When I found out my next test car would be the 2004 Lexus RX 330, I thought I knew what to expect -- nice car, no hassle, luxuriously appointed. Basically a gentle, easy-to-live-with crossover SUV devoid of hair-raising, neck-snapping acceleration.

So much for what I thought I knew.

The new RX 330 is, as I expected, a well-thought-out, nicely done product, bristling with all of the latest in technology. But tame it ain't.

It's a whole new game for Lexus, which appears to be going after the performance sport utility market dominated by BMW's X5, as well as more male buyers.

	Lexus
	2004 Lexus RX330. The Bottom Line -- Price: $41,478. Fuel Mileage: 18 mpg city, 24 highway. Estimated annual fuel costs: $1,107. Powertrain: 230-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6.

The RX 330 took me on a merry chase, flinging itself into corners and accelerating like all get-out. I was unprepared for its new 3.3-liter, 230-horsepower V-6, which is capable of going from 0 to 60 in anywhere from 7.3 to 7.8 seconds, according to published reports. That, for an SUV, is really flying. Even the interior threw me. It makes it quite clear that this car is not, like its more sedate predecessor, about oodles of wood trim and creamy leather. The only wood you'll find is a little strip on the doors near the armrest and on the console.

Its repositioning is evident when you see all the futuristic, interesting angles and curves to the dash, the matte black and gray instrument panel and the brushed aluminum accents.

Our test model carried a base price of $36,425, but optional equipment such as alloy wheels, heated seats, premium plus package and other extras brought the bottom line to $41,478.

I appreciated an air suspension system that could lower the car several inches to make it easy to get into.

Then there was the backup assist system, which provided a televised look via the navigation screen at just what was behind you -- another practical and welcome feature.

But there were some things about the RX 330 that unsettled me, starting with the shifter. It was awkward to use, with an odd angle that made it easy to accidentally shift from automatic to manual mode but tough to shift back to automatic.

There were some problems with wind noise, and the engine sounded whiny and high-pitched during acceleration. Last, the new roofline leaves a huge blind spot, which made for some very nervous parking even with the parking assist system.

As for the styling, I liked it -- with a caveat. Mine came in a shade of gray-black that did absolutely nothing for the RX 330 -- none of the interesting angles and curves of the body showed up, resulting in a rather bloated appearance. I looked at a model in lighter, brighter colors, and it made a world of difference.

The RX 330 is equipped with a lot of nice features. Inside, there are little lights in the cup holders and storage space in the rear console, which has two convenient buttons you simply push to open and close it.

And there won't be any stumbling around when you get in this car. Eight spots illuminate your entry, including footlights, ignition switch light, center console lights, scuff plate lights, rear interior lights and inside the door handle lights.

The RX 330 also can have a multipanel moon roof with center and rear panels that can be opened and closed.

In sum, this isn't your tried-and-true RX 300. It's a whole new bag, so be prepared for some surprises -- mostly pleasant ones.