THAT ELUSIVE NX FACTOR

We know Lexus's new NX is a big improvement on its predecessor - but can if steal the show from our current favourite upmarket large SUV, the Audi Q5?

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NEW

Lexus NX

450h+ F Sport

• Target Price £56,700

It may not look a lot different from its predecessor, but this is an all-new model that promises big improvements across the board and is Lexus's first plug-in hybrid

Audi Q5

50 TFSle S line (Comfort and Sound Pack) ice €56.

• Target Price £52,929

It's been around the block a few times, but the Q5 has always impressed us with its strong performance, tidy handling, and high-quality interior

Given that you're reading our Car of the Year issue, let's start with something topical. Exactly 30 years ago, Lexus won its only model-specific award at our annual ceremony. Sure, it has picked up a few general gongs since for the impressive security measures, reliability, and low CO2 emissions of its largely hybrid line-up, but the LS 400 luxury limo- the Toyota-owned Japanese brand's debut model, incidentally - remains the only ever Lexus class winner.

Could that be about to change? Well, you'll need to flick to our awards section (from p75) for the answer to that question, but the new NX large SUV would seem to be Lexus's best chance of challenging for class honors in recent memory.

You see, while it doesn't look drastically different from its predecessor, it is in fact entirely new. It's also the company's first plug-in hybrid model, with an official electric range of 42.2 miles in F Sport trim, as tested.