2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Special Edition Review

In Malaysia's luxury mid-size SUV market, competition has always revolved around "configuration balance" and "fuel economy". Many family users want both executive-level comfort and low fuel costs. The Lexus RX 500h F Sport Special Edition, launched in July 2025, perfectly meets these needs — it is not only the brand's first model equipped with a 2.4T turbocharged hybrid system, but also comes loaded with premium features like Mark Levinson audio and 21-inch wheels. In this test drive, we primarily evaluated whether its hybrid fuel consumption is truly "stress-free for family use" and whether the F Sport-tuned chassis compromises everyday comfort.

At first glance, you'll notice it looks more aggressive than the standard RX. The "spindle-shaped" front grille features a blackened finish, with a high-recognition honeycomb pattern accented by chrome strips; two character lines running from the A-pillar to the grille make the front end appear more substantial. The side profile maintains Lexus' classic coupe-like silhouette, with a beltline stretching from the front fenders to the taillights. Coupled with the 21-inch polished alloy wheels, the proportions of the side look very well-balanced. The rear end stands out with its full-length LED taillight, which forms an "L"-shaped light bar when illuminated, creating a striking presence at night. The diffuser design on the rear bumper and the dual exhaust outlets on either side also enhance its sporty vibe. The lighting system features full LED configuration, with automatic headlights and front fog lights that are especially practical for Malaysia's frequent rainy weather.

Opening the car door, the luxurious feel mainly comes from the materials and details. The dashboard is covered in soft leather, complemented by aluminum trim, offering a refined touch; the 14-inch floating central control screen is positioned high, meaning you don't need to lower your head to operate it. The screen has high resolution, and CarPlay connects very quickly. The F Sport-exclusive sport seats are a highlight, with 8-way electric adjustment and lumbar support. The bolstering is strong, ensuring comfort during long drives. The rear seats support 40:20:40 electric folding and reclining functions, with a wide range of adjustable backrest angles. A 175cm tall passenger would still have two fist-widths of legroom and ample headroom when seated in the back. In terms of features, the heads-up display (HUD), wireless charging, and independent rear air conditioning are all standard. Perhaps the most surprising highlight is the 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, which delivers deep bass and clear treble, making it top-tier in this class when playing local radio or streaming music.

The powertrain is its core strength. This 2.4T turbocharged engine paired with dual electric motors on the front and rear produces a combined output of 371 PS and a combined torque of 550 N·m, achieving an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.2 seconds. In real driving, the electric motor delivers immediate power at launch; a light press on the accelerator provides a noticeable push-back sensation. During mid-to-high-speed acceleration, the engine integration is smooth, with no obvious jolts. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply prompts an eager downshift from the transmission, leaving plenty of power reserves. Driving modes include Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+. In Eco mode, throttle response is slightly subdued but is well-suited for daily commutes. In Sport mode, the steering becomes heavier, the suspension stiffens, and body roll is minimal when cornering. The chassis uses a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension. The F Sport tuning is slightly firmer than the standard version but still filters out bumps well. When crossing speed bumps or uneven roads, vibrations do not transfer directly to the seats. The standard all-wheel-drive system provides solid grip on Malaysia's rainy and slippery roads, and the vehicle remains stable even during high-speed cornering.

Fuel consumption testing is a key focus. We drove 100km each in the congested urban roads of Kuala Lumpur and the North-South Expressway. In the city, the average speed was 25km/h with a fuel consumption of 7.2L/100km; on the highway, the average speed was 90km/h with a fuel consumption of 5.8L/100km. The combined fuel consumption is 6.5L/100km, matching the official figures exactly. This performance is nearly 30% more fuel-efficient compared to similar fuel-powered SUVs in the same class. For users commuting 50km daily, this could save a significant amount of fuel expenses monthly. Noise control is also well-executed; at 120km/h on the highway, both wind noise and road noise are minimal, and setting the Mark Levinson audio system to medium volume is enough to mask external noise.

Compared with rivals in the same class, such as the BMW X5 40i or the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, the RX 500h F Sport Special Edition is more affordable (RM512,888) while offering richer configurations—features like a 21-speaker sound system, HUD, and power-adjustable rear seats are optional extras for its competitors. Its advantages are evident: the hybrid system saves fuel and delivers strong performance, the features are comprehensive, the space is adequate, making it suitable for family users. Meanwhile, the sporty tuning of the F Sport can satisfy the occasional driving enthusiasm of younger drivers.

In summary, the 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Special Edition is an "all-round" luxury SUV that balances performance, fuel efficiency, comfort, and features. If you are a family user aged between 30 and 45, seeking luxury while being mindful of daily use costs, it stands out as the best choice in its class. And if you occasionally enjoy driving fast, the F Sport's chassis tuning will also suffice. Lastly, a word of caution: the rear middle floor has a slight bump, which could make it a bit cramped for the middle passenger's feet when seating three people, but for most five-seat scenarios, this is negligible.