The new Lexus RX is about to start its career in the UK market, with the company announcing all the details on the available models and pricing of its premium crossover.

The highlights include of course the hybrid RX450h version which will be available in four different trims, SE, Luxury, F Sport and Premier and the entry-level RX200t model, offered both in 2-wheel drive and all-wheel drive guises.

The new RX450h will use traditionally a full hybrid powertrain consisting of a petrol 259hp 3.5-litre V6 and two electric motors, producing a combined output of 308hp. The whole system has been re-engineered according to the company to deliver ‘class-leading fuel economy and minimal emissions’, with power sent to all four wheels via the E-Four system which utilises an electric motor alone for sending power to the rear axle when needed.

Lexus claims that the new RX450h returns up to 54.3 mpg UK (5.2lt/100km) and as low as 120g/km of CO2 emissions.

The UK market will not get the RX350 model at all, so this leaves the RX200t as the only other option of the range. Powered by the company’s fresh 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the RX200t produces 234hp from 4800rpm to 5600rpm and 350Nm of torque (258 lb ft) from 1650rpm to 4000rpm.

Customers will be able to choose between the FWD and AWD options, with corresponding fuel economies rated at 28.8 mpg UK and 28.5mpg UK. The four-wheel drive petrol models are using the Dynamic Torque Control AWD system which can route the engine’s power to the rear axle up to a 50/50 torque distribution, depending on the driving conditions.

The range benefits from the new F-Sport trim level which adds more aggressively styled bumpers, bigger wheels, black door mirror housings and a sportier treatment for that huge front grille. The cabin gains front sport seats and steering wheel, perforated leather upholstery, drilled aluminium pedals and a specific illumination design for the instrument panel and doors. The F-Sport models also feature a ‘sports-tuned’ electric steering rack, adaptive suspension and Lexus’s Sport Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system.

The cabin hosts what the company says is the largest colour head-up display in the segment, with clear graphics which can present info like the adaptive cruise control, pedestrian warning and Pre-Crash Safety status as well as the usual navigation guidance and vehicle speed among others.

The new Lexus RX is available for order now with the first customer deliveries scheduled for January 2016. The entry-level FWD RX200t model starts at £39,995 and the hybrid RX450h costs from £46,995.

Note: US model pictured

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