INTENT on proving that luxury SUVs don't have to be big gas-guzzlers Japanese car maker Lexus has been offering full hybrid versions of its RX crossover for sale in the UK since as far back as June 2005.
And as if to reinforce the firm's dedication to greener motoring the current third generation RX450h is only available as a hybrid.
Although base power for the range comes from a not very green sounding 246bhp, 3.5 litre V6 the addition of not one, but two electric motors allows the RX to post impressive official fuel economy and emissions figures.
The electric units, one mounted on each axle, provide a boost to the fossil-fuelled engine when needed and also allow for electric only travel at lower speeds and when there is sufficient charge in the batteries.
All of which means that you can potentially get 44.8 miles per gallon out of the RX on average while carbon emissions are rated at 145g/km, pretty modest for a mid-sized SUV. And that should mean low running costs and tax bills compared to many of its rivals.
Sticking your foot down excessively, though, will negate some of the hybrid's economic benefits as I found the needle on the fuel gauge heading towards empty alarmingly fast at times.
This may be more to do with the fact that the continual variable transmission likes to pile on the revs until you ease off the gas pedal than with the hybrid system, but it'll still mean you'll get through more juice than expected if you're heavy footed.
The key to maximising economy is undoubtedly, as with any hybrid, a slow and steady approach to building up speed rather than an explosive one.
That's not to say that the RX450h lacks punch when it's needed. The combination of the big engine and electric motors means there is 295bhp available and if you need, or want, to put the pedal to the metal then the response is pretty swift and decisive.
It'll get you from 0-62 in less than eight seconds and hit a top speed of 124 miles per hour.
As you'd expect of a hybrid, it's pretty refined too. Engine noise is obviously at a minimum when the electric motors are doing most of the work but it rarely intrudes into the cabin anyway, unless you're piling on those revs, and wind and road noise is well contained.
The ride is quite firm, though, and, a little surprisingly for an SUV, you will feel it when you go over some of the bigger potholes that increasingly blight our roads.
Otherwise though handling, stability and grip are what you'd expect with four wheel drive and, typically of Lexus, the interior is luxurious and incredibly well equipped with high-tech gadgetry. Mind you, it needs to be with an asking price well north of £55,000.
Premier is the range-topping trim and there really isn't much that you will be found wanting for. There's leather upholstery and warm soft touch materials all around with plenty of space for five.
Those up front really have no excuse for not being able to get comfortable. The front seats are electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated and both have memory settings, as do the steering wheel and wing mirrors.
In the back the seats slide forwards and backwards depending upon whether more space is needed for rear legroom or in the boot which, at 446 litres, is pretty big. The rear seats also split 40/20/40 adding extra load-carrying versatility while the automatic tailgate and flat lip make loading and unloading easy.
Passengers also get the benefit of cruise control, dual-zone climate control, satnav, premium 15-speaker surround sound stereo with DAB radio, Bluetooth, aux-in and USB connectivity most of which is controlled by Lexus' mouse-style remote touch system via an eight-inch multimedia screen.
I have to admit that I liked this interface when I first encountered it but am coming to the view that it is unnecessarily fiddly and feels a bit like a gadget just for the sake of it.
A touch screen and, if needed, a couple of knobs would do the job just as well and be less fiddly.
Keyless entry and ignition, automatic lights and wipers, an array of parking sensors and a rearview camera with parking guide are also included in an almost endless list of comfort and driver aids while all the expected airbags, ABS brakes, stability and traction control, and anti-whiplash front seats comprehensively take care of safety.