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Photographs by Siddharth Dadhe

The Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance is not your typical luxury SUV. It’s a bold departure from the traditionally understated designs that have come to define the brand. While Lexus has long been known for its refined, sophisticated vehicles that blend into the luxury landscape, the RX 500h re-writes the script a bit. With its sporty trim, aggressive design elements, and hybrid powertrain, this SUV is made to turn heads and challenge the norms of what people expect from Lexus.

Unlike most of its predecessors that exude a discreet luxury meant to appeal to those ‘in the know,’ the car stands out unapologetically. The model I drove, finished in the sporty F Sport trim, grabbed attention with its confident styling. It’s not just another Lexus you’d glance over in a parking lot — it commands a second look.

At the front, the spindle grille receives a bold treatment that merges seamlessly with the sharp, boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights. These DRLs give the car a predatory, no-nonsense expression that hints at its performance capabilities. Along the sides, subtle yet noticeable F Sport badging and aerodynamic lines add to its assertive profile. The SUV rides on striking 21-inch aluminium wheels that enhance its road presence and elevate the overall sporty demeanour. However, the rear design might not elicit as much excitement as the front. While it features a sleek wraparound light bar and sculpted tail lamps, the back feels comparatively subdued. It lacks some of the drama that makes the front end so captivating.

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Get inside, and you’re greeted by an interior that speaks to both tradition and progress. Lexus has chosen to forego the familiar analogue clock that has adorned many of its vehicles, replacing it with a sleek start-stop button. It’s a small change that signals Lexus’s shift towards modernity, albeit with a touch of nostalgia for those who enjoyed that classic feature.

The car comes packed with advanced technology, featuring a massive 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone integration, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof, and a digital driver’s display. One of the most impressive features is the multifunctional steering wheel, which incorporates touch-sensitive buttons that project their function onto the heads-up display as your thumb hovers over them. This innovation allows drivers to adjust settings without glancing down, maintaining focus on the road — a simple yet highly effective design choice that adds significant value.

The cabin’s luxury extends to its materials, with high-quality leather and subtle F Sport touches that emphasise its sporty nature. Unlike the plush, sink-in feel of traditional Lexus seats, the F Sport seats are firmer and designed to hold you in place during spirited driving. This isn’t just an SUV that pampers you; it encourages you to enjoy the ride actively. A standout feature is the clever armrest, which can be opened from either side thanks to an ingenious double-hinged design — a testament to Lexus’s attention to detail.

For passengers, this sporty SUV offers ample room. The rear seats provide solid thigh support and decent headroom despite the vehicle’s sloping roofline, ensuring comfort for longer journeys. Privacy blinds and a spacious cabin layout make it a pleasant place to spend time, even if the predominantly black interior can feel slightly dark. This moody aesthetic may appeal more to European tastes, but it will still find admirers among Indian buyers seeking a touch of understated elegance. The cargo space is practical for daily use, fitting everything from luggage to sporting equipment with ease. Folding down the rear seats increases the utility, making it adaptable for both leisure trips and day-to-day errands.

With regard to safety features, the car comes equipped with Lexus Safety System+, which includes dynamic radar cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, a pre-collision system, safe exit assist, and a suite of seven airbags. These features work seamlessly to ensure a safe, worry-free driving experience.

This is where the car truly shines. Under the hood is a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor, generating a robust combined output of 366 bhp and 46.90 kgm of torque. These may not be jaw-dropping numbers any more, but the power on offer is more than adequate for our roads, delivering a balance of performance that’s both practical and fun. While it’s no legendary 2JZ engine from JDM lore, it captures a similar spirit of driving excitement, appealing to enthusiasts who value usable power and refined thrills. One feature that stands out is the boost gauge — a nod to performance focused enthusiasts. While it may not have the cult status of a true JDM sports car, this SUV nods to that heritage in a way that might catch the attention of car lovers who appreciate a sporty twist in their daily driver.

The cars drivetrain incorporates advanced tech like DIRECT4, dynamic rear steering, and an eAxle system. The dynamic rear steering is particularly useful in urban settings, drastically reducing the turning radius. Manoeuvring through crowded city streets or executing tight U-turns becomes a breeze, which is a significant advantage for a car of this size.

Driving this SUV is a uniquely satisfying experience. The hybrid powertrain delivers a seamless blend of electric torque and petrol engine power, providing ample acceleration that’s surprising for an SUV that’s this big. It’s a performance-oriented luxury vehicle that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets or cruising down the highway at triple-digit speeds, the SUV’s composure remains impressive.

The F Sport’s suspension is tuned for a more spirited drive, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining a firm grip during aggressive cornering. Those large 21-inch wheels further contribute to the car’s stability and confidence at high speeds. Yet, even with its sporty aspirations, the car doesn’t lose the refinement Lexus is known for. The cabin is insulated from outside noise, creating a tranquil environment that makes long journeys a breeze.

The car’s ability to switch between electric-only mode and combined power gives it an edge in fuel efficiency, while also offering the kind of instant torque that makes driving fun. The hybrid setup may not deliver raw sports car excitement, but it injects just enough performance to make every day driving feel engaging. This big Lexus truly bridges the gap between luxury and performance. It offers enough power to satisfy the enthusiast and the refinement to pamper the luxury SUV buyer. While the price point puts it in competition with the German big three, its unique approach makes it stand out.

For people who are looking to break away from the norm, the RX 500h is a compelling option. It caters to a specific buyer — someone who appreciates understated luxury with a sporty flair, wrapped in a package that doesn’t shout for attention but subtly asks for it. If you’re tired of the ubiquitous German SUVs and want something distinct, this one is well worth considering.