Peter Lyon
August 20, 2023
With a starting price of RM498,888, the edgy hybrid 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport has just landed in Malaysian showrooms.
It employs the F Sport body kit, a distinctive Spindle grille in black, and black side air vents and mirror covers as well as 21-inch alloy wheels in matte black finish. Adding to the SUV’s character are tri-beam LED headlights, daytime running lights, full-width LED tail lights, and the distinctive E-latch door handles are further standard features.
The new hybrid powertrain for the Malaysian-spec RX 500h F Sport incorporates a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors. Power is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, resulting in a total system output of 371 hp and 550 Nm.
Inside, the RX gets a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display, digital instrument panel, and full-color head-up display as standard equipment, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system, variant-specific displays on the instrument cluster, Ultrasuede and leather upholstery, front sport seats with F Sport insignia on the headrests, and a perforated leather F Sport steering wheel.
The class-leading Lexus Safety System+ (LSS) is also featured as standard in Malaysia along with the brand’s Advanced Park to help drivers in tight parking spaces.
OUR THOUGHTS
This RX 500h F Sport comes with a gutsy hybrid 371 hp turbo engine that benefits from its twin electric motors in terms of power and fuel economy. It comes with a slightly different take on Lexus’ signature spindle grille–or should we say it’s been toned down. But as this SUV wears a Luxus badge, you can expect high levels of luxury, a silky smooth ride that’s as quiet as any rival brand, and enough power for even the most demanding sports drivers. And at RM499,000, it’s very competitive.
