Lexus has revised its hybrid off-roader, with a new bolder grille, new tail lights and interior tweaks including much-needed improvements to the infotainment control system. There’s also a wider model line-up.
Part of that wider four-model line-up is this new F-sport model, which offers sporty styling tweaks to increase appeal and extends the use of the trim grade across the Lexus line-up as a rival to BMW‘s
M-sport and Audi‘s S-line. The F-sport also has dynamic improvements in the shape of a lateral damping system designed to increase stability and improve ride comfort. It’s fairly effective, with the RX certainly among the most comfortable cars in the larger off-roader class, although it’s fairly tepid to drive.
But where the RX really scores is the emissions achieved thanks to its hybrid powertrain. A figure of 145g/km for the 295hp SUV compares with 189g/km for a 258hp 3.0-litre diesel Mercedes ML. That means an 11-group difference in benefit-in-kind bands, and the RX costing a higher-rate tax payer £156 per month less.
This model is a winner on whole-life costs, but it’s not as polished or appealing a product as its German rivals to live with.
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