Lexus South Africa selling most expensive new RX at adjusted price for limited time

The first batch of the new Lexus RX 500h F Sport units imported to South Africa contained a “spec misalignment to what has been advertised to the market” and this particular model will now be “sold at an adjusted price,” the automaker’s domestic subsidiary confirmed to TopAuto.

Lexus didn’t say exactly what the misalignment entails or what the adjusted price will be, only that 13 units in these specifications will be sold and badged as the “RX 500h F Sport Limited Edition.”

The standard RX 500h F Sport will be available again from June 2023, said the company. This trim currently has a starting price of R1,635,200.

In the meantime, interested consumers may order the rest of the RX range including the entry-level RX 350 (R1,382,500), the RX 350 hybrid (R1,415,800), and the RX 350 F Sport (R1,498,300).

What’s on offer

The Lexus RX offers a choice of three powertrains in the form of a conventional turbo-petrol identified as the 350, and two hybrid configurations namely the 350h and 500h.

The petrol-only version generates 205kW and 430Nm from a 2.4-litre plant, with a top speed of 200km/h and typical fuel spend of 8.7l/100km on the books.

Next up is the 2.5-litre hybrid system found on the 350h which puts out 184kW, though Lexus has not provided the official torque statistics for its hybrids and lists the figure as “239+e” Nm, the 239 referencing the torque produced by the combustion engine only.

The 350h also manages a top speed of 200km/h but fuel usage comes in at a far lower 5.4l/100km.

At the top, the 500h sees a turbocharged 2.4-litre hybrid layout that makes a considerably higher 273kW and “460+e” Nm at an average consumption of 6.5l/100km. Fittingly, it boasts the highest maximum speed of 210km/h, too.

Each new RX then relays power to both axles via the Direct4 all-wheel-drive system, whereas the 350 is equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the 350h a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with no cogs, and the 500h a six-speed automatic.

Additionally, the F Sport trims feature adaptive variable suspension that adjusts the shock absorbers on the fly for better comfort or handling depending on the road conditions.

The automaker has also stated that a plug-in hybrid derivative will be brought to the market later in 2023.

In the comforts category, the premium Lexus is well endowed and, except for the models with the spec misalignment, every RX brings semi-Aniline leather upholstery, electric front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, a digital driver’s display, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A wireless phone charger, three-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start, lane-trace assist, cornering assist, blind-spot monitoring, on-board navigation, ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera system, a panoramic sunroof, and the Lexus Preventative Safety System are also included.

Lexus RX 500h F Sport