NX PHEV – Following extraordinary demand for the first plug-in hybrid vehicle offered by Lexus, the luxury lifestyle brand has moved to taking expressions of interest for its NX 450h+.

The mid-size luxury PHEV has exceeded all expectations since arriving in February last year as part of the new-generation NX range, with sales of the low-tailpipe emission variant now topping 1,000.

Lexus Chief Executive John Pappas said taking expressions of interest for the NX PHEV would enable Lexus and its dealers to focus on delivering vehicles to customers who have already placed orders.

“We were pleased to deliver 230 units of the NX 450h+ in 2022,” Mr Pappas said. “While arrivals this year are expected to increase by approximately 50 per cent, the PHEV’s popularity has resulted in delivery dates that now stretch into 2025.

“In order to ensure each customer’s experience with Lexus is always delivered in the best possible way, our dealers will now accept expressions of interest for the NX 450h+ so we can achieve a markedly better balance between supply and demand.

“Importantly, this temporary action does not apply to other NX variants because we are expecting substantially better deliveries in coming months of the NX 250, NX 350 and NX 350h. Arrivals are also expected to be stronger for other models in our range.”

The post Lexus NX PHEV ready for orders appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

As a Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) SUV the 450 brings the best of all worlds, especially with the electronic AWD capability. This means up to a bit over 80km in fully electric mode, and a very economical hybrid back up mode.

The beauty of the PHEV is that most daily trips around the city are often less than the 80km, so it’s possible to drive for the majority of the time on electric mode alone. Plugging in nightly though may prove a problem for some people.

TO LISTEN TO THE LEXUS 450h +RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

The backup hybrid removes any range anxiety and allows for longer trips without worry. The F Sport is smooth, quiet and comfortable to drive and I would guess most buyers would be a couple so its big enough.

As it’s an F Sport, it is full of little styling, comfort and luxury features that buyers want. That’s a good thing because at nearly $90,000 plus the usual costs it’s expensive.

Lexus is definitely making the most of its hybrid engines and the PHEV adds another benefit to the range.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Also look at

• Peugeot 3008 PHEV
• Kia Sorento GT PHEV
• Volvo XC40 PHEV
• Hyundai IONIQ PHEV

Other Lexus NX articles

• 2022 Lexus NX 450h coming soon to Australia
• 2021 Lexus NX Australian specifications have been confirmed
• 2020 LEXUS NX 300 F-Sport Video Review
• 2019 Lexus NX 300h F Sport 2019 Radio Review
• 2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport AWD SUV Review
• 2017 What’s new and improved in Lexus NX SUV

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

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Lexus NX 450h+ Product Details

NX 450h+ Highlights

• NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) flagship all-new Lexus NX,
• PHEV delivers a class-leading 87km of electric driving range
• NX 450h+ will complement the hybrid-electric NX 350h

Lexus NX 450h+ engine and drivetrain

Headlining the advanced NX 450h+ powertrain is an electric motor mounted on the front axle and delivering 134kW of power and 270Nm of torque, supported by a second electric motor on the rear axle delivering a further 40kW/121Nm.

An 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery package enables the Lexus NX 450h+ to drive purely on electricity and with zero tailpipe emissions for up to 87km¹.

The significant power and torque generated by the pair of electric motors is further supported by a 136kW/227Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine to enable a total 227kW and high performance characteristics with instant response.

When utilising the renowned Lexus hybrid-electric system, the NX 450h+ can deliver ADR 1.3 litres per 100 kilometres and emit only 29 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

Drivers are able to choose from multiple hybrid and EV driving modes that best suit the driving conditions.

Lexus NX450h+ drive experience

EV Priority mode ensures the electric motors will power the NX 450h+ even when the accelerator is fully pressed, continuing to operate solely on electric power for a maximum amount of time.

In Auto EV/HV mode, the petrol engine will only activate when the accelerator is fully pressed or in situations that require brisk acceleration, for example during high-speed overtaking.

In HV mode, the powertrain emulates the balanced performance of the renowned hybrid-electric Lexus systems, maintaining a level of battery charge by starting and stopping the petrol engine as required.

Battery Charging mode engages the petrol engine to help recover charge if it drops below the level required for EV-only driving, for maximum driving flexibility and assistance in ensuring situations such as city driving can then utilise electric power.

Drivers will also be able to choose from performance-oriented drive modes that control the powertrain, transmission, suspension and vehicle stability control to best suit particular roads and a driver’s preferred driving style.

The Lexus NX 450h+ even further leverages the Lexus Driving Signature by enhancing the highly rigid and dynamic Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, complete with E-Four all-wheel-drive including variable torque distribution.

Using a range of sensors measuring G forces, yaw rate, speed and steering angle, the E-Four system can split the front-to-rear torque distribution in ratios between 100:0 and 20:80.

Combined with the standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) incorporating a firmer Sport S+ damping mode, the NX 450h+ provides a balance of ride comfort and refinement matched with direct steering and agile handling.

NX 450h+ Features

The F Sport also provides the most dynamic focus on the Lexus Driving Signature with the standard fitment of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), five-stage drive mode select and performance dampers (bracing) front and rear.

NX AWD models (NX 350 F Sport, NX 350h F Sport, NX 350h Sports Luxury) are offered with two $3,000-optional Enhancement Pack additions.

First – Enhancement Pack 1 includes a panoramic moonroof – the first time a panoramic moonroof has been offered on a Lexus NX.

Second-Enhancement Pack 2 for the NX 350 F Sport and NX 350h F Sport AWD adds a heated steering wheel, a digital rear-view mirror, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson®¹¹ audio system and Intelligent Parking Assist (NX 350h only) – the first time automatic reverse parallel and perpendicular parking has been offered on a Lexus NX.

Third – Enhancement Pack 2 for the NX 350h Sports Luxury AWD includes heated steering wheel and rear outboard seats, power-operated folding rear seats and Intelligent Parking Assist.

NX 350 – NX 450

Lexus has also ensured that the step from the flagship NX 350h AWD with Enhancement Pack 2 to the debut Lexus PHEV, the NX 450h+, is just $6,000.

Reflecting a high-output step-up from the NX 350, the NX 450h+ is also available exclusively as an F Sport AWD grade, reflecting its status as the high-performance, low-emissions flagship model with 0-100km/h acceleration in 6.3 seconds.

Priced from $89,900MLP* , the NX 450h+ F Sport further combines the highest EV-only driving range in the luxury medium SUV segment with benchmark pricing attainability to reinforce the Lexus leadership in electrification.

The NX 450h+ F Sport uniquely merges luxury equipment from standard NX F Sport grades, while adding features as standard including a moonroof, heated steering wheel and a digital rear-view mirror.

The NX 450h+ develops a combined 227kW, with the E-Four all-wheel-drive system powering permanent magnet synchronous motors on the front and rear wheels, and the 18.1kWh battery provides an all-electric driving range of up to 87km.

Lexus NX Model Walk and Pricing

2022 Lexus NX pricing

NX 450h+ F Sport highlights

• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle system (new to NX)
• Maximum Combined Power of 227kW
• Electric-only driving range of 87km
• Combined cycle fuel consumption from 1.3 litres per 100 kilometres
• 0-100km/h acceleration in 6.3 seconds

The post Lexus NX NX450h + F Sport Auto eFour 2022 Review appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

The first-ever Lexus PHEV delivers a class-leading 87km of electric driving range¹, fuel consumption from 1.3 litres per 100 kilometres² and exhilarating performance with 227kW of power and zero to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.

The NX 450h+ will complement the hybrid-electric NX 350h – expected to be the top-selling powertrain in Australia – to provide customers with the luxury of choice and continue the Lexus Electrified vision.

Headlining the advanced NX 450h+ powertrain is an electric motor mounted on the front axle and delivering 134kW of power and 270Nm of torque, supported by a second electric motor on the rear axle delivering a further 40kW/121Nm.

An 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery package enables the Lexus NX 450h+ to drive purely on electricity and with zero tailpipe emissions for up to 87km¹.

The significant power and torque generated by the pair of electric motors is further supported by a 136kW/227Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine to enable a total 227kW and high performance characteristics with instant response.

When utilising the renowned Lexus hybrid-electric system, the NX 450h+ can deliver 1.3 litres per 100 kilometres² and emit only 29 grams of CO2 per kilometre³.

Drivers are able to choose from multiple hybrid and EV driving modes that best suit the driving conditions.

EV Priority mode ensures the electric motors will power the NX 450h+ even when the accelerator is fully pressed, continuing to operate solely on electric power for a maximum amount of time.

In Auto EV/HV mode, the petrol engine will only activate when the accelerator is fully pressed or in situations that require brisk acceleration, for example during high-speed overtaking.

In HV mode, the powertrain emulates the balanced performance of the renowned hybrid-electric Lexus systems, maintaining a level of battery charge by starting and stopping the petrol engine as required.

Battery Charging mode engages the petrol engine to help recover charge if it drops below the level required for EV-only driving, for maximum driving flexibility and assistance in ensuring situations such as city driving can then utilise electric power.

Drivers will also be able to choose from performance-oriented drive modes that control the powertrain, transmission, suspension and vehicle stability control to best suit particular roads and a driver’s preferred driving style.

The Lexus NX 450h+ even further leverages the Lexus Driving Signature by enhancing the highly rigid and dynamic Global Architectue-K (GA-K) platform, complete with E-Four all-wheel-drive including variable torque distribution.

Using a range of sensors measuring G forces, yaw rate, speed and steering angle, the E-Four system can split the front-to-rear torque distribution in ratios between 100:0 and 20:80.

Combined with the standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) incorporating a firmer Sport S+ damping mode, the NX 450h+ provides a balance of ride comfort and refinement matched with direct steering and agile handling.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive Scott Thompson said the introduction of the NX 450h+ highlighted the luxury lifestyle brand’s commitment to expanding its portfolio approach to electrification, and providing exciting high-performance models.

“The NX 450h+ represents both a performance high watermark and a low emissions benchmark for the highly anticipated all-new NX line-up, reaffirming the Lexus commitment to luxury vehicles that are fun to drive and efficient,” Mr Thompson said.

“When the first Lexus PHEV arrives in Australia early next year, it will complement the UX 300e BEV and our renowned hybrid-electric Lexus range to provide customers with a portfolio of advanced choices most suitable to their lifestyle.”

The all-new Lexus NX represents the next generation of Lexus vehicles, debuting the human-centred Tazuna cockpit concept that focuses on positioning all driving functions within reach of the driver for ease of operation and intuition.

The centrepiece of the Tazuna cockpit concept is the 14.0-inch touch display with a state-of-the-art multimedia interface, featuring natural voice recognition and compatibility with Apple CarPlay^®5 and Android Auto⁶.

Details including specification and pricing will be revealed closer to the arrival of the Lexus NX 450h+ in Australia early next year.

The NX 450h+ will join the petrol NX 250, turbocharged petrol NX 350 and hybrid-electric NX 350h in the new-generation Lexus luxury medium SUV line-up.

1 Based on European Driving Cycle (NEDC) mode.
2 Achieved in test conditions for comparison purposes only. Actual fuel consumption varies depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle condition, load and options/accessories fitted. Source: ADR81/02 combined (litres/100km)
3 Emissions vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle condition & options/accessories fitted. 
4 Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.
5 CarPlay^® is a trademark of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries.
6 Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.

The post Lexus NX 450h coming soon to Australia appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

With many of the latest technology features appearing in lower priced cars is it worth buying a luxury SUV? Are hybrids what they purport to be? Rob Fraser ponders these questions driving a Lexus

These questions were on my mind when we tested the Lexus NX 300h F Sport.

As soon as we started to drive the Lexus there was an familiarity about the experience that was comforting and the near $68,000 pricing is certainly not outrageous.  Lexus prides itself in providing prestige without going over the top in price. Something some European models could emulate.

I found the Hybrid excellent round town, where the nature of stop start driving is particularly suited to the dual engine configuration. On the freeway there was little difference, cruising at a constant rate doesn’t allow the hybrid to shine as much.  Overall the economy was about 5.7l/100k.

With stylish looks, packed with standard comfort and safety features and reasonably priced and with Lexus build quality, the NX 300 H F Sport is definitely worth a drive.

The post Lexus NX 300h F Sport 2019 Radio Review appeared first on Eco Car Guide.