LEXUS is switching up the style of its hybrid luxury SUV the RX 450h with sharp new looks, extra kit and an eye-catching F Sport model.
Leading the changes is the Japanese brand’s spindle-shaped grille soon also to be seen on the upcoming GS saloon and LF-LC concept coupe.
Upshot is that the RX 450h has a stronger street presence - a feature even more pronounced in the F Sport - while redesigned tail lamps add to the effect.
Inside, a new-look steering wheel boasts a new selector switch for the hybrid system’s drive modes, and the operation of the Remote Touch controller has been revised so that it works more like a computer mouse.
In fact meticulous attention to detail is such that even the opening angle of the centre console box lid has been altered to make it easier to reach items inside.
But it’s the arrival of F Sport that really makes the latest line-up stand out, courtesy of a deeper, more vertical front bumper plus dedicated mesh treatment for the upper and lower grilles.
There are also dark-finish 19-inch alloy wheels and F Sport badging on the exterior, while in the cabin there are aluminium-effect sports pedals and trim inserts, F Sport smooth leather upholstery and scuff plates with the Lexus logo in black.
A black roof lining and a bespoke steering wheel with stitched leather trim continue the sporty theme while other goodies include a head-up display and LED headlights with the I-AFS adaptive system that angles the light beam in line with the vehicle turning angle through bends and at junctions.
Lexus says this model will also offer sharper driving dynamics thanks to a lateral damper system that increases stability and improves ride comfort by absorbing small vibrations.
And the RX 450h gains an additional Sport mode for its Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which modifies the throttle and electric power steering settings to gain faster responses, and also programmes the Vehicle Stability Control and traction control.
Entry point to the new range is the £44,495 RX 450h SE model, which gains LED daytime running lights, a new perforated leather upholstery and re-designed steering wheel, while the Luxury grade model, at £48,495, adopts dark-finish 19-inch alloys and gets a 12-speaker sound system upgrade.
Topping the range, the £55,495 RX 450h Premier is newly equipped as standard with a tilt/slide sunroof and head-up display, while the F Sport model costs £51,995.