THE latest Lexus RX450h has the lowest emissions of any large 4x4 - just 148g/km.
It uses a reworked version of the company's Hybrid Drive giving 10 per cent more power and 28 per cent better economy - a diesel-beating 44.8mpg.
Most hybrids use electric motors to boost the performance of the petrol engine, but like the GS 450h, this RX is a full hybrid that can run in both petrol and electric modes alone, or with a combination of both.
It uses an ultra smooth and quiet V6 petrol engine and two electric motors to provide intelligent four wheel drive.
At the front is the V6 together with one electric motor while at the rear is the other, completely independent electric motor.
The whole set up is cleverly controlled by an integrated management system to give four wheel drive.
I should think comfort will be right up with the existing RXs and of course this is a Lexus, so reliability will be superb.
Interior
Expect the full range of equipment - half of which you have to pay extra for with BMW and Mercedes.
That will almost certainly include the superb Lexus sat nav system, which is the best in the world.
FAST FACTS
Lexus RX450h
Price: £40,000
Mechanical: 295bhp, 3,311cc, 6cyl hybrid engine driving four wheels via automatic gearbox
Max speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 7.8 seconds
Combined mpg: 44.8
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 148g/km
BiK rating: 23 per cent
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
Marks: 10/10
Main rival: None