Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV

Plug-in technology’s debut within the Lexus range is an attractive option for many, reckons John Challen.

SECTOR Mid-size SUV PRICE from £38,300 CO2 20-26g/km RANGE 43-47 miles (combined)

Lexus is no stranger to hybrids, but the NX 450h+ is the company’s first plug-in petrol-electric. The new model is aiming to build on the success of the outgoing car, which has amassed sales of more than one million units since launch in 2014. Such is the significance of the launch of a plug-in hybrid it was given standalone billing before the other car in the range, a conventional hybrid, the NX350h.

The plug-in hybrid system enables an impressive electric-only range. On the combined WLTP cycle, up to 47 miles is possible, while on the urban cycle drivers can cover between 55 and 61 miles. The electric drivetrain consists of a 182hp motor at the front, a 54hp one at the rear and a 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery. Coupled with the NX’s 2.5-litre engine, the total output is 305hp, enabling a zero to 62mph time of 6.3 seconds.

According to Lexus, 95% of the components are brand-new on this car, which means upgrades all around, specifically to the exterior, interior and multimedia system. In addition, NX sits on the brand’s GA-K platform, which enables the car’s centre of gravity to be lowered by 20mm and offers 30% more rigidity.

Customer feedback has partly inspired evolution of the exterior design. In short, there are subtle changes, such as an increased overall length of 20mm and 30mm added to the wheelbase for extra interior room. It is also the first car in the Lexus range to carry the new ‘signature’ on the back.

One of the key differences that drivers and passengers will notice is an upgrade when it comes to infotainment. There is a choice, depending on spec, of 9.8- or 14-inch screens, but buttons have been retained for core functions.

The standard 9.8-inch system (Lexus Link Connect) is 2.4 times the processing power of the previous version; the larger unit (Link Pro) is 3.6 times quicker. As well as being very reactive, the system offers a wealth of information, which is displayed in a clear and well-thought out way. Navigating between the different functions is also straightforward, which is sometimes not the case in vehicles from other brands. Both systems can be configured to display different fonts and colours.

Like a number of other rivals in the sector, the Lexus now offers voice recognitions triggered by a “Hey [insert brand name]” command. The system can be used by driver and passenger and recognises where the voice has come from and actions it accordingly. Another area that has been upgraded is the NX’s sound system, which is now a new 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound affair. A wide range of options and configurations are possible to suit all passengers and create a number of atmospheres.

Safety-wise the NX is the first model to feature Lexus’ third-generation Safety System+. What that means is upgrades to existing technologies and the launch of many others. For example, the pre-collision system and radar-based cruise control have been improved, while NX gets emergency steering assist. Another debut on the car is an e-latch door release system. Out goes the conventional door handle, replaced by a push button switch located next to the arm rest.

As well as quieter and smoother operation, the e-latch incorporates a safety function that prevents the doors being opened into the path of vehicles and bicycles approaching from the rear.

On the road, in electric mode, very little noise enters the cabin, although when the petrol unit kicks in, it can sometimes make itself heard. That’s one of the only downsides we found, however as the NX is a very pleasant place to be, mainly helped by the huge upgrade to the car’s interior. The infotainment system is well executed and easy to navigate, while the material choice has given the car an even greater premium feel.

As pioneers of hybrid technology for well over twenty years, Toyota/Lexus has shown it can build a capable and appealing plug-in option for its premium brand. What’s more, the company says that the BiK figure of 7% is class-leading and currently matched by just one competitor.

Which model is right for you?

As previously mentioned, those looking for a new Lexus NX currently only have the choice of the plug-in hybrid. The NX 350h – which features the company’s fourth-generation hybrid technology – is the only other option and it follows in 2022. There are five grades in the NX line-up: the standard one; premium pack; premium plus pack, Takumi and F Sport. The most popular grade within the range is likely to be the F Sport, which will account for 35% of sales.

We sampled an NX in F Sport with the premium plus pack, which offers 20-inch alloy wheels, 14-inch multimedia with navigation. With this model there is also leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats and an adaptive high-beam system.