Facelifted Lexus RX450h F-Sport
Writer: LUKE MADDEN
What is it?
For 2012 Lexus updated the RX model with a new look, some improvements to the interior and a new flagship F-Sport trim level, which is applied to the car we’re driving here. It incorporates a more aggressive grille, dark 19-inch wheels and a firmer suspension set-up for improved handling. The hybrid powertrain – consisting of a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and two electric motors – still puts out 295bhp, which is exactly the same as the pre-facelift cars.
What’s hot?
- In F-Sport trim the RX is stylish enough to draw attention from any of the other big SUVs on the road
- CO2 emissions are just 145g/km, which means you can make a Benefit in Kind company car tax saving of around £2000 over one of the most efficient cars in this class – the Mercedes ML250. It’ll be more like £5000 if you were looking at the ML350
- The electric motors and smooth petrol engine only add to the excellent refinement. Around town it really is whisper quiet
- Updates to the interior – including a simplified entertainment system – have answered complaints of the pre-facelift car. Design and quality is still not as good as Mercedes or BMW though
- The handling is impressive for such a high and heavy car. Throw the Lexus into a corner and the lack of body roll makes it feel extremely agile
- The official 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds is pretty impressive for a car in this class…
What’s not?
- …but when you’re actually behind the wheel you notice the CVT gearbox stifles the performance, making it feel much slower than it is
- And while the F-Sport’s suspension is good for handling it makes the ride much firmer than you’d expect. It spoils long distance comfort
- Even a standard Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5 is better to drive than this ‘sporty’ RX, so perhaps it would be better to just opt for the more comfortable standard suspension set-up
- It’s also not the best towing car, as it can only tow braked loads of 2000kgs
- While the Lexus may work out cheaper to run than its rivals, it is still more expensive to buy
Business Car Manager Verdict
