DESPITE the attentions of the anti-4x4 brigade being never very far away, the world of the all-wheel-drive vehicle continues to prosper.
Whether your individual choice includes a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), one of a number of the so-called soft-roaders or a full-blown heavy duty off-roader, there is plenty of choice in virtually every sector of the big brigade of vehicles.
However, leaning a little more towards the exclusivity side of things are members of the luxury 4x4 class, many of which come as powerful cruisers blessed with stacks of standard kit housed in a limousine-like, very well laid out and nicely put together, quality interior.
My latest encounter with one of these premium class cars was the third generation Lexus RX 350.
Now approaching its third year of sales, the Lexus RX 350, from a starting price of £32,565, claims a number of improvements in refinement, performance and economy over its predecessor the RX 300 and comes with 350, SE and SE-L specification level options, the latter spec including the addition of the new Lexus Multimedia and Navigation Pack.
That includes an 11-speaker Mark Levinson premium hi-fi set-up, DVD video, upgraded satellite navigation system that is quicker and responds to voice command, plus Blue Tooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls and the Lexus Parking Assist Monitor which uses a rearward facing camera to display what is behind on a screen in the dashboard.
With regard to the standard kit level it was always said of the previous generation RX that it was easier to mention items the manifest did not include than ones it did but, just for the record, the RX 350 SE-L includes the likes of eight-way powered and heated seats, multi-zone automatic air con, electric windows all round, powered and heated door mirrors, cruise control and electric tilt/slide sunroof.
In addition, the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) which improves night-time driving through bends is also standard fit.
Driver safety aids also include ABS braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
As you would expect, build quality is superb and, as the Lexus designers have always been renowned for putting plenty of pomp into most circumstances. The cabin benefits from some inspired designing with eye-catching dashboard architecture which includes the main dial cluster couched in a three-pod unit.
The dash also features some distinctive brushed metalwork while the optional taste of curved walnut or maple wood adds a further touch of class to the easily-navigable centre console.
Boasting generous head and legroom in all parts, the car also delivers in the load-carrying department, despite the rear wheel arches being a little intrusive. The boot offers a generous 439 litres of cargo space with all seats taken and to increase stowage capacity the rear seat backs can be folded down in a variety of combinations.
Even the tailgate automatically opens and closes at the touch of a button and the luggage bay cover will retract on its own.
On the tarmac, the RX 350 SE-L with air suspension is a joy to drive, the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine using its 272bhp to combine agreeably with a smooth-switching five-speed auto box.
Despite the four-wheel-drive system being full time with 50:50 front-rear wheel torque split under normal driving, progress is surprisingly refined thanks to the new engine technology and additional sound-proofing.
While perhaps not the car in which to get too involved in hard-core off-roading, the RX 350 is equipped with a new centre differential with viscous coupling providing a limited-slip capability which allied to the electronics improves traction and stability in all driving conditions.
Despite its size the Lexus corners with confidence and is surprisingly agile for its size.
Overall, while the RX 350 SE-L may prove a little too much for some buyers, it is a limo-like, luxury soft-roader which can take you almost anywhere.
FAST FACTS
Lexus RX 350 SE-L
Price: £42,650
Mechanical: 272bhp, 3,456cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving four wheels via 5spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 7.8 secs
Combined mpg: 25.2
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 264g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust