HYBRID HAVOC

The Lexus RX 500h F Sport breaks away from the mould, with its bold styling and sport-tuned performance

- Kurt Morris

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.

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.