The RX L’s interior space has been designed to be easily adaptable, maximising the potential offered by its extended length. And, of course, this excellent functionality is matched by seamless Lexus luxury and the omotenashi hospitality thinking that ensures that the needs and comfort of everyone on board are taken care of.

When you need the extra two seats in the rearmost third row – for a family trip or a night out with friends – it is simply a matter of pressing a button to raise them quickly and smoothly into place. To make life easier, there are two controls, handily located on the second row of seats and in the boot.

It’s the same effortless process when you want the seats stowed flat into the rear floor, increasing the length of the loadspace to 1,067 mm. There’s a tonneau cover to keep items hidden from view; when not needed, it can be stowed neatly into a dedicated space beneath the boot floor.

Every detail has been taken care of. For example, the folding 2^nd row seats have no exposed parts, so there’s no risk of snagging or tripping when getting in and out. Access to the 3^rd row is simple, with one-touch knobs to tilt and slide the second row seats forward and a footstep on the floor to guide you in.

When the third row seats are stowed, the second row seats have a sliding range of 150 mm – greater than in any other current seven-seat premium SUV, so you can stretch out in comfort.

As a vehicle that’s been purpose-designed as a seven-seater, the RX L provides consistent luxury, comfort and convenience throughout. A tri-zone air conditioning system lets passengers in the 3^rd row adjust heating and ventilation independently, using controls located at the side of the 3^rd row seats. They can also be operated by the driver via the multimedia screen.

A multifunction armrest console in the 3^rd row also provides two cup holders, and two USB ports – ideal for kids to connect their gaming devices when making long journeys.

All this is in addition to the established high equipment specifications of the Lexus RX range. According to the model grade you choose, this includes features such as a 12.3-inch multimedia and navigation screen, a bespoke 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, power-operated tailgate with “no touch” open and closing, heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustment and full LED lighting.

Safety remains paramount and, like its five-seat RX counterpart, the RX L has succeeded in gaining a top five-star rating in independent Euro NCAP testing. Its excellent performance reflects the effectiveness of the active safety features provided by Lexus Safety System +. With the benefit of a Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic High Beam (on Executive grade, Adaptive High Beam System on the Luxury grade), the driver is better equipped than ever to be aware of and protected from accident risks.

The RX L will be available with petrol (RX 350L) and hybrid powertrains (RX 450hL).

The Lexus Press Conference will take place on November 29, 2017 at 19:00 pm CET / 10:00 am PST in the South Hall at the Los Angeles Convention Center.