The Lexus RX has been around for a long time now. It can trace its ancestry back to the late 90s, in fact, and there's a new version, a fifth generation, which brings a prettier exterior, some really clever technology, and a suite of hybrid powertrains.
While it could be fair to say Lexus was among the first to peddle a luxury SUV of this size, it's a crowded market now, with some strong competitors such as Volvo's XC90, Range Rover's Velar, and the obvious German suitors.
But in many ways, it's still a perfectly credible choice, especially with its new look and more modern engine choices. The most popular among these is set to be the plug-in-hybrid 450h+ I've been testing. A plucky 247bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is mated to an 18.1kWh battery and two electric motors, one on each axle which, working together, serves up 304bhp and electric 4WD when it's needed.
It's all piped through an e-CVT gearbox which affects the feel of the acceleration, but it's good for a 6.5-second 0-60 time and, more importantly, up to 40 miles of your daily grind can be done on electric alone if you keep it charged up, so real-world MPG figures are, theoretically, stratospheric.
Lexus was early to the hybrid party, and the RX is still offered with a conventional self-charging hybrid system, but the RX450h+, starting at just over £67,000, is undeniably the sweet spot.
If you've ever owned or even sat in a Lexus, you won't need me to tell you that the interior is a wonderful place to be. In the right spec, you'll get sumptuous leather seats, a panoramic roof, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, and more gadgets than a branch of Curry's.
The infotainment system is excellent, there's a suite of driver aids, plenty of physical buttons and an overall calmness and serenity. Lexus has always been known for its build quality, but the cabin in the new RX is absolutely exquisite.
It is, that said, a tad smaller than some of its rivals. The swoopy exterior cuts into its interior dimensions and there's less boot space, for example, than some rivals.
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Webuyanycar.comIt's also worth adding there are competitors which offer a far more engaging driving experience. True to form, the RX is focused on comfortable cruising and, while this version is slightly lighter and, dynamically, better than ever, it's no sports SUV - especially with that CVT gearbox sending the revs flailing.
But the ride is sublime, and a low centre of gravity means you can enter and exit bends faster than the body roll would have you believe. For a heavy car with vague steering, it feels safe and secure. It might not deliver much in the way of thrills, but it's not about to spit you out into a hedgerow, which is nice.
Importantly, the new RX - as with previous versions I suppose - is a car that encourages more sedate driving. It's one of those vehicles that cossets and calms you with its refinement and comfort levels. There might be a lot of good luxury SUVs out there at the moment, but few make you feel quite this special.
And that's got to be its biggest selling point. If you want to test your mettle in the corners, buy a BMW. If you want to tow a horse box, see the nice people at Land Rover.
But if you want a touch of class, some genuine luxury, and some of the neatest technology on the market, go for the Lexus. You won't be disappointed, it's terrific.
FAST FACTS
Model tested: Lexus R450h+
Price: From £67,100.00
0-60mph: 6.5 seconds
BHP: 306 (combined)
Range: 43 miles
Economy: 235.4-256.7mpg
CO2: 25-26g/km
Road Tax: £0
