FOR almost two decades Lexus has excelled at making beautiful cars that are easy to drive and provide a cossetted ride.

Expensive, yes, but simply oozing luxury wherever you look and with a reputation for reliability from its engines and great service from its dealer network that are hallmarks of the brand.

The Lexus flagship has long been its RX model, and in particular the hybrid version of the SUV - the RX 450h - which virtually carved out its own niche.

Now there's a new version that brings an altogether more striking image into play.

If you had not noticed already, there's a new focus on angular lines as part of the Lexus design language to separate it from key rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne or Range Rover.

It might have been a cruising barge in the past, but now the RX has creases galore in its bodywork and a huge grille with sharp chromework and triple L-shaped LED headlamps at the front to give it more presence.

The RX gives the impression of rock-solid stability, and it lives up to that. It's also a very safe car, incorporating stacks of clever technology now becoming standard fare in the premium sector.

At first glance that the new RX makes a powerful visual statement, looking equally elegant and futuristic.

In side view, the sharp character line running from the front wings to the rear and the flowing roof line create a dynamic profile that minimises drag and reduces front and rear lift. This makes the vehicle more stable at high speed and sharply reduces wind noise. The blacked-out C-pillars create a floating roof effect.

Behind the wheel, you will see the largest head-up display ever manufactured, bringing into focus speed, navigation and cruise control information. It's a brilliant asset to have when you want to keep your eyes firmly on the road.

The instrument binnacle shows plenty of economy-related statistics, plus the standard Toyota/Lexus graphics indicating what and how power and petrol is being utilised. Those wanting to get the most mileage (and lowest emissions) from their car will find this quite engaging.

Even the entry-level SE specification comes with smooth leather upholstery, eight-way power adjustable heated/ventilated front seats and memory settings for the steering wheel, driver’s seat and door mirrors.

The Luxury model features all-wheel drive, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with memory settings, satellite navigation with 12.3-inch display screen and DVD player, 20-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate with “no-touch” opening and wireless smartphone charger.

The Premier grade offers semi-aniline leather upholstery with 10-way power adjustable front seats, 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround audio system, 360-degree view monitor and a heated steering wheel. Customers can select their preference of a sunroof or panoramic roof.

At this point it should be said that the Lexus RX 450h is not a car for the driving enthusiast. The emphasis here is is on smooth, comfortable progress in plush electric leather seating surrounded by gadgets to make you feel good about your journey.

Even so, the steering response is excellent, and you are invited to play with paddle-shifters behind the swish steering wheel or change the auto box transmission to a sport setting when the mood takes you.

Noise and vibration levels have been reduced using insulation, but the engine note of the 3.5-litre V6 engine - producing 259bhp - is augmented, allowing an impression of performance when you press on with anything like a heavy foot.

Being an SUV of considerable proportions, the RX provides plenty of space, and you will revel in metre after metre of leather in medium-to-upper trim levels. In the back, it's a slightly different story because of limited headroom, but with plenty of legroom in both the front and rear of the cabin you can stretch out to your heart's content.

The boot offers 453 litres of space with the seats up, extending to 924 litres, so families will find luggage and shopping easily catered for. In addition, there are oddment boxes galore and even an adjustable cupholder.

The RX is an immensely likeable car, whether you are the driver or a passenger. best-selling model in Lexus’s 26-year history with more than 2.1 million reaching the road, it represents three out of every 10 vehicles the company has sold. The new fourth-generation model in its chiselled new body looks certain to build on that achievement.