In a city like London — where comfort, refinement, and effortless style count for just as much as performance — the Lexus RX 450h+ Takumi slots into the luxury SUV scene with quiet confidence. This plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) combines understated design with next-level comfort, strong efficiency, and all the mod cons you’d expect from Lexus’s flagship SUV.
We recently spent a week with the RX 450h+ Takumi CVT, driving through Central London traffic, open motorways, and quiet countryside lanes. And in short: it’s a delight. Not without its quirks, but overwhelmingly impressive.
Here’s what you need to know.
First Impressions: Understated Elegance
The RX has always been a sleek presence on the road, and this latest version is no exception. The Takumi trim — the most luxurious in the range — dials up the premium feel with delicate chrome details, privacy glass, and 21-inch alloys that subtly nod to its quiet power.
The new design language is sharp without being aggressive. The Lexus spindle grille is still there but more integrated, and the lighting signature at the front and rear gives the car a distinctly modern, almost futuristic edge — without trying too hard. It’s a confident, well-dressed SUV that doesn’t shout for attention, which feels very on-brand for urban luxury.
Interior: Where It Really Shines
Step inside, and the RX 450h+ Takumi reveals its true strengths. The cabin is a masterclass in refined comfort. Everything feels solid, smooth, and thoughtfully placed. Materials are rich and tactile — soft leather seats, open-pore wood trim, and beautifully stitched details give it a warmth many rivals lack.
The Takumi trim gets all the bells and whistles: ventilated and heated front and rear seats, a panoramic roof, suede headliner, and ambient lighting that creates an inviting atmosphere, especially for evening drives.
You’ll notice the Mark Levinson® 21-speaker surround sound system the moment you set off. It’s extraordinary — crisp, immersive, and detailed whether you’re streaming a podcast or listening to Sade on a rainy West End afternoon. Honestly, it’s one of the best sound systems we’ve heard in any car at this price point.
Comfort and Driving Experience
On the road, the RX 450h+ excels. This is one of the smoothest, most relaxing SUVs in its class. The steering is light but accurate, the ride is composed, and the cabin remains whisper-quiet even on coarse surfaces or at motorway speeds.
The plug-in hybrid system blends a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a large battery and electric motor — delivering up to 43 miles of pure electric range, depending on driving conditions. For most city-based drivers, that means you can do the school run, work commute, or supermarket trip without burning a drop of petrol. When the petrol engine does kick in, it’s seamless.
The CVT (continuously variable transmission) won’t thrill performance purists, but in the context of relaxed luxury, it’s ideal. Gear changes are fluid, and you never feel the car working hard. It just glides.
But where the RX really stands out is long-distance comfort. During a 250-mile round trip, the seats remained supportive, the adaptive cruise control made motorways a breeze, and fatigue was noticeably reduced compared to more rigid or sport-focused rivals. It’s made for grand touring in absolute comfort.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
This RX PHEV is surprisingly frugal. With the battery fully charged, we easily hit over 70 MPG during mixed driving. On longer trips with the battery depleted, it still hovered in the high 40s, which is excellent for a car of this size and weight.
Charging the battery from a home wall box takes under 3 hours, and you can pre-set cabin temperatures via the Lexus app — handy during unpredictable British weather. Benefit-in-Kind tax for company car drivers is also favourable, making it a sensible option for business users.
Technology and Features
The 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system is a huge improvement on Lexus’s older tech. It’s fast, intuitive, and finally ditches the frustrating touchpad controller of previous generations. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, a head-up display, 360-degree cameras and a comprehensive sat-nav system come as standard.
That said, the tech isn’t without its frustrations. One standout gripe? The driver monitoring system, which constantly nagged us to “sit up” — even when we were already upright and alert. It’s meant to improve safety, but at times felt overly sensitive and distracting, especially during longer drives. Fortunately, it can be turned off in the settings.
Space and Practicality
As expected from a luxury SUV, space is generous. There’s ample room in the back for two adults (or three children) with reclining rear seats, and the boot offers a healthy 461 litres of space — enough for a few suitcases or a pram with ease.
With the rear seats folded, capacity jumps to over 1,600 litres, making it genuinely useful for IKEA runs or country getaways.
Who’s It For?
The RX 450h+ Takumi is for those who value comfort, elegance, and efficiency over raw performance. It’s not a sporty drive — and it’s not trying to be. It’s about making every journey, whether short or long, feel effortless.
It will appeal to style-conscious city drivers, families who need space and refinement, and anyone looking for a petrol-electric hybrid that doesn’t compromise on luxury. Think less rugged Range Rover, more quietly confident Soho House.
Verdict: Is It Worth It?
At around £75,000, the RX 450h+ Takumi isn’t cheap — but it delivers a compelling blend of serenity, spec, and subtlety. It’s not flashy, but it is deeply satisfying to live with. From the incredibly smooth ride to the standout sound system and strong real-world MPG, this is a car that does what it sets out to do — and does it beautifully.
There are faster, sportier rivals. There are cheaper PHEVs. But few feel as effortlessly complete as the RX.
Pros
- Supremely smooth to drive
- Exceptional long-distance comfort
- Impressively efficient (especially on short trips)
- Gorgeous interior and premium materials
- One of the best in-car sound systems on the market
Cons
- Overly keen driver alerts can become annoying
- Not the sportiest drive (but that’s not really the point)
LDNFASHION Rating: 9/10
The Lexus RX 450h+ Takumi is peak understated luxury — ideal for those who care more about comfort, craft, and quiet confidence than attention-seeking performance. It’s the kind of car that makes every journey feel just a little bit better.