LEXUS RX

Fifth generation of Japanese large SUV focuses on traditional luxury

- ILLYA VERPRAET

TESTED 22.2.23, SUSSEX

ON SALE NOW

Quite a few marques are going all-in on ever more far-fetched tech features to make their cars more appealing. After all, who doesn't want integrated TikTok, a selfie camera and AIoperated windows in their car? A fair few people, actually, reckons Lexus. So while its new RX has all the standard stuff, including a 14in touchscreen, voice control and a phone app, the real draw should be the beautifully crafted and minimally distracting interior.

It's an appealing idea, but first let's look at the new RX as a whole. It's a rival for the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Range Rover Sport, although European buyers have never taken to Lexus's alternative way of doing things like Americans have. It didn't help that the RX has never been available with diesel engines, which has always been the standard choice in this market segment. As the tide has turned against diesel, though, perhaps this is the RX's time to shine.

Whereas the old car offered only a V6 hybrid towards the end of its run, this "95% new" one has three different four-cylinder hybrid powertrains. We will cover the hybrid RX 350h and "performance hybrid" RX 500h soon, but our first taste in the UK comes courtesy of the plug-in hybrid RX 450h+.

This PHEV version is projected to be the volume seller in the UK. That's thanks in large part to being rated for 42 miles of electric-only range, which puts it in the coveted 8% company car tax band.