Lexus RX

This is evident when you look at the design. Its prominent spindle-shaped grille, sharp headlights steeply raked windscreen, dynamic cuts and creases, and muscular rear haunches contribute to its aggressive stance. Although its dimensions are slightly smaller than some rivals at 4.9 m in length and 1.9 m in width the nose is relatively compact and the cabin very spacious due to the transverse location of the engine. 

Under the hood, a 2.5‑litre direct injection petrol engine teams up with twin electric motors—one on each axle—to deliver a combined output of 250hp. 

Inside, Lexus redefines luxury with premium wood, soft-touch leather, and nicely executed gun-metal accents. A 14‑inch touchscreen with an intuitive interface anchors the high-tech cabin, and this is complemented by tactile rotary temperature controls. Unique features include electric e-latch door handles and steering wheel touch pads. Other features on the list, heads-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay, radar-based cruise control, anti-collision systems, eight airbags, a panoramic monitor with ghost-view, and a 21‑speaker Mark Levinson audio system round off the list. 

With 250hp and the front motor’s 270Nm of instant torque ensures quick pull from standstill, making everyday driving smooth and responsive. The new low-resistance nickel-metal-hydride battery, designed for rapid charge and discharge, enhances this hybrid’s responsiveness. However, full-throttle acceleration is more measured, taking about 7.9 seconds to reach 100 kph, which is not up to class standards. Those looking for more performance can however opt for the more powerful RX500h that has combined power of  371hp and costs Rs 1,21 Crore ex showroom Delhi. 

Fuel efficiency is impressive due to the strong hybrid system, that uses the energy otherwise lost when slowing, to good work and puts it to good work. Offering a big 35–40% increase in efficiency it offers much better mileage than petrol rivals, also making it an eco-friendly option for Indian buyer.

The suspension, comprising MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear accompanied by adaptive dampers, offers comfort on uneven roads while Sport mode tightens the setup for improved control. While agility is good for the most part, drive it faster and it does feel a bit cold and disinterested, especially when compared to rivals.

Loads of safety related tech and plenty of segment matching features and kit.  

When it comes to unique and stand-out features there are two. There’s the electric e-latch door handles and the touch-control pads on the steering wheel. The former allows you to just press a button and open the door, and the touch controls on the thumb pads of the steering allow you to alter the menu for the heads-up display. The latter takes some getting used to but can be configured to even adjust temperature and fan speed, apart from stuff like media and volume control. As long you change modes when you are not on the move, the system works pretty well.

When it comes to tech, Lexus’ system is fully connected and capable of over-the-air updates, and wireless Apple CarPlay works particularly well on the large screen; only Apple’s voice assistant Siri seems to have been deactivated. 

Safety kit includes dynamic radar-based cruise control, an anti-collision warning system, eight airbags and a safe door opening system, among others. This version of the RX also gets a brilliant 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a panoramic view monitor that also delivers a ‘ghost-view’ and a 4X4 trail mode.

The Lexus RX 350h stands out as an unconventional luxury option for India. Although it isn’t especially sporty (unless you opt for the more powerful 371hp Lexus RX 500h) it excels in comfort, quality, and efficiency. Priced at a premium of around Rs 98 lakh, it offers a unique blend of refined cabin amenities, advanced tech, and an eco-friendly hybrid powertrain that delivers a lower real-world carbon footprint than many rivals. While it may not appeal to every buyer, the RX 350h presents a credible and thought‑provoking alternative to mainstream luxury SUVs like those from Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Range Rover, and Volvo.