Lexus RX vs Lotus Eletre
Verdict
At RM468,888, the Lexus RX is the cheaper, narrower petrol SUV: 2.4-litre 275 hp/430 Nm, AWD and 7.6 seconds to 100 km/h, with a 68-litre tank. The Lotus Eletre asks RM499,000 and changes the brief completely, using dual motors, 603 hp, a 112.0 kWh battery and 600 km EV range. It is much quicker at 4.5 seconds, roomier on paper with 688 litres of boot space, but also 5,103 mm long and 2,135 mm wide. Malaysian buyers are choosing between easier daily packaging and electric performance.
Pick the Lexus RX if you want petrol AWD, a narrower 1,920 mm body and a lower yearly road tax bill.
Pick the Lotus Eletre if you want dual-motor EV pace, 603 hp and up to 600 km of electric range.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus RX RM468,888; Lotus Eletre RM499,000
- Powertrain: Lexus RX 2,393 cc petrol; Lotus Eletre dual-motor electric
- Power: Lexus RX 275 hp; Lotus Eletre 603 hp
- 0-100 km/h: Lexus RX 7.6 s; Lotus Eletre 4.5 s
- Boot space: Lexus RX 612 L; Lotus Eletre 688 L
- Road tax/year: Lexus RX RM754; Lotus Eletre RM1,440
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 468,888✓ | RM 499,000 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Engine | 2,393 cc | Dual motor |
| Power | 275 hp | 603 hp✓ |
| Torque | 430 Nm | — |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 7.6 s | 4.5 s✓ |
| Top speed | — | 258 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | — | 112.0 kWh |
| EV range | — | 600 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,890 mm | 5,103 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 2,135 mm |
| Height | 1,695 mm | 1,630 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 mm | 3,019 mm |
| Boot space | 612 L | 688 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 68 L | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 10✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 754✓ | RM 1,440 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
RX
- RM30,112 cheaper to buy
- Narrower 1,920 mm body
- 68-litre petrol tank
- Slower 7.6 s 0-100 km/h time
- Less boot space at 612 litres
- Fewer airbags: 7 versus 10
Eletre
- 603 hp dual-motor EV output
- 600 km EV range from 112.0 kWh battery
- Larger 688-litre boot
- RM30,112 pricier to buy
- Very wide at 2,135 mm
- Higher RM1,440 yearly road tax
RX vs Eletre FAQ
Is the Lexus RX or Lotus Eletre better?
The Lotus Eletre is better for outright performance and EV range, with 603 hp and a 4.5-second 0-100 km/h time. The Lexus RX is the easier pick if you prefer petrol, a narrower body and lower road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Lotus Eletre is RM30,112 dearer: RM499,000 versus RM468,888 for the Lexus RX.
Which is quicker from 0-100 km/h?
The Lotus Eletre is much quicker, doing 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The Lexus RX takes 7.6 seconds.