SE-L Premier 5dr 4 X 4

Superb even by Lexus standards

After nearly five absolutely trouble free years with an RX400h, I opted to go again with Lexus.I tried the X5 and the ML and had a 'look' at the Audi and Volvo offerrings.

One feature kept emerging with the Lexus....refinement. The full hybrid is simply a delight to own and drive. Smooth, quiet, responsive and proven reliability.

The Head Up display is a real boon and coupled with the two safety features of PCS and ACC, it all adds up to being a safe and useful environment.......my Insurance is £230 and VED £145 a year. For a 2ton + 4X4, that's very fair.

Economy is,as usual, dependent entirely on how I drive it and it seems a bit pointless stating it!
On one 100 mile trip, it achieved 52mpg simply by staying with the traffic. On the other hand, treat it as if it is a 'boy racer' special and you can be in the mid 20's. I seem to be averaging 38, which is noticeably better than my 400h and leaves our Range Rover at 17mpg and our diesel Discovery at 26mpg, looking rather sick.

However, does it matter? Differentials in fuel costs are swamped by real life depreciation on new or nearly new cars........you just have to accept it or buy older vehicles.

Fit and finish are exemplary and the quality of leather is lovley, making the German stuff seem crude but not as luxurious as the earlier Jaguars.

Instrumentation is extensive and a good read of the Handbook essential! The Lexus dealership has been a real boon as usual. They leave my local Mercedes and Land Rover franchises looking amateurish.

How could it be better? Well, for the money, not much. A wider colour choice would help and the Extended Warranty needs to be cheaper.

What feature is most desirable? I would not sacrifice the Head Up display, ever!

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