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Lexus RX review - parsimonious SUV is still no driving machine - Design

Luxury SUV is now available with a 2-litre turbocharged engine, but hybrid is still the car to go for

Evo rating
RRP
from £39,995
  • Luxurious and eco-friendly with lots of equipment
  • Not particularly exciting, turbo engine lacks sparkle

Lexus doesn't describe the new RX as having a coupe-like roofline, but there's more than a hint of rakishness in its profile, such as you might find on a BMW X6 or Mercedes GLE Coupe, but arguably easier on the eye.

Well, that's if you can get used to the company's latest styling language. On the plus side, the RX has real visual identity - it could be nothing other than the latest Lexus SUV, thanks to its large 'spindle' grille design ringed in chrome, the almost evil-looking dagger-like headlights and sharp creases down the car's length.

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But those creases and sharp details also give it a uniqueness that some may find hard to stomach, even if it's less dramatic than the smaller Lexus NX. Pick a subdued colour like dark blue and it should slip into the background easily enough (and with that hybrid powerplant, it's unlikely to attract attention for its noise) but the more conventional styling of some rivals could work in their favour.

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