The all new Lexus RX is widely regarded as being better than its predecessor in every single way - a fine accolade for any automobile.

For all of its interior refinement, from the outside it still looks an aggressive, imposing machine - and in a market packed full with other large, luxury SUVs - we're talking BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne - the Japanese motor certainly makes its mark.

Of course we all know Lexus does luxury well, and the RX maintains this tradition - it is supremely comfortable with enough in-car gizmos to shake a selfie stick at.

But what about the oily (or not so oily) bits? The new RX comes with a choice - from turbocharged petrol to hybrid power plants. I drove the Lexus 450h, which brings together a 3.5-litre V6 with an efficient electric motor, and is billed by head office as 'delivering the best of both worlds' in terms of power and heightened environmental performance.

I have to say, plant your foot squarely down and this power certainly becomes evident. The RX450h has 308bhp to call upon, and is capable of 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 124mph.

At slower speeds, around town, the RX also impresses. The electric motor allows you to start off in relative silence, and Lexus' stop-start technology, now the norm in most modern cars, really works well in an urban environment.

It is an incredibly easy car to get used to - I felt confident behind the wheel almost immediately.

However, critics will argue that the RX 450h Premier's near £60,000 price tag represents a big problem.

But, as the brochure says, Lexus was the first to introduce hybrid power to the premium car market, so as a consumer you know what you're getting. And the RX's low 127g/km CO2 emissions means it avoids the higher tax brackets.

In terms of ride comfort, the RX's seats - front and back - are a real treat. The fronts are adjustable in almost every way and the rears are easily folded down, offering flexible boot space.

A large 12.3 inch display screen provides the focus of the in-car multi-media centre.

You can use voice commands, or remote touch control, and the system includes Lexus Premium Navigation.

One of my favourite features was the colour head-up display that projected vehicle data and information, such as navigation instructions, on to the base of the windscreen. The new RX even provides its own WiFi hotspot, enabling you to connect up to four devices.

But in amongst all this hybrid technology, adaptive cruise control, lane departure/lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition system, the designers haven't forgotten their roots - the Lexus analogue clock still takes pride of place on the dash.

So, yes, the all new Lexus RX is a bit on the pricey side, but if you can afford one, you know you'll be getting a class act.