Lexus has launched its second plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in South Africa in the form of the new NX 450h+, which follows in the footsteps of the recently introduced RX 450h+.
Pure Lexus
The styling of the NX450h+ is beautifully Lexus and elegantly sporty thanks to F Sport touches which include an F Sport grille, along with sporty front and rear bumpers which ensure a remarkable first impression. 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels are framed by colour-key over fenders.
Innovation underneath
Under the bonnet of the NX 450h+ petrol electric is a four-cylinder 2.5-litre hybrid Atkinson cycle engine, as well as a 134kW front electric motor, a 40kW rear electric motor, a hybrid transaxle and a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 18.1 kWh.
The improved energy density of the battery means that it can be accommodated without intruding into the cabin or load space. The quality of the battery is also fundamental to the cars EV performance.
The complete plug-in system, including electric motors and battery produces a total system output of 227kW, facilitating a brisk 0-100km/h sprint time of 6,3 seconds. CO2 emissions between 20 and 29g/km and average fuel economy of 1,3 litres/100km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) are class-leading and achievable by maximising the use of the electrified propulsion.
Lexus claim that the NX 450h+ sets a new reference point in its segment for its combination of performance and efficiency, including how far you can drive with zero exhaust emissions.
The NX450h+’s electric vehicle driving range is good for 66.5km on the NEDC. On the open road the Lexus can be driven in electric vehicle mode at highway speeds, which means you can waft around in emission-free electric silence for most of your daily commuting, including highway travel.
Once that range is depleted it reverts to full hybrid electric power, unlike competitors which switch to their internal combustion engine.
Flexible driving experience
The driver can select from four driving modes for the plug-in hybrid system with EV being the default where the NX 450h+ will run on purely electric power until the limit of its range is reached. When the high voltage battery’s state of charge drops to a pre-determined level, operation switches automatically to efficient hybrid mode. The Auto EV/HV mode automatically brings the hybrid engine into play when extra power is needed and then returns to EV operation immediately afterwards. The driver can also select CHG mode, which automatically maintains the battery’s state of charge.
In addition the driver can use Drive Mode Select to choose from Normal, Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ or Custom modes.
The NX 450h+ utilises a e-Four all-wheel drive system, which utilises an additional electric motor to drive the rear axle when needed. Front and rear torque distribution is optimised according to driving conditions.
Elegantly executed interior
The NX has received a full digital makeover, which has been executed elegantly. This includes a customisable digital instrument nacelle in the line of site of the driver, supplemented by a full-colour Heads-Up Display. A 14-inch touch activated central screen allows for control of all interior features and systems. Key features including navigation, multimedia and climate control can be operated using voice recognition.
Standout interior features include Thematic Ambient Illumination, power seats for all occupants, a heated wood and leather trimmed steering wheel, Lexus Memory System for the seats, steering wheel and Head Up Display, wireless charger, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a moonroof.
The NX is equipped with the advanced Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes a wide variety of active and passive safety features including Pre-Collision and Active Cornering Assist, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert System and Digital latch with safe exit amongst others.
Being part of the F Sport family, the NX 450h+ features sporty interior touches too, including Dark Graphite Aluminium finishes, unique gauges, bolstered sport seats, a sporty steering wheel and aluminium pedals. Perforated interior trim in black and circuit red are integrated into the seats, steering wheel and centre console.
Model range and pricing
Lexus NX 450h+ R1 336 200
Pricing includes a seven-year/105 000km warranty and full maintenance plan
