Despite changing its brand principle to 'Experience Amazing' in 2017, it feels like Lexus continues to live by the motto it debuted in 1989, 'The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection.' Why? Because that is what it was like every minute behind the wheel of the RX350h Executive throughout the seven-day test drive.
Let's discuss its looks before we get to the nitty-gritty of the vehicle's performance. The fifth-generation model from 2022 has a completely new look and size. While the overall length is the same, the wheelbase is longer. It is also wider and slightly taller than its predecessor. But all that is practically invisible to the untrained eye. What's most obvious is the new interpretation of the marque's Spindle Grille. Lexus eschews the chrome borders of the mesh to make it blend in seamlessly with other details of the front fascia. Single-projector bi-beam LED auto-leveling headlamps with LED daytime running lamps are on either side. The nose is still a head-turner, but it's mostly the logo that makes you double-take.
The Executive trim level is the base model RX, but it already sports Lexus' innovative e-latch. Put a bit of pressure over the small pad on the inside of the handle with a couple of fingers, and voila, the doors open. At the rear is an automatic power tailgate (with height adjustment), and at the bottom are very stylish 19-inch wheels.
I expected elegance and style, and that is what you get with the body of the RX350h Executive. It has many strategically placed curves that make it shapelier and, more importantly, aerodynamic. What surprised me was its new mid-size crossover SUV designation because it still felt like a compact model.
All Lexuses have an unmistakable, musky aroma, including the RX350h Executive. But interesting scents aside, its cockpit comes with totally new features. You won't find an analog clock here, and the layout finally feels more contemporary but not more advanced than rivals in the segment. The center stack has a 9.8-inch HD infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio goes to a 12-speaker audio system. It has four USB ports in front (one Type-A, three Type-C).
In front of the driver is a compact, multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters, and behind it is a vivid driver information display that needs updated graphics because some still look like the ones you get in a Prius.
The seats are eight-way power-adjustable and are padded and bolstered very nicely. It felt comfortable during long drives and secure while making spirited turns. Unfortunately, these use only synthetic leather, but I only found out from the brochure. I couldn't tell the difference. These were soft and looked like the real thing.
Three will fit comfortably on the second-row seats (with drop-down armrests with cupholders). And with backrests that recline, relaxing during the drive won't be a problem. There are two USB Type-C ports right below the rear air vents.
Other notable features include XL cupholders on the door panels (can fit modern water bottles like Nalgene and Hydro Flask), a center console that opens from the driver and passenger side, soft-release covers, and S-Flow (climate control feature that directs air only to occupied seats). My only gripe is that it doesn't have a sun/moonroof or seat ventilation, and the A/C fan control is on the touchscreen.
The RX350h Executive only has a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four under the hood. Fortunately, it had direct injection and Lexus' Hybrid Electric Drive that sent 250-PS and 239-Nm of torque to its E-Four all-wheel drive via a Continuously Variable Transmission. Over seven days, it returned 10.5-km/l in mixed driving conditions using Eco mode 90% of the time.
The driving feel was lighter and more natural in Normal mode compared to the slightly sluggish response in Eco mode. Sport mode was undoubtedly exhilarating, but the lack of a turbocharger made the engine groan louder than I wanted it to under heavier throttle pressure.
It has the best-in-class cabin comfort, impeccable handling qualities, and almost zero noise, vibration, and harshness levels. It is spacious compared to compact crossovers but smaller than what you'd expect from a vehicle categorized as a mid-size.
Nevertheless, today's traffic congestion makes even the most avid auto enthusiast book a Grab; I'd want to be stuck at the wheel if it's connected to the steering column of a Lexus RX350h Executive. This P4.778-million vehicle performs as advertised while actually giving you more than what you paid for because the way it makes you feel on the road is priceless.