CLAIM THE THRONE

AT A GLANCE

LEXUS RX 450H SPORTS LUXURY PRICE About $120,000 drive away

WARRANTY/SERVICING 4 yrs/100,000 km, $1785 for 3 years/45,000km

ENGINE 3.5-litre V6, electric motor, 230kW/335Nm

SAFETY 5 stars, 10 airbags, AEB, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, active cruise and more

THIRST 5.7L/100km

SPARE Space-saver

BOOT 506L

JULES: We managed 7.9L/100km over 800km — optimistic manufacturer figures as usual.

THE FAMILY

IAIN: The kids loved being pampered with leather but the rear seats are heated too.

JULES: Shame they couldn’t feel it through their child seats.

IAIN: They’ll appreciate it when they get older. There are USB points everywhere, a giant panoramic sunroof and endless safety kit. All that money buys a fairly complete family SUV.

JULES: Shouldn’t it have seven seats like other large SUVs?

IAIN: About $2000 extra buys an RX 450hL which is 110mm longer and has room for seven.

THE VERDICT

JULES: Most appealing is this RX 450h’s palatial, brightly coloured cabin. It’s an expensive SUV so you want to feel like royalty inside, and it delivers — the specification is vast. To pick one over a German SUV at $120,000, I’d really have to love the Lexus brand and experience.

IAIN: The cheaper RXs are very well equipped, which makes the price leap to the hybrid 450h in ultimate Sports Luxury grade look too vast. I’d opt for a cheaper variant. The 450h oozes luxury and kit, making it a striking and sumptuous choice if funds allow.