One can argue that the Lexus RX350L is a completely similar car to its five-seater brethren, because the only physical differences are the addition of two seats and a bigger cargo capacity in its five-seater format.

But in our eyes, the RX350L seems to be an entirely different car to the ever-popular RX Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

Same same but different

For starters, the RX350L that you see here has grown by 110mm in length. As a result, its kerb weight has also gone up by a significant 65kg. What hasn't increased, however, is the output of the car. Naturally, this has two effects - inferior handling as well as weaker performance.

You would think that Lexus engineers would increase the car's output to at least match the performance figures of the regular RX, but no. Instead, the 3.5-litre V6 powerplant residing underneath the RX350L's bonnet pumps out 289bhp and 358Nm of torque - lesser than the five-seater RX's 296bhp and 370Nm of torque.

In real-life driving, fortunately, this difference does not matter one bit.

Magic carpet Japanese ride

On the go, the RX350L is a joy to drive. Mated to the smooth and precise eight-speed automatic gearbox, the seven-seater SUV goes from point to point in an absolutely effortless manner. That the car has lesser performance figures and weighs heavier than the five-seater model do not at all make this car a slouch.

Century sprint is dispatched in 8.1 seconds and it'll go on to a top speed of 200km/h should you find a road that's long enough and have the guts to test it.

Of course, the law of physics cannot be defied when you carve corners enthusiastically, no thanks to the added heft and extra length. But these aren't enough to upset the sense of composure of the RXL. It never feels sloppy and external noises are kept well at bay.