Lexus RX

FIRST DRIVE BMW X5 rival adopts innovative PHEV tech from the NX

- Sean Carson

FOR years Lexus has tried and not always succeeded in taking on the established premium players, but more recently it has hit a rich vein of form.

Thanks to an all-new platform and, in a first from Lexus, a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the brand's latest NX mid-size premium SUV features a brilliant blend of qualities in this most competitive of classes. And now Lexus is aiming to scale up that formula for its all-new RX.

Whereas the NX rivals models such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, the RX is a BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE competitor. But like its smaller sibling, this fifth-generation RX is also based on the new GA-K platform and features Lexus's 450h+ powertrain, making it the first-ever plug-in hybrid RX. In fact, Lexus claims "it's a complete reinvention" of its large luxury SUV.

That's quite a statement, as is the new car's look, which is the first thing you might notice. Along with the NX and forthcoming RZ all-electric SUV, this fresh-faced RX will go on to define the Japanese brand's next chapter in terms of styling and design.

We've seen the firm's 'spindle grille' front end before, but the RX evolves that into what Lexus is calling 'spindle body'. The grille is bigger and now integrated into the whole front end of the vehicle.

There are slim headlights, sharp creases down the sides, and a rakish 'floating' roof, thanks to blacked-out C-pillars, plus a fullwidth light bar across the raked tailgate.

Inside, the brand is making a much bigger feature of its Japanese heritage these days, and we're all for it. The cabin takes a 'less is more' approach, with the 14-inch central touchscreen dominating the layout.

Lexus's latest infotainment system is a massive improvement on the old trackpad-based set-up. It works snappily, offers plenty of features, and now integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly.