LEXUS Australia says the new seven-seat version of its RX large SUV will appeal to the same customer base as before, but the added practicality will boost its overall bottom line.

Up to one in four RXs sold is now expected to be the seven-seater, but unlike its five-seat counterpart, the three-row SUV is only available with two powertrains – a 3.5-litre V6 and a petrol-electric hybrid – forgoing the entry-level turbocharged 2.0-litre four pot.

RX L vehicles also come to market with just two model grades – Luxury and Sports Luxury – as the F Sport variant is unavailable in seven-seat guise.

Sitting just $3300 or $1600 above the five-seater versions of the Luxury and Sports Luxury respectively, is the RX L worth the step up over the regular five-seater?