Finally, there’s the NX 450h+ F Sport AWD plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. (450h F Sport variant pictured)
Starting from $89,900. This undercuts all of its European rivals. (450h F Sport variant pictured)
What we like
Lovely styling Beautiful interior Seamless and quiet operation
What we don’t
Limited model range Heavy High entry price
What we like
Lovely styling Beautiful interior Seamless and quiet operation
What we don’t
Limited model range Heavy High entry price
The NX 450h+ PHEV is the first Lexus (or Toyota) to offer a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in Australia, and is the flagship of the second-generation Lexus NX range.
Beginning from $89,900 before on-road costs, it is powered by an economical 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 136kW of power and 227Nm of torque.
It is paired to an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery and a permanent synchronous motor on each axle – making 134kW/270Nm and 40kW/121Nm respectively – to offer AWD, as well as an electric-only range of about 70km (using WLTP). Result? With 227kW, standstill to 100km/h takes 6.3 seconds. A 10A charging current will see a full charge take around 7.5 hours.
Finally, there’s the NX 450h+ F Sport AWD plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. (450h F Sport variant pictured)
Starting from $89,900. This undercuts all of its European rivals. (450h F Sport variant pictured)
Standard equipment includes a 14.0-inch touchscreen, ‘Hey, Lexus!’ always-on voice command, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, digital radio, a power-adjustable steering column, electrically-actuated front seats with heating, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, tri-beam LED adaptive headlights, leather upholstery, 20-inch alloys, head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, surround-view cameras, adaptive dampers, sports suspension, extra configurable driving modes, a unique body kit and alloy wheel design, sports seats and blacked-out cabin trim.
ANCAP has yet to award a rating to the second-generation NX, but expect a five-star result. You’ll find eight airbags (providing coverage to all outboard occupants, also taking in dual-front occupant knees and centre item to stop lateral head strikes), autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with intersection assist and pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, lane-keep and steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality, auto high beams, road sign recognition, front/rear cross-traffic alert, reverse parking cameras, all-round parking sensors, tyre pressure monitors and Safe Exit Assist – which won’t allow doors to open if passing cyclists or pedestrians are in danger of being struck. Read the full 2022 Lexus NX450H+ review
Keyword: Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 review: snapshot