Lexus RX 450hL Premier 2018 first drive

After 20 years, 2.7 million global sales and four model generations, this new RX 450hL represents the first time Lexus has offered its large SUV with a seven-seat layout. In fact, it’s the first seven-seater the Japanese luxury manufacturer has offered in Europe full stop.

Priced from £50,995, it takes aim at the likes of the Volvo XC90, BMW X5 and Audi Q7 at the premium end of the seven-seat SUV market; with Lexus hoping to appeal to so-called “premium families” on the basis that it’s the only seven-seat, high-end self-charging hybrid SUV money can buy.

In converting regular RX to plus-size RX L, Lexus has extended the base model’s rear overhang by 110mm, bringing the SUV’s overall length to 5000mm. The rear windscreen has also been set to a steeper angle in an attempt to improve head room in the third row.

As with the five-seat model, power comes from a 3.5-litre, naturally aspirated V6 that, along with an electric motor at the front axle, drives the front wheels. Meanwhile, a second electric motor at the rear combines to give the RX 450hL four-wheel drive. All up, total power output sits at 308bhp, with the sprint from 0-62mph being dispatched in a claimed 8.0sec.

With those third-row seats in use, the RX 450hL isn’t quite as spacious as you might hope. Obviously, they’re only really suitable for small children, but the problem is that if you plan on using them, the second row seats need to be moved forward in order to create enough leg room in the back.

This has the unfortunate effect of compromising the usability of the second row - adults will likely find there just isn’t enough knee or leg room to sit truly comfortably when the third row is in use. Again, they’re best left for children.

At least the cabin is largely a nice place to sit, though. The seats are plush - though could do with more support - and cheaper materials are for the most part hidden from sight.

Traditional analogue dials in the instrument binnacle are easy enough to read but do look old-fashioned compared with the digital ones increasingly offered by rival manufacturers. The infotainment system also leaves a fair amount to be desired.

While its 12.3in dashtop-mounted screen is easy enough to read, it’s operated by a joystick-type controller that is overly sensitive and challenging to use on the move - more so if you’re naturally right-handed.