IN A world where you feel as though you have to look over your shoulder before lighting a garden bonfire to burn mountains of leaves, in case the green police come knocking, how would you like to own a full-blown SUV – and not feel guilty?
Well, you can. Even the anti-4x4 lobby can't really target the latest Lexus RX hybrid because it emits less than 150g/km of CO².
What's more, it is exempt from the London congestion charge, road tax is just £105 and company car tax is a mere 14% – half that of more conventional large SUVs like the BMW X5, Mercedes ML or Range Rover, which are its main rivals.
As for fuel economy, Lexus claim a 28% improvement over its predecessor to an average of almost 45mpg. In a week of real-life driving, admittedly most of it on motorways, I managed just under 38mpg, which I thought was still exceptional for such a large car.
The downside is cost. The RX450h is priced from £41,600 for the entry- level SE model, rising to £55,000. The SE-L on test comes in at £50,460 but, frankly, I thought it was worth every penny of the Lottery win I dream about.
Power comes from Lexus's second- generation Hybrid Drive System which has a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and two electric motors working in tandem to provide an “intelligent” four-wheel-drive capability.
Combined power is 295bhp, which translates to a top speed of 124mph and zero to 62mph acceleration in 7.8 seconds. Excellent performance, but with a combined fuel consumption of 44.8mpg and low emissions of just 148g/km.
Driving the RX450h is unlike any other car I have driven. Push the start button and the instruments spring to life – but there is no noise whatsoever.
Select drive and press the accelerator, and the Lexus SUV glides away using electric power only. Press the accelerator pedal a little harder and the silky smooth and very quiet V6 petrol engine kicks in.
The handling and ride are tuned for comfort, rather than being dynamic. Lexus engineers say the handling and the suspension, with a new double wishbone rear layout, have been specially tuned for the European market.
Instead of conventional steel springs and dampers, the SE-L uses an electronically controlled air suspension system. It means up to 40% less bodyroll but, in reality, while most users will like the comfort, the ride can be a bit fidgety and there's insufficient feedback to the steering wheel.
On the open road, the power steering is somewhat vague and provides little information, but in town it is light, making parking manoeuvres a simple affair – aided by the rear and side view cameras and large door mirrors which at speed do cause a little wind noise. The cabin specification and build quality is superb, and even those heavy doors shut with a satisfying, resounding “clunk”, hinting at the meticulous attention given to panel precision and fitment. And there is ample room to accommodate five people, plus a 490-litre load area.
The vast array of controls are well sited but a little complicated initially. However, it doesn't take long to familiarise yourself with everything the 450h has on offer.
