New Lexus RX priced from £39,995

The fourth-generation Lexus RX SUV will cost from £39,995, with the first cars set to be delivered at the start of 2016.

The new RX’s dimensions make it marginally longer, wider and taller than the current car, while Lexus has added visual elements to bring the RX into line with its current family. In particular, the firm’s large spindle grille dominates the front end, while flared wheel arches and new fog lights also feature.

New L-shaped tail-light clusters can be seen at the rear, something Lexus says helps to give the RX a more ‘authoritative’ stance on the road.

The new RX sits on 20in alloy wheels, which can be customised with coloured inserts. Lexus says that thanks to the new RX’s extended wheelbase - which is 50mm longer than before - the SUV now offers more interior space.

Engine options in the new RX will include a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and an updated version of the car’s current hybrid powertrain. The latter has been retuned, and will feature a 3.5-litre V6 engine mated to an electric motor. Total output from the system will be around 300bhp. Lexus says both powertrain options have been tuned to return high fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.

The entry-level version of the RX200t is offered with front-wheel drive, while the all over versions will be four-wheel drive.

There are five trims on offer - S, SE, Luxury, F-Sport and Premier. The entry-level S comes with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, satellite navigation with an eight-inch screen, DAB digital radio, reversing camera and LED headlights.

Step up to the SE, which is the lowest trim available with the hybrid powertrain, and you get auto-dimming mirrors, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front powered seats, ad memory settings for the seat, mirrors and steering wheel positions. Luxury versions add a larger, 12.3in satellite navigation screen with DVD player, 20in alloys, a gesture controlled bootlid and a wireless phone charger.

Higher-spec F-Sport versions also get visual upgrades, including a new mesh for the grille and front bumper, with unique alloy wheel designs and a different instrument cluster. The car also gets steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The F-Sport also gets a new active stabiliser system, which helps to keep the car level through corners, as well as adaptive variable suspension. Drivers can select from a new Sport S+ mode, too.

The range-topping Premier model adds more kit like a colour head-up display, an upgraded 15-speaker stereo system, heated steering wheel and the choice of a sunroof or a panoramic glass roof.

Lexus says the RX’s structure is now stiffer and more stable than before, and the car should offer “drastically improved” handling response.