Launched: 2023 Lexus RX500h F Sport – From RM498,888

Fifth-gen Lexus RX range grows locally with new RX500h F Sport hybrid variant added as the new range-topper.

The fifth generation Lexus RX luxury SUV range has grown a little this week as Lexus Malaysia officially adds new RX500h F Sport hybrid variant into said model’s range locally. This new variant’s launch follows up from the fifth-gen RX model’s initial local introduction held back in May this year.

Positioned as the range-topper for the fifth-gen RX line, the RX500h F Sport also brings sportier styling plus a hybrid powertrain promising heightened efficiency and lower emissions. Open for orders through all Lexus outlets nationwide starting today (Aug 18), this electrified flavour of the RX commands RM498,888.

F Sport treatment sees the exterior don a sportier front and rear bumper, plus a host of blacked-out exterior accents and trims.

Visually, the RX500h F Sport stands apart from its lesser RX350 twin thanks to the signature Lexus F Sport aesthetic treatment. Notable differences over the RX350 can be seen with styling of the front and rear bumpers, blacked-out accents and trims, not forgetting 21-inch alloy wheels dressed in matte black too.

Beyond which, the Lexus RX500h retains more or less the same silhouette and shape seen in the RX350 variant. Notable Lexus-brand traits include the striking L-shaped LED DRLs with LED projector headlamps and full-width taillights, not forgetting the signature Lexus spindle grille dominating the front fascia.

Also unique to the RX500h F Sport are its 21-inch alloy wheels that come dressed in matte black.

Underneath its pretty skin, the RX500h employs pairs its familiar 2.4-litre -4cyl turbocharged petrol mill with an electric motor to generate combined outputs of 270 HP and 460 NM – the latter marking a 30 NM bump over the non-hybrid RX350 variant slotted below.

Drive goes to all four wheels via Lexus’s DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive (AWD) suite and 6-speed automatic box. Additionally, the added electrification also sees the presence of an eAxle rear unit that’s integrated with the electric motor, inverter, and reduction gearbox.

Underneath, the RX500h still employs a familiar 2.4-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill, but it's now paired with an electric motor. Drive is managed by a 6-speed automatic.

Also new here is the suspension setup that promises sportier driving dynamics, plus a Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) module. The latter tech grants rear wheels steering angles of up to 4° either way depending on speed. This is meant to boost steering agility during both low- and high-speed driving.

On board, it a familiar affair as the base cabin design and layout mirrors what’s seen in the RX350 variant. However, the RX500h’s innards does boast new Ultrasuede vegan leather upholstery in both the seats, dash, and door trims. Also here are the added Dark Spin Aluminium ornamentation.

On board, the cabin is similar to the RX350, but the seats, dash and door trims are now upholstered in
'Ultrasuede' vegan leather.

One notable new tech added here is a top-shelf 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

As for tech, the RX500h’s cabin comes primed with a top-shelf 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, fully digital instrument display panel, touchscreen infotainment similar to the RX350’s featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and ignition, as well as automatic climate control with rear vents.

As per the norm amongst current SUVs in the same price bracket, the Lexus RX500h F Sport is also primed with the latest active driver assist (ADAS) features through the Lexus Safety Sense+ (LSS+) suite. Powered by 12 ultrasonic sensors and four cameras, it enables Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities.

For the RX500h F Sport, prospects have a total of four exterior colour choices available.

A total of four exterior colour choices are available. Besides Lexus Malaysia’s standard 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty coverage, purchases of the RX500h F Sport also includes a separate 8-year, unlimited mileage warranty for its hybrid battery pack, which can optionally be extended by two years too.

Check out more images of the sporty and electrified new Lexus RX500h F Sport in the gallery prepared below.