The new Lexus RX has grown larger and more muscular

Lexus has unveiled the new RX SUV.

Renewing the fight against competitors including the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5 and Volvo XC90, this new fifth generation Lexus RX now sits atop the Toyota TNGA-K platform, which has allowed it to grow 25mm wider, and sport a 60mm longer wheelbase next to its predecessor. Overall height meanwhile, has been reduced by 10mm.

These changes mean the centre of gravity has been lowered by 10mm, while extensive modifications to the rear section of the TNGA-K platform, alongside MacPherson struts at the front, and a newly developed multi-link suspension system at the rear ensure quality handling, hight body rigidity, and minimise the intrusion of suspension elements into the cabin space.

At the front, the Lexus-iconic Spindle Grille has been evolved, sporting a new pattern and with the body colour now brought down to the lower edge of the Lexus emblem, a design touch intended to emphasise the muscularity of the new front.

Lexus states that the base of the A-pillars on this new RX has been pushed further back the car, elongating the hood, and at the rear, you no doubt have already noticed that there are now L-shaped rear combination lamps that wrap around the body's sides to emphasisng the car's wide silhouette, similar to those that we have seen on the new Lexus NX.

The cabin of the Lexus RX has also been completely overhauled, adopting the same Tazuna human-centred design concept that we have seen in the Toyota Harrier, intended to offer easy communication between drive and car when on the move as a horse communicates with its rider.

To this end, Lexus has integrated the steering wheel switches closely with the head-up display, allowing the drive to easily make changes to the navigation, audio, and various functions without the need for extra eye movements.

A centre touchscreen display of either 14-inches or 9.8-inches in diameter will be offered with this Lexus RX.

There's plenty of improvements made to increase cabin space as well, thanks to the new platform. Lexus states that distance between front and rear passengers has been increased by 12mm compared to the preceding model, offering more leg room for rear passengers.

There's also a lowered floor, while the door sills and centre pillar cover have been shaped to ensure that all passengers have ample legroom for ease of entry and exit.

This new Lexus RX is being offered with a variety of powertrains. Opening the lineup will be the RX350, powered by a 271bhp turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Higher up the lineup is the RX350h, which pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system to deliver a total drivetrain output of 242bhp. Lexus estimates this drivetrain will give the RX a fuel economy of 14km/L.

A plug-in hybrid drivetrain is also being offered for this new Lexus RX. Badged as the RX450h+, this model delivers a total system output of 302bhp. The all-electric range of this model is estimated at 64km, thanks to an 18.1kWh battery.

But here's where things get a bit more juicy: The Lexus RX lineup is going to be spearheaded by a new model which pairs a turbocharged 2.4-litre with a hybrid system for a total output of 362bhp. This model will don a rather tasty RX500h badge, and will come equipped with Lexus' Dynamic Rear Steering for high manoeuvrability alongside high speed stability.