Thanks to Lexus, environment-conscious consumers with luxury tastes can have it both ways. With the introduction of a hybrid version of the wildly popular RX SUV, Lexus announces the arrival of a new category of automobile: the luxury hybrid.

The Lexus 400h is a visual twin of the gasoline-powered RX 330. Available only as an all-wheel drive model, the 400h features three electric motor generators and a 3.3-liter V-6 that produce a combined 268 horsepower. That’s more than its gasoline counterpart, and fuel economy rated at 31 miles per gallon in the city and 27 highway (compared to 19 and 25 on the RX 330). You really feel the extra horsepower on the road, but once the gas engine kicks in, you really hear it — more so than you would expect from a luxury vehicle. But overall, the 400h has excellent drive characteristics and road manners. It accelerates quickly and corners reasonably well, given its weight.

Inside, the standard equipment includes power adjustable seats, Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management system (advanced stability control), traction control, adjustable second-row seats, leather seating and trim, moonroof, DVD navigation with rear backup camera and a power rear hatch. A comparably equipped, gasoline powered RX 330 will cost about $3,000 less than the standard 400h. The only options are a DVD entertainment system for the back seat, heated front seats and an upgraded audio system. The 400h is not only well equipped, but attractive inside and out. The leather and aluminum trim and appointments lend a sophisticated air, and the navigation system is as intuitive as they come. Cargo and passenger space is more than adequate, suitable for transporting the kids and their gear, or your golf buddies and their equipment. I especially like the extra touches like the power liftgate and the back-up camera.

Safetywise, the 400h is loaded with airbags, and comes with traction and stability control as standard features. Although it hasn’t been crash-tested, its twin, the RX 330 received four stars (out of five) for front-passenger impact and five stars in all other tests by the NHTSA.

The bottom line is, if you don’t want to give up your SUV, but are concerned about its effect on the environment, and you can afford a little luxury, the 400h is a great choice. For now, it’s also the only choice in the luxury segment, but with gas prices on the rise, others are sure to follow.