The prototype has lower ground clearance, wide wheels and flared arches. Photo source: Auto Express
Lexus is preparing a high-performance RX. The prototype could have a hybrid system of about 500 hp
Lexus is testing near Toyota’s technical centre in Germany a substantially modified performance RX, with a wider track, lowered suspension, oversized brakes and a cooling system different from that of the versions now on sale.
The prototype indicates development of a model positioned above the current RX 500h F Sport Performance. Lexus has not, however, officially announced the name, powertrain, output, launch date or the markets on which it will be sold. The figure of about 500 hp is therefore an estimate based on the observed specification and on technologies Toyota is developing, not a specification confirmed by the manufacturer.
What the prototype images show
The test body keeps the shape of the current Lexus RX, but the changes are extensive enough to rule out a simple styling pack. The wheels are wider and use Michelin tyres with a sport profile, and the wheel arches have extensions to cover the wider track.
At the front, ducts direct air towards the brakes. The bumper’s side intakes are open and reveal additional radiators or coolers, an indication that the powertrain produces more heat than that of a regular RX.
The extra width and reduced ground clearance are aimed at stability, not off-road use. Photo source: Auto Express
At the rear, two exhaust outlets can be seen, one at each end. That detail, together with the large cooling demand, confirms the presence of a powerful combustion engine, but does not allow the exact displacement or hybrid architecture to be identified.
A new turbo engine is possible, but not confirmed
The current RX generation uses four-cylinder engines exclusively. The range-topping RX 500h F Sport Performance combines a 2.4-litre turbo engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, a front electric motor and an electric rear axle. The DIRECT4 system splits torque between the two axles.
For the US market, Lexus quotes total output of 366 hp for the RX 500h. The new prototype appears built for a clear jump above that level.
Toyota is developing a new family of compact four-cylinder engines, including a 2.0-litre unit that can be adapted for performance applications. The publication that photographed the car estimates that an electrically assisted turbo version could reach the region of 500 hp. Until Lexus confirms, other solutions remain possible, including a deep evolution of the existing 2.4-litre system.
| Element | What is known now |
|---|---|
| Status | prototype under test |
| Engine | unconfirmed; likely turbo petrol with hybrid assistance |
| Power | unannounced; about 500 hp is an estimate |
| Drive | likely all-wheel, given the RX 500h layout |
| Visible changes | widened arches, lowered suspension, large brakes, extra cooling, dual exhaust |
| Debut | unconfirmed |
| Price and availability in Romania | unknown |
Why it could remain a hybrid without a plug
A conventional hybrid solution would allow Lexus to obtain a quick response and all-wheel drive without the mass of a large plug-in battery. The current RX 500h has a relatively compact battery and a lower mass than many performance plug-in hybrid SUVs that exceed 2,500 kg.
The trade-off is electric range. A conventional hybrid can run electrically only over short distances and at light loads; it does not offer the tens of kilometres without local emissions available from a charged PHEV. If the prototype keeps that philosophy, the emphasis will be on performance and energy recuperation, not on the daily commute in electric mode.
A possible link with the Lexus RX facelift
The timing of the prototype’s appearance suggests the performance version could be launched with or after the mid-cycle update of the current RX generation. The air intakes, arches and exhaust are specific to the sport version, but the headlights, bumper, multimedia system and cabin may receive changes shared with the whole range.
The exhausts at the ends of the bumper differ from the layout of a regular hybrid RX. Photo source: Auto Express
Lexus has not confirmed the badge under which the model will be sold either. It may stay in the F Sport Performance family or receive a name closer to the Morizo RR projects. There is not yet enough information to present it as a direct rival of a particular BMW M or Mercedes-AMG model.
Will it reach Romania?
The RX is sold officially in Romania, but this prototype does not yet have an announced production version. A possible European launch will depend on homologation, emissions, positioning in the range and Lexus’s strategy for performance models with a combustion engine.
Until the official presentation, the images confirm only that Lexus is working on an RX far more oriented towards dynamic behaviour. The 500 hp output, 2.0-litre engine and a 2027 debut are plausible scenarios, but they should not be treated as definitive data.
