IF you have to drive 750 miles in a few days then you need all the pampering and luxury you can get.

Lexus's NX 300h F Sport promised - and delivered - cosseting on an impressive scale.

Whether a high-flying mover and shaker or a self-confessed endurance driver like myself, it helps to complete mileage marathons without the need for the services of a chiropractor at the end of the trek.

You'll have guessed by now that this compact crossover 4x4 hybrid excelled in the comfort department. More than that, it delivers high-octane stylistics that make the rest of the competition look like a bunch of lookalikes.

The Lexus NX offers a quality mid-size SUV with distinction. It stands out from the crowd of plumped-up, curvy, smoothie types that look very smart but so .... what's the word ... lookalike.

Take away their badges of honour and hallmark grilles and there's a blurring of identities. No danger of mistaken identity here with the Lexus NX. Its interesting, sharp lines interject with smooth surfaces to create a very distinct profile that oozes both strength and sophistication.

The NX is the first offering by Lexus of a premium compact SUV and it comes in either the 300h hybrid version with the 2.5-litre petrol-electric powertrain, on test here and which will also be the best seller, or the faster but less green NX 200t 2.0-litre petrol version which arrived in the UK a few weeks ago.

The hybrid's 2.5-litre engine delivers 153bhp but with the electric motors it has a combined output of 194bhp. The 4x4 provides on-demand all-wheel drive whenever conditions get tricky.

This clever E-Four part-time system gives you the best of both worlds: all-corner grip when you need it, but then frugally reverts to two-wheel drive when you don't.

Part-time 4x4 technology isn't new by any means but the Lexus system works particularly well. It means the car doesn't have to carry the weight penalty of a full-blown 4x4 system, so there are obvious advantages - cutting down on emissions to a respectable 121g/km level as well as lowering fuel consumption.

Combined fuel figures are claimed at 54.3mpg - though averages on the car's marathon were nearer 45-47mpg on cruise trips, dropping to 36mpg in stop-start journeys about town.

Though presented as a hybrid, operating on electric power only has its limitations - a distance of up to a mile. The best results come from the combined operation of petrol engine with electric motor for remarkably quiet travel while playing a part in minimising pollution.

The NX300h isn't a performance animal - even here with the suggestion, in F Sport specification, that it might be. With a 0-62mph achieved in 9.2 seconds, that's repsectable for the 156mph SUV, but the driving dynamics aren't going to leave you breathless.

That really isn't the purpose of the Lexus hybrid but it still has sufficient driving interaction on offer.

The petrol-electric engine propels the crossover swiftly enough though not quite as rapidly as some German contenders in the sector. The combined whine/whirring of the engine and CVT transmission develops into a hum, especially under pressure, but this becomes less obvious in gentler, relaxed drive and cruise modes.

Steering is precise though feedback isn't so impressive but despite the raised platform there's good body composure most of the time.

The pampered ride doesn't get too soft with the F Sports suspension and does an amazing job at smoothing out pothole after pothole without a quiver, while the supportive, leather-cloaked seats ensure the skeleton does suffer.

Off-road wanderings saw the NX squelching over saturated meadow land happily enough, but it isn't a workhorse intended for the farm or ploughed furrows. Its 4x4 role is to keep all fours planted on the Tarmac safely and securely - and it coped well on a carpet of hailstones, courtesy of unseasonal Spring weather.

Bold, daring but handsome - rather than beautiful - the NX 300h offers good space and luxury to the roof rails. The boot at 475 litres isn't massive but will expand to 1,520 with the rear seats folded. Loading is at a civilised waist level and there's an electric tailgate. Perfect.

The Lexus midi SUV is stacked with luxury equipment and kit which helps to justify that premium price tag of £36,995 and is highly competitive against some German rivals. Options of metallic paint (£645), electric sunroof (£1,000) and sat-nav (£995) take it up to £39,635 but raise the premium bar significantly.

The NX 300h easily qualifies for one of the most luxurious SUVs in its class, especially in top-specced models such as the F Sport.