• Only one engine on offer
• Hybrid powertrain is powerful but not very engaging
• RX built for comfort, not speed

The RX is only offered with one powertrain in the UK. It’s a self-charging hybrid, using a combination of a 3.5-litre V6 petrol and engine and a pair of electric motors driving all four wheels through a CVT transmission.

Total system output is a beefy 313hp and 335Nm of torque, which is more than sufficient to power even the heavy RX with more than enough performance. The 0-62mph sprint time of just 7.7 seconds bears testament to that.

However, it’s not a particularly pleasant experience to press on, as the transmission typically sends the engine revs spiralling as soon as you put your foot down and keeps them there. It’s an unusual sensation if you’re more familiar with a standard automatic gearbox, though at least in this case the high rev note is that of a smooth V6 rather than the four-cylinder drone you often get with hybrids of this type.

Still, the engine’s at its best when driven more gently. The hybrid system seamlessly shuffles power between the engine and the electric motors as needed, with no management required from the driver – just drive as normal and trust the car to sort itself out. The electric motors give the RX plenty of low-down shove to make town driving effortless, too.

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Lexus does offer selectable drive modes – there’s Normal, Eco, Sport and on higher models Sport S and Sport S+. Our advice? Leave the car in Normal – it offers the ideal balance of performance and economy. There’s also an EV switch which allows you to run on pure electric for as long as the car has charge in its battery, but at best you’ll get maybe a couple of miles out of this.

What’s it like to drive?

• Handles well for a big car
• But rivals are more planted and fun
• RX not an off-roader, either

The RX majors on having a comfortable ride and doesn’t allow too much to get in the way of that. If cornering performance matters to you, then you’re probably looking at the wrong car – go to a BMW dealership and ask to drive an X5 instead.

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That’s not to say the RX falls apart when presented with a bend. The weight being over the rear of the car means it inspires a surprising amount of confidence, but the electronically assisted steering is numb and overlight to encourage enthusiastic driving. There’s only so far Lexus can go in disguising the car’s weight.