a new range-topping RX 500h F Sport hybrid.
Now positioned above the RX 350 Luxury that was introduced in May, the RX 500h F Sport is priced at RM498,888 on the road and is available for booking.Colour options include White Nova Glass Flake, Sonic Iridium, Graphite Black Glass Flake and Sonic Copper.
The SUV is covered by a five-year (unlimited mileage) warranty while the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system gets an eight-year coverage with an additional two-year available as an added option.
The latest RX rides on Lexus' Global Architecture K (GA-K) platform, which promises improved rigidity for enhanced comfort, responsiveness and agility.
Featuring an all-new parallel hybrid architecture, push comes from a 2.4-litre turbocharged (T24A-FTS) engine with 271hp and 460Nm of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The combination of the turbo engine with a front electric motor and a compact rear eAxle which consists of an electric motor, inverter and reduction gearbox, delivers a total output of 366hp.
This output allows the RX 500h to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 6.2 seconds, a performance comparable to a SUV equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged engine.
A Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) hybrid battery supplies power to the motors when running on electric vehicle mode with propulsion to the four wheels channelled through a Direct4 all-wheel-drive system – an exclusive new Lexus drive force technology.
The front-mounted electric motor which has a clutch on both sides is positioned between the engine and transmission and has flexibility in power delivery and running the vehicle in all-electric mode.
The hybrid control system automatically switches between parallel and EV modes according to the driving situation and boasts of an ability to prioritise electric power over the combustion engine even during spirited drives.
The new suspension design features a Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) system where the rear wheels steer up to four degrees either way depending on the speed of the vehicle.
At higher speeds, the rear wheels adjust in phase with the front wheels while at slower speeds, they steer in the opposite direction to make turning into corners and tight spaces more effortless.
Overall vehicle weight has also been reduced via innovative assembly methods and aluminium for the front wings to help improve weight distribution.
One of the benefits of using the GA-K platform is an extended wheelbase along with wider tracks to create an even more spacious cabin.
Up front, the iconic spindle grille has been reinterpreted into the spindle body design while being flanked by pair of jewel-like LED headlights.
Along with a new Lexus badging is the new LED Blade Taillamp while rolling on 21-inch lightweight alloys with 235/50 series tyres specifically designed by Michelin.
The ergonomic cabin features an interior designed around Tazuna and Omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) concepts that introduce Dark Spin Aluminium ornamentation.
While durable plant-derived Ultrasuede for the seat's upholstery is used, an e-Latch electronic door release system replaces the internal door handles with push-button switches.
Meanwhile, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system with a sub-woofer takes care of audio entertainment and is controlled by the 14-inch TFT colour touchscreen.
For safety, the Lexus Safety System+ has been included which features a suite of safety and pre-collision systems along with 12 ultrasonic sensors and four cameras as well as the Lexus Teammate Advanced Park system.
“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 carbon neutrality,” said Lexus Malaysia president Datuk Ravindran K.
For more information, log on to www.lexus.com.my.
