LEXUS is promising unrivalled tax savings for buyers of its latest RX 450h hybrid luxury SUV.

For company car drivers, the model's 145g/km of CO emissions attract a benefit-in-kind tax rating of 20 per cent, which means over a three-year period they will be paying appreciably less than those choosing other premium brands.

The three-year tax bill for a 40 per cent tax payer driving the RX 450h Luxury model is £12,173, whereas the driver of a Range Rover Sport SDV6 SE for instance will pay £20,549 - an additional £8,376.

And Lexus says its RX 450h F Sport enjoys a similarly favourable tax position.

Beyond the financial advantages, the latest RX 450h also boasts better performance, sharper styling and higher equipment levels than before.

The Luxury model, which costs £48,495, comes with dark-finish 19-inch alloy wheels, a new 12-speaker audio package with DAB digital tuner and DVD player, front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and an HDD sat-nav.

Other features include Eco EV, Snow and Sport selectable drive modes to maximise the efficiency of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system, a powered tailgate and eight-way electrically adjustable and heated front seats with memory setting and perforated leather upholstery.

The new RX 450h F Sport, at £51,995, is the first RX to adopt sportier styling and handling, distinguished frrom the rest of the range by its spindle grille design, 10-spoke F Sport alloys, sports pedals, aluminium-effect trim inserts and scuff plates, leather upholstery, an F Sport steering wheel and head-up display.

It also gains LED headlamps with Lexus's I-AFS adaptive system, turning the light beam in line with the vehicle's steering angle.

Entry point to the range is the £44,571 RX 450h SE, with the Premier model completing the line-up, introducing the likes of semi-aniline leather, a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system with six-DVD changer and a side view camera.