Opposites refract

TWO DISTINCTIVE TAKES ON THE LARGE PREMIUM SUV, BOTH OUT TO EASE THE BURDEN AT THE BOWSER

- JOHN LAW

THE GERMANS HAVE been making luxury cars for a long time, and doing a bang-up job of it, too. Any new rival is subject to extra scrutiny and dreaded badge snobbery, which makes Lexus's break into the luxury sphere all the more impressive. And although the LS shocked the States in 1993, it was the strong-selling RX that cemented Lexus's success.

It took until 2003 and a second generation for the RX to hit Australian shores, based on Camry underpinnings for a plusher ride and smarter cabin space than Lexus's other large SUV, the ladder-framed LX. It may not have been as sharp to drive as the 'E53' BMW X5 we said as much at the time: "if you have the cash, BMW's X5 is still the best highend SUV... but the Lexus RX is more comfortable inside, has a lighter feel, and will be cheaper" (Wheels, April 2004).

The Lexus RX stood for a new luxury. A showier one that was also more affordable, in line with a faster-moving, more image-conscious era with champagne paintwork and chrome bezels. German pragmatism it was not.

This fifth-gen RX hit Aussie dealerships in February, and swiftly nailed all the targets its reputation would have you expect. As usual, it's built from the same parts package as related Toyotas (in this case, the GA-F platform), making this much-improved five-seat SUV easily the best in the bloodline. More fluid handling than ever, broader powertrain offerings, and a luxurious cabin are hallmarks, with the strong value proposition still very much intact.