REVIEW: The Lexus RX 300 F Sport presents fine Japanese luxury in a sharp suit

For most, the introduction to the Lexus brand began with the RX nameplate. Although nearly identical to the Toyota Harrier, the Lexus was seen as a step-up in image despite its tortoise-y shape popular of the time. Over the years, the RX has shed off its round form in favour of more dramatic angles and lines. 

What the F Sport brings to the RX 

The RX looks as sleek as a coupe, albeit a very large and tall four-door coupe. The F Sport doesn’t entirely change the sporty looks of the SUV but underscores it. The front lip and the spec-exclusive mesh grille puts out a visually striking face. At the same time, the new rear diffuser becomes a fitting complement to the front. The 20-inch twin-spoke aluminium wheels add the final touch.

Just as how the exterior isn’t heavily slathered with spec-specific body parts, the F Sport influence in the interior is also light but meaningful. Most F Sport enhancements in the RX are centred around the driver. Leather-wrapped perforated steering wheel and gear shifter — both bearing F Sport badges — are appropriately sporty in look and feel. 

The standard instrument panel is swapped for F Sport digital meters, which change in design and colour to match the driving mode. Dive into the menu to find the G sensors that inform of how much lateral and longitudinal G forces the RX is experiencing. Yet, no matter how winding the road gets or how spirited your driving is, the well-bolstered F Sport front seat holds its occupants firmly in place.

Japanese luxury at its finest

As with every Lexus, the RX F Sport rides with a certain feel of luxury unique to the brand. The restful ambience of the cabin doesn’t only orginate from the materials but also by the suppleness of each touchpoint. This means that you won’t feel tired even after driving for long distances.

Ample headroom and legroom in the rear only tell part of the story. The seats are contoured for the best seating posture and the floorboard is designed to place the passenger’s footing in a natural position. The seats can be reclined and slid front and rear, allowing fine-tuning of each individual’s ride comfort.

Adaptive Variable Suspension is key to the RX’s ride and handling

Power in the F Sport mirrors the other trims. The RX F Sport runs with the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed automatic. While this writer would have loved to see higher numbers for its engine output, nevertheless the RX produces a respectable 235hp and 350Nm of torque. Acceleration isn’t blazing, stopping the 0-100kph watch at 9.5 seconds.

You can alter the behaviour of the car with the Drive Mode Selector. By default, the RX is programmed with Eco, Normal and Sport which alters engine response. For the F Sport, the inclusion of the Adaptive Variable Suspension unlocks Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom modes, which changes the dampening on top of engine behaviour. 

Body roll is reasonably restrained and expected of an SUV this size and calibre. The uprated dampers and sway bars, which come standard in all RX models, do a marvellous work in sorting out the road conditions to keep occupants comfortable. In addition to that, the F Sport has Adaptive Variable Suspension on all four corners to further sand down imperfections on the road. 

Not just the ride comfort, AVS also appropriately responds to driver input and car dynamics to make the RX F Sport one of the most interesting SUVs to drive on the backroads. The steering is reasonably quick in responding to driver inputs and easy to negotiate any bends at any speed. The steering isn’t as muted as you’d expect and certainly feels right with good amounts of feedback coming through.

What else?

The Lexus RX F Sport has the full Lexus Safety System + that includes Pre-Collision System, BladeScan type Adaptive High-beam System, Lane Tracing Assist and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. In addition, the Blind Spot Monitoring System, Parking Support Alert, Drive-start Control and Panoramic View Monitor give the driver everything needed to move safely. The latter is indeed useful when placing the large SUV into the parking box quick and easy.

With a price tag starting from RM425,187, the Lexus RX F Sport is well worth the money. Away from the snobbery that seems to come with owning a German-branded SUV, the Lexus RX holds its ground with a uniquely Japanese take on vehicle luxury. By forgoing outright power, the Lexus instead make up ground with a luxurious ride that balances well with excellent drivability that you won’t find anywhere else.