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By Jonathan Crouch

The fifth generation Lexus RX is a useful improvement on its predecessor. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 43

The Lexus RX gets smarter and more focused in this MK5 guise. For the first time in several generations, it's been fundamentally redesigned and the result is a full-Hybrid contender that could have conquest appeal in the luxury SUV segment for larger models.

Backgroundword count: 118

The RX is an important car for the Lexus brand to get right. It shouldn't be its best selling global model, but at the launch of this MK5 version it was, so re-imagining the whole concept behind this long-running model line wasn't without risk. But the market for full-size luxury SUVs is evolving and Lexus felt this fifth generation RX should evolve with it. So it is that there is now a Plug-in Hybrid version - and a ground-breaking Turbo Hybrid too. There's also an all-new GA-K platform, a very different interior and media connectivity on another level from before. Lexus promises that you can even now enjoy driving this car with a bit of vigour. Whatever next?

Driving Experienceword count: 283

In the past, no one has ever bought RX because it's exciting and engaging to drive, but Lexus wants to change that. For the first time in a long time - several generations - the brand has had a complete re-think about how this car should handle, possibly because it now sits on a completely new and much stiffer GA-K platform. From that surer foundation, the engineers have added a new 'Direct4' torque vectoring 4WD system for better tarmac traction through the turns. And developed handling to create what the brand calls the 'unique Lexus driving signature'. The engines - all petrol-powered of course - are different too; there are now three. Things kick off with the RX350h, a 2.5-litre normally aspirated self charging full-Hybrid powertrain with 242bhp and performance similar to the old RX450h (0-62mph in 8.0s). Most customers though, are expected to opt for the RX450h+, the RX model line's first Plug-in Hybrid. This uses the same engine as the RX350h, but pairs it with a rear-mounted electric motor for full-time 4WD. The result is a 302bhp output and 62mph in 7.0s, though you'll have to drive less frantically than that for the 18.1kWh battery to yield its promised EV range of 40 miles. At the top of the range sits an engine that's new not only for the RX but also for Lexus and the industry as a whole: a Turbo full Hybrid - fitted to the RX500h. You can't plug this flagship variant in, but it will drive like no other RX has before, with 366bhp supplied by a 2.4-litre engine and a pair of electric motors that deliver the full-time 4WD system: 62mph is dispatched in just 5.9s.

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