The wicked styling may not be enough – the Lexus RX just doesn’t drive well enough to tempt people away from the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5.

The problem is the CVT automatic gearbox. It just doesn’t put the power available to good use. The 450h feels like it’s straining, the steering isn’t quite on the money and there’s body roll on cornering.

This latest RX is far better than the previous model but it lacks the driving dynamics to make it a great SUV – or live up to those incredibly stylish looks.

And why is the fuel economy so poor for a hybrid? Around town you might get up to 45mpg if you drive carefully and the electric motors do the work. But in the real world, I can barely hit 30mpg.

That means the RX 450h with all its technology is trounced by your average diesel SUV – many of which are faster off the mark too….