Lexus RX first drive | PHEV model brings premium SUV to fleet sector

Despite its high level of luxury, quality and comfort, the previous-generation Lexus RX’s high CO2 emissions meant it was always going to struggle in the fleet sector under the benefit-in-kind tax regime.

Available only with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, the large premium SUV's emissions were around 180g/km of CO2, making it unattractive under the benefit-in-kind tax regime.

The new RX range, however, changes this. Its core powertrain is the RX 450+ plug-in hybrid unit, which combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor for a combined output of 309PS.

It offers an electric-only range of 42 miles from its 18.1kWh battery (it takes two-and-a-half hours to charge from a 7kW charger), with CO2 emissions of 26g/km, putting it in the 8% BIK band.

Lexus hopes this will help its otherwise popular model (globally, the RX range has sold more than 3.5 million units since it was launched in 1999) make inroads in the UK fleet sector, so much so that it expects the 450h+ to account for 55% of all RX registrations here, with the remainder split between the entry 350h hybrid (20%) and flagship 500h (25%) powertrains.

We drove the RX 450h+ in Premium Plus Pack (P11d price £70,950) equipment grade – the mid-level trim. The base trim level for this powertrain is Premium Pack (£64,950), with Takumi (£79,450) topping the range.

From the outside, it is certainly a striking car, with its sharp lines and prominent grille ensuring it stands out from the crowd with bold looks, while the exterior design also hides its size well.

And – as with all large SUVs – it is not a small car. Measuring 4,890mm long, its wheelbase is 60mm longer than its predecessor, increasing rear legroom.

The cabin still remains less spacious than some rivals, however, while its 461-litre boot also suffers in comparison to rivals.

But those who ride in it are treated to a classy and high-quality experience, as the materials and build quality are exemplary. There is no doubt the RX 450h+ is a premium product.

One of the standout features is the centrally-mounted 14-inch screen used in Lexus’s new-generation multimedia system.

This is a massive upgrade on the previous system, and includes now-expected features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, as well as integrated satellite navigation.

Rotary dials for temperature are present for ease of use – and having the selected temperature setting displayed in their centres is a nice touch.

Other standard equipment on Premium Plus Pack includes 21-inch alloy wheels, ventilated front seats, head-up display, and a panoramic roof.

The luxurious interior is well complemented by the ride: despite a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds, the drive is engineered for comfort rather that a firmer, sportier drive, meaning that occupants are treated to a refined ride, floating over broken road surfaces.

Thicker glass and more soundproofing reduces wind and road noise mean motorway driving is an extremely quiet experience, but the car’s use of a CVT gearbox means a droning engine noise is intrusive under hard acceleration.

Under normal operation, though, the powertrain is smooth when in plug-in hybrid mode. When the battery is depleted, the RX 450h+ operates as a normal hybrid which Lexus says maintains maximum efficiency.

Using electric-only mode is a smooth and near silent experience, adding extra low-down torque to make town and city driving relaxing.

The RX 450+ is also packed with safety technology. It achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating and features the latest Lexus Safety System+ package, which includes an improved pre-collision system, driver condition monitoring lane departure alert and road sign assist.

Premium Plus Pack also has front cross-traffic alert which uses radar monitoring to detect and warn the driver of traffic approaching from either side when emerging from a junction at low speed, as well as emergency steering assist with active support.

> Interested in comparing electric vehicle data? Check out our EV tool.

> Interested in ensuring the efficient use of EVs. Check out our dedicated editorial sections: Insight & policy | EV news | Charging & infrastructure | Costs & incentives | Benefit-in-kind | EV case studies | EV road tests

> EVs by range

> EVs by their efficiency

> Rapid charging EVs

> EVs by price: lowest to highest