NX450h+ PHEV confirmed for Oz market

LEXUS Australia will introduce the Japanese premium brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) – the NX450h+ – in the local market early in 2022.

The NX450h+, with a total system output of 227kW, will complement the hybrid-electric NX350h, which is expected to be the top-selling derivative in Australia. 

The newcomer is said to deliver an electric driving range of up to 87km (based on European Driving Cycle), with an optimal fuel consumption of 1.3 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 29g per kilometre.

The newcomer’s power unit consists of a 136kW/227Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which works in conjunction with a 134kW/270Nm electric motor on the front axle and a 40kW/121Nm motor at the back, as well as an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Drivers can select from hybrid and EV driving modes to suit various driving conditions.

EV Priority mode ensures that the NX450h+ will continue to operate only on electric power for as long as possible; in Auto EV/HV mode, the petrol engine will only activate when full acceleration is required; in HV mode, the powertrain will maintain a level of battery charge by starting/stopping the petrol engine as required and Battery Charging mode engages the petrol engine to help recover charge if it drops below the level required for EV-only driving.

The NX450h+ further offers performance-oriented drive modes that allow drivers to toggle the vehicle’s powertrain, transmission, suspension and vehicle stability control settings. 

The Lexus NX450h+ is based on the brand’s Global Architecture-K platform and features a standard adaptive variable suspension, as well as E-Four all-wheel-drive. The latter uses a range of sensors that measure G forces, yaw rate, speed and steering angle, to dynamically apportion the powertrain’s torque distribution between 100:0 and 20:80 per cent front to rear.

"The NX450h+ represents a performance high watermark and a low emissions benchmark for the all-new NX line-up, reaffirming the Lexus commitment to luxury vehicles that are fun to drive and efficient," Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said.

"When the first Lexus PHEV arrives in Australia early next year, it will complement the UX300e BEV and our renowned hybrid-electric Lexus range to provide customers with a portfolio of advanced choices most suitable to their lifestyle," he added.

Details including specification and pricing will be revealed closer to the arrival of the Lexus NX450h+ in Australia early next year.