Lexus has at last brought us a plug-in hybrid, in the form of this NX 450h+. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The NX 450+ may be the first plug-in hybrid Lexus, but it's been created with a greater wealth of engineering experience than has been devoted to any other mid-sized premium brand SUV segment rival. There's up to 47 miles of all-electric driving range, sharp looks and a sumptuous cabin. It's a strong contender.

Background

It's rather confusing that Lexus has never bought us a plug-in hybrid before the NX 450+ plug-in model we look at here. After all, the brand has championed hybrid engines for the last decade and in 2020, even bought us a full-EV, the UX 300e. But never a petrol plug-in, until this car, despite all the relevant tech being on offer to the company through parent conglomerate Toyota. Given that kind of build-up, you'd hope for something pretty special from this petrol/electric plug-in NX and, on paper, the signs seem quite promising. This is the second generation NX design, it's 95% completely new and there's a completely different level of interior quality on offer. The Germans need to take this one seriously.

Driving Experience

As with any other NX (including the previous one), there's a 2.5-litre four cylinder normally aspirated petrol engine under the bonnet paired up to an electric motor on the front axle, while another separate motor powers the rear. What's different here is that there's a much bigger battery powering those motors - it's 18.1 kWh in size - which Lexus claims can give you up to 47 miles of all-electric range. Top speed in EV mode is 83mph. Total output is 305bhp. And there's the usual Lexus Shiftmatic auto gearbox. You can expect refinement to be exemplary. And performance to be more than ample - 62mph takes 6.3s, providing you avoid the drive mode system's 'Normal' and 'Eco' modes and select 'Sport'. This MK2 NX will handle the turns better thanks to a stiffer body shell, a 20mm lower centre of gravity, better weight balance and increased track width at each end. All of this, along with this MK2 NX model's 30% stuffer GA-K chassis, has enabled the engineers here to deliver what the brand calls its 'Lexus Driving Signature', a supposedly ideal combination of comfort and handling dynamics apparently honed by professional racing drivers. With so much power on tap, you don't need to work the four-cylinder engine as hard as you would in the lesser NX 350h self charging hybrid version of this car, so there's less 'moo-ing' from the CVT auto gearbox when you flex your right foot. Don't expect a whole of the steering feedback but there's exemplary refinement - just as you'd expect from a Lexus.

Design and Build

Unless you spot the different badging or the extra charging flap of this NX 450h+, there's very little to clue your neighbours into the fact that you've bought a plug-in Lexus hybrid. This second generation NX has taken the styling themes established with the brand's smaller UX crossover and interpreted them into a slightly larger size, with various cues from the first generation NX model. Owners of the original car might notice and find familiarity with the complex side surfacing and the 'kick up' around the rear C-pillar. And might also notice that this MK2 NX is quite a lot larger than its predecessor. The overall length is 4,660mm, making this car only about 2cm shorter than an Audi Q5. The front looks suitably prestigious, the hallmark Lexus Spindle grille offering an intricate mesh pattern made up of three-dimensional U-shaped blocks. It's flanked on higher grade variants by these 4-projector LED headlights, each unit incorporating 11 LED chips with light output controlled by a forward camera. At the rear, there's a neat tailgate arrangement that sees the rear lamps adopt a slim wraparound signature over the rear bodywork. As in all second generation NX models, under the skin is the same GA-K chassis used in the Toyota RAV4. Inside, the cabin of the 450h+ is of course pretty much the same as that of the self-charging 350h version, save for the addition of some extra Hybrid drive buttons. The interior is much improved over the first generation NX, with bigger screens which no longer operate using the much-criticised previous touchpad system. The standard centre screen offering - 'Lexus Link Connect' - is 9.8-inches in size. Alternatively, there's the top 14-inch 'Lexus Link Pro' set-up. Around the cabin, there's the brand latest 'Tazona' cockpit design with its high-quality materials and a dashboard that curves towards the driver's seat. Lexus has also introduced touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. The back seat offers class competitive space for two adults - and the low centre transmission tunnel might mean you could fit three in at a pinch. Impressively, boot capacity doesn't suffer with the PHEV installation - in fact, the 525-litre total is 4-litres more than you'd get in an NX 350h. With the rear seats folded, there's 1,436-litres.

Market and Model

This 450h+ Plug-in variant meets the needs of those who want a little more power and EV driving range from their NX. For that, you'll need to allow another £5,000 in your budget over the cost of an ordinary NX 350h self-charging model - and think in terms of that outlay starting from at least around £50,000 because for a '450h+', you have to have 'E-FOUR' 4WD system and you can't have the least-expensive version of the NX trim package. That means NX 450h+ customers will be choosing between 'Premium Pack' and 'Premium Plus Pack' versions of NX-spec in the £55,000-£62,000 bracket; or plusher 'F SPORT' and 'Takumi' variants in the £58,000-£60,000 bracket. You do at least get lots of equipment for that. Including the latest Lexus multimedia platform that meets customer priorities for fast, intuitive on-board connectivity. It introduces smart services, including a cloud-based navigation system, via the car's data connection module (DCM). This provides real-time journey information and traffic updates without using up the customer's data plan. There is also a new "Hey Lexus" assistant, which responds to natural voice commands, as if you are conversing with the car. This second generation NX was Lexus's first model to feature the third generation of Lexus Safety System+, equipping it as standard with a comprehensive package of active safety and driver assistance features. These include further expansion of the brand's Pre-Collision System capabilities so that motorcycles and some solid objects in the car's path, such as trees, walls and utility poles, can be detected. It also gains a new function that identifies collision risks with oncoming traffic or crossing pedestrians when making a turn at a junction. With these developments, the Pre-Collision System can recognise and help to avoid 36% more accident scenarios than previously.

Cost of Ownership

We mentioned this NX 450h+ model's all-electric driving range earlier - up to 47 miles - and Lexus quotes a combined cycle fuel reading that of course takes this into account - 256.8-313.8mpg. In comparison, an NX 350h AWD self-charging hybrid model manages best of 47.0mpg. As with any PHEV, the three-figure fuel reading for the 450h+ that we just quoted you is rather pie in the sky. In practice, expect to return the kind of fuel economy stats that you'd get from good diesel in this class. The CO2 readings are much better than a diesel though: expect 21 to 26g/km, which will do wonders for your Benefit-in-Kind taxation (BiK 8%). In comparison, an NX 350h AWD model is rated at 130-146g/km (BiK 32-34%). Battery replenishment from a standard 7.4kW garage wallbox takes two and a half hours. And you can set charging times by using the provided 'Lexus Link' app, which also allows you to set charging schedules according to when the vehicle is next expected to be driven - or when energy prices are low. Via this app, you can also defrost the windows and either pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin before you reach the car, so you won't have to spend climate system energy doing so once you're underway. The LexusLink app additionally allows NX 450h+ owners to check battery charge and driving range - and find public charging stations in the 'Lexus Charging Network' - there are about 160,000 of them across Europe, with around 30,000 of those in the UK. As for after-sales, there's the usual three year vehicle warranty, which you can extend by a further year with every service at a Lexus dealer - up to a maximum of ten years. There's also five year/100,000 cover on drivetrain defects.

Summary

We don't really understand why it's taken Lexus so long to bring us a plug-in hybrid. The window for this technology will close over the next few years as full-EVs with longer ranges become the norm. But right here, right now, a PHEV makes a lot of sense and in this NX 450+, Lexus has bought us one of the very best in its segment. It's ambitiously priced for an SUV of this size, but most of its class mates are too and inside this NX, you can at least see and feel where the money's been spent. That cabin might well sell you this car - in contrast to the previous generation NX where the opposite was often true. So might the stats that go with the plug-in hybrid tech. There's plenty to like here.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Privacy glass, rear doors and tailgate

Front and rear one touch power windows, with anti-jam protection

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Traction control

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution + Brake Assist

Electronic parking brake

Hill assist control

ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear textile carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

AVS - Adaptive variable suspension

Sports suspension with lateral performance dampers

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM)

Communication

Bluetooth telephone connectivity

Wireless Smartphone charger

Tazuna cockpit with 7" improved meters display, 10" HUD and capacitive touch steering wheel switches

Lexus link connect - Cloud based navigation, cloud based voice assistant, always online, 14" HD touchscreen, embedded nav and faster CPU

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Driver Aids

Electric speed sensitive power steering

Blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert

360 degree panoramic view monitor

Lane change flasher function

Intelligent parking sensors - 4 front and 4 rear

5 Driving modes EV/Normal/Eco/Sport/Sport S+

Reversing camera with back guidelines

Driver Convenience

Push button starter

Tailgate

eCall emergency system

Driver Information

Service interval indicator

Head up Display

7" display in instrument binnacle

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Heated, auto-folding, auto-dimming outside mirrors with reverse tilt function and turn indicators

Embellishment Trims

Aluminium inlays

Organic inlay

Entertainment

10 speakers

DAB Digital radio

4 USB ports - 2 front, one USB C, 2 rear USB C

Exterior Body Features

Black roof rails

Illuminated door handles with puddle light

F SPORT exterior styling - Black mesh front grille, enhanced side rockers, metallic front bumper, badging, black outside mirror covers

Power back door with kick sensor

Rear side wing doors

Double hidden exhaust pipes

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlights

LED daytime running lights

LED front fog lights

LED Indicators

LED brake lights and rear lights with emergency brake signal

Headlight cleaners

LED cornering lights

4 eye LED headlight with adaptive high beam

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone climate control air conditioning system with humidity sensor

Interior Features

Centre armrest with storage box

Heated steering wheel

Rear centre armrest with 2 cupholders

2 cupholders in front centre console

F Sport aluminium sports pedals

4 x tie down hooks in the boot

F SPORT seats - Leather upholstery

Card holder installed in driver and passengers sun visors

Power adjustable F SPORT leather steering wheel with paddle shifts

F SPORT leather gearlever

2 x fixed shopping bag hooks in boot

12V accessory port centre console and luggage compartment

Interior Lights

LED interior illumination

Ambient light in 64 colours

Safety

Manual rear child locks

Tyre pressure warning

3 point ELR front seatbelts with pretensioners

Driver/front passenger side airbags

Passenger airbag cut-off device

Drivers knee airbag

Front passenger seat cushion airbag

Driver and front passenger 2 stage airbag

2 x Isofix child rear seat restraints

Front and rear curtain shield airbags

Adjustable seat belt anchor points

3x3 point rear seat belts

Front center airbag

E-Latch with safe exit assist

Lexus safety system - dynamic radar cruise control, pre collision system day and night, lane tracing assist, road sign, OTA

Seats

Heated rear seats

Front and rear head restraints

Adjustable rear seat backrest

Heated and ventilated front seats

60/40 split folding rear seat

Driver seat memory function

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) feature (active headrest) for seats

Driver and passenger 2 way electrical lumbar adjustment

8 way driver/passenger electrically adjustable front seats

Front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel nuts

VIN Window etching

Speed sensitive auto door locking

Smart keyless entry

Two motion door lock with double lock

Anti-theft system with alarm, intrusion sensor, glass breakage sensor, tilt sensor and engine immobiliser

Ultra Wide Band (UWB) Anti-theft system

Transmission

All Wheel Drive (AWD)

Hybrid automatic transmission

Vanity Mirrors

2 x sun visors with vanity mirror and lamp

Vehicle Charging

6.6 kW onboard charger

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 165

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 6.6

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 60000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 18.1

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 68

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 17.4

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.6

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 42.2

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 6.6

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 67

NOx: 0.006

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0002

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Low: 173

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Low - TEL: 173

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Low - TEH: 175

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Medium: 124

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 124

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 126

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - High: 133

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - High - TEL: 133

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - High - TEH: 135

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Extra High: 177

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 177

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 179

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Comb: 152

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 152

WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 154

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 25

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 25

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 26

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 87.5

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 103.4

CC: 2487

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 14.0:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low: 37.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low - TEL: 37.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low - TEH: 36.6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium: 51.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium - TEL: 51.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium - TEH: 50.4

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High: 47.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High - TEL: 47.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High - TEH: 47

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High: 36.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High - TEL: 36.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High - TEH: 35.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb: 42.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 42.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 41.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low: 7.6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 7.6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 7.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium: 5.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 5.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 5.6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High: 5.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High - TEL: 5.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High - TEH: 6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 7.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 7.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb: 6.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.8

WLTP - FC Ch Dep (l/100km) - Comb: 7.4

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 1.1

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 1.1

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 1.1

WLTP - FC Ch Dep (mpg) - Comb: 38

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 256.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 256.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 256.8

General

Coin Series: FSport[Prem Pls Pk]

Coin Description: h+

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 40E

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 91

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 83

NCAP Safety Assist %: 91

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 306

Badge Engine CC: 2.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.3

Top Speed: 124

Engine Power - BHP: 306

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 225

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 167

Engine Torque - NM: 227

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

Engine Torque - MKG: 23.1

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/50 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 235/50 R20

Tyre Size Spare: RUN FLAT TYRES

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4660

Width: 1865

Wheelbase: 2690

Width (including mirrors): N

Height: 1670

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1990

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2540

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 55

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Max. Loading Weight: 550

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 520

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1411

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.6

Exterior Body Features

Side steps

Special metallic paint

Metallic paint

Interior Features

Illuminated scuff plates

Packs

Protection Pack with rubber floor mats - NX

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Terrane khaki

Metallic - F Sport White

Metallic - Graphite black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Fuji red

Solid - Velvet black

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Sonic titanium

Special metallic - Azure blue

Special metallic - Blazing carnelian

Special metallic - Sonic grey

Towing

Towing (13Pin)

Trim - Leather

F sport leather - Black with black Instrument Panel

F sport leather - Flare red with black Instrument Panel

F sport leather - White with black Instrument Panel

Vehicle Charging

7.5m 32 amp charging cable

Wheels - Alloy

20" Anthracite Machined Alloy Wheels