The Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance is an exquisite blend of sophistication and comfort, two qualities that are often challenging to marry in the automotive industry. This reaffirms that Lexus and Toyota are making swift advancements and leaving a lasting impact.
Lexus is undeniably a brand that springs to mind when it comes to luxury, elegance, and prestige. The undeniable smooth and comfortable ride offered by Lexus vehicles has become synonymous with the brand. Moreover, Lexus is renowned for its reliability and durability, making it the preferred choice for discerning individuals who seek Japanese luxury cars. However, doubts surrounding the “driving experience” of a Lexus and its sporty performance prowess have persisted.
These reservations may persist until one has the opportunity to experience the sheer power and performance capabilities of the flagship crossover model, the Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance. The exclusive event, Lexus Experience Amazing, held in celebration of its 10-year journey, at the iconic My Dinh F1 racetrack, provided a rare opportunity to encounter this remarkable “Japanese rarity.”
The event showcased four popular Lexus models in the Vietnamese market, including the newly introduced latest-generation RX 500h and RX 350. The event also unveiled the previous generation RX, the NX 350h, and the ES 300h sedan. However, the highlight of this immersive experience undoubtedly revolved around the RX 500h F-Sport Performance.
Starting with the exterior, the new fifth-generation Lexus RX boasts noticeable enhancements. While maintaining its overall length, the rear axle has been pushed back, resulting in a 60 mm increase in the wheelbase compared to its predecessor, now measuring 2,850 mm. Additionally, the overall height has been reduced by 10 mm. Moreover, the hood has been lowered by 15 mm and extended 80 mm towards the rear. These strategic modifications effectively reposition the engine, the weightiest component of the vehicle, closer to the car’s center, thereby improving stability during operation.
Furthermore, the innovative GA-K chassis platform undergoes advancements in terms of structural design, materials, and manufacturing processes to enhance overall rigidity while reducing weight. The RX 500h F-Sport Performance, like the RX 350 Luxury and RX 350 F-Sport models, features front and rear AVS shock absorbers that strike the perfect balance between sporty performance and the characteristic smoothness that define Lexus cars.
Additionally, the range-topping Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance is equipped with DRS (rear-wheel steering), which facilitates rear-wheel steering in the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speeds, resulting in an improved turn radius for seamless parking in tight spaces. At high speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels, enhancing agility, seamless handling, and stability. This feature was demonstrated during a slalom test at a speed range of 50-60 km/h, showcasing the Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance gracefully maneuvering through the zigzag course without any signs of instability or loss of control.
One of the most outstanding features of the Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance lies in its hybrid powertrain. The vehicle incorporates a hybrid system that combines a 2.4L turbocharged I4 engine with a front electric motor and an independent rear electric motor. This configuration enables the car to achieve a maximum power output of 366 horsepower and a maximum torque of 460 Nm.
Powering the car is a 4WD hybrid system known as DIRECT4, which encompasses mechanical power distribution to the front wheels and electric power distribution to the rear wheels. This system allows for flexible torque distribution, ranging from 20:80 to 80:20, depending on the specific driving conditions and demands.
Collectively, all these enhancements culminate in an exceptionally agile driving experience, elevating the performance of the Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance to unprecedented levels. The real-world driving encounter on the revered F1 racetrack at My Dinh unveiled the car’s inherent ability to handle corners with remarkable finesse. The vehicle remained firmly grounded when executing swift lane changes at high speeds, demonstrating minimal body roll during tight turns at approximately 60 km/h.
During acceleration, there was no noticeable lift at the front, and even during sudden braking, the rear exhibited no discernible uplift, showcasing substantial improvements in terms of stability and precise maneuverability. This is further reinforced by the extraordinary capabilities of the electronic vehicle dynamics control system (VDIM), which intervenes seamlessly in the suspension, steering, engine, and drivetrain to optimize control over the car’s movements.
To conclude, it is evident that the Lexus RX 500h F-Sport Performance epitomizes the remarkable progress that Lexus, and more broadly, Toyota, is rapidly making in an overwhelmingly positive direction. The car successfully retains its inherent beauty, elegance, and smoothness while integrating modern and visually captivating design elements, particularly in its athletic performance attributes.
One particularly noteworthy aspect of the latest generation Lexus RX lies in its remarkable ability to strike a harmonious balance between the exhilaration of sporty performance, tailored for individuals inclined toward speed, and the comfort and smoothness required for everyday commutes. Undoubtedly, the new generation Lexus RX is poised to witness a surge in demand, with prospective owners outnumbering available units, thereby ensuring stable resale values and solidifying its position as one of the most sought-after luxury car brands in Vietnam.
Finally, it is undeniable that the 2023 Lexus RX boasts a truly captivating and visually arresting design. Japanese engineers have introduced a progressive update that resonates with the present era’s electrification spirit while impeccably preserving the iconic design elements synonymous with the brand. For instance, the front grille has undergone a transformative shift from a framed design to an uninterrupted, infinite design. The distinctively sharp L-shaped LED headlights, as well as the body, possess softer yet potent and dynamic creases, exuding a sense of youthful appeal and masculinity.
Furthermore, the vehicle’s interior epitomizes luxury, showcasing a design philosophy that effortlessly blends convenience and comfort with aesthetic allure and visual harmony through the careful selection of materials such as leather, wood, and metal.
Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)
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