You’re looking at what could very well be Japan’s finest luxury SUV currently on sale in Singapore. The fifth-generation Lexus RX is perhaps the biggest step forward for the brand yet, with distinctly Japanese looks and real road presence.

And in all honesty, it wasn’t like Lexus had a choice. Their mass-market oriented Toyota Harrier SUV is already an extremely solid option for consumers looking for a plush and practical five-seater SUV.

If you want to charge an additional $100,000 on top of what you are already paying for said Harrier, the end product better be a significant step up.

Evolution, not Revolution

Unless you have a better alternative, there’s no real need to reinvent the wheel. This latest RX builds upon the design of its predecessor, preserving much of the window and shoulder lines. But everything on this new car has been improved subtly.

Lexus added a swooping crease line to the bottom of the doors, which then flows into the quarter panels for some added definition. The once-controversial spindle grille has been thoroughly overhauled for this application, and now cohesively works with the other elements in the front end.

The rear end gains a lightbar, with uniquely Japanese touches in the tail light clusters. This all-new car now has more road presence than ever before, and at least on the aesthetics front, partially justifies the premium over the Harrier.

Premium Interior

You’d struggle to find any material in the cabin that isn’t wrapped in some kind of soft-touch material, or that has been finished in metal or simulated open-pore wood (it is afterall a luxury SUV). As you’d expect, the seats have been trimmed in leather, with suede highlights for contrast.

All occupants, barring the middle rear seat passenger, get to enjoy ventilated seat functionality. Those sitting in front will also get to enjoy the perks that come with power and memory seats. Space is in no short supply, and the seats also offer a good amount of all-round support.

The RX is also generously equipped, with items such as a panoramic glass roof, and its massive 14 inch infotainment screen. The former adds a good amount of natural lighting to the cabin, whilst the latter does an excellent job handling all of your navigation and music needs. However, whilst Apple CarPlay is wireless, Android Auto isn’t. All things considered, it truly is a pleasant place to be in.

The Drive

This is a car clearly aimed at the demographic seeking a comfortable, luxurious and practical package. It is still impressively agile, and the illusion of manoeuvrability is further assisted by its power steering, as well as good all-round visibility. The thin-rimmed steering wheel is also a joy to use.

Bumps and imperfections are soaked up convincingly, and NVH levels are kept low too. The sound insulation means wind and road noise is kept at bay, and the only noise you’d really hear is the drone of the CVT when you really demand more acceleration.

When driven sensibly, the powertrain never sounds strained, and the insulation is sufficient to block out most of the noise. At lower speeds, the electric motor delivers ample torque for a quiet ride. We’d urge you to accelerate gradually in this to not aggravate the CVT.

A Solid Alternative to the Germans

The RX 350h is ridiculously well made, and supremely comfortable for day-to-day use. Whilst it isn’t as sporty as some of its closest German competitors, it makes up for it by having distinctly non-European styling.

This is one truly comfortable car to drive and to be driven in, and its lack of driving engagement isn’t really an issue in the first place, as it is not a consideration for most buyers in the luxury SUV class to begin with!

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