Those looking for a luxury SUV are well catered for, with the latest generations of Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 both bringing fresh offerings to the market and competing with the Range Rover Sport for dominance. The new Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 also made hybrid powertrain models available for the first time, a path well trodden by Lexus.
So as not to get left behind, Lexus has refreshed its fourth-generation RX SUV with two engine options - the 3.5-litre V6 petrol hybrid (also known as the RX450h) and the new-to-the-line-up turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine (the RX200t).
Of the two powertrains on offer, many will be tempted by the low CO2 figures of the RX450h, and the savings they bring to those burdened with benefit in kind taxation. However, with the hybrid model costing in excess of £48,000 there is a cheaper way of getting behind the wheel of Lexus's upmarket SUV.
Does the petrol RX make sense?
Step forward the RX200t. Gone is the 3.5-litre V6 as fitted to the RX450h, here replaced by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot as seen in the smaller Lexus NX200t, Lexus IS200t saloon and Lexus RC200t coupé.
If you can do without four-wheel drive, you’ll save yourself £7000 over an entry-level RX450h. Considering that it already undercuts rivals and offers generous levels of standard kit, it seems like good value for this kind of vehicle.