Test drive of the Lexus NX 450h+, we analyse the strengths of this great PHEV

The Japanese Toyota have been pioneers in hybridisation, something that has gone hand in hand with its luxury brand, Lexus. However, the field of plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and electric vehicles arrived somewhat later, but without a doubt they are making their way firmly and with a combination that convinces.

We got behind the wheel of one of the best plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market, I am referring to the Lexus NX 450h+, which offers 306 CV and a fully electric range of more than 76 km. So that you can get to know the strengths of this PHEV SUV better, we’ll tell you about them in seven points.

1. Redesigned exterior in this second generation

A year ago the second generation of the Lexus NX went on sale, with a notably changed exterior and interior design. Focusing on the exterior, it stands out for its new front grille with the Japanese brand’s design language, which gives it character (even if it is not an F-Sport version), and the rear line stands out strongly, with the LED lights extending along the tailgate.

The front headlights feature LED technology for all lighting functions, notably the high beams with automatic and staged activation, which provide excellent brightness. The front fog lights have not been dropped either, but they are now LED.

2. Spacious, technological and high-quality interior

The quality remains a hallmark of the interior of the Lexus NX; no matter which part of the dashboard we touch, we will always find soft plastic or leather, with a plush feel in line with what is expected of a premium SUV (something that is increasingly rare among typical premium brands).

In fact, the amount of black or low-quality plastic in the interior is minimal, in contrast with other competing models that “overuse” this material.

The huge screen of the multimedia system stands out, with smartphone connectivity, although as a point to improve, only iPhone users have wireless connection, while if we want to use Android Auto we must connect via cable (a curious detail).

3. Very comfortable behind the wheel

In addition to the spaciousness of its seats, the comfort of the front seats also stands out especially. They are rather plush, hug the body well and feel more like armchairs. Add to that good interior soundproofing and a high level of ride comfort thanks to the smoothness of the engine, and the end result is a very comfortable car.

Whether we are in the middle of city traffic or on a journey, the atmosphere inside is one of calm and serenity. Even the car’s windows close smoothly (a detail that surprised me).

4. 306 CV from its three motors

The powertrain driving this Lexus NX is a system made up of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder combustion engine with 185 CV, combined with two electric motors that together deliver a total output of 306 CV.

But we must not forget that it is a non-turbo, naturally aspirated unit, paired with a CVT automatic gearbox. The gearbox has paddles that can simulate gears, but it should be remembered that CVT gearboxes have no gears as such (they have pulleys that continuously change size as acceleration increases or decreases).

5. Spirited behind the wheel, but not a sports car

The Lexus NX has several driving modes: ECO, Normal and Sport, the latter trying to squeeze out every one of the 306 CV of the hybrid system. That said, when we switch to the dynamic mode, the gearbox will rev the engine high to extract every horse.

That sensation of the engine revving very high when accelerating hard has been improved, but it remains present in this type of mechanical configuration with naturally aspirated combustion engines and CVT gearboxes.

The response is not as immediate as in a turbocharged car or other configurations, but it is more than enough to overtake safely and with force. And once the engine is revved up, it is a powerful SUV.

6. Over 70 km electric and contained consumption

The area where this Lexus stands out most is the consumption and efficiency section. It has an electric battery with a capacity of 18 kWh, which can charge at 7 kW, and therefore be fully charged in under three hours.

With that battery, on urban routes it is easy to reach 70 km of range or even slightly exceed it, and on the road it is also relatively simple to go beyond 60 km at a normal pace.

Once the battery runs out, it behaves like a conventional hybrid. The consumption on the road -on our usual route- was 5.6 litres per 100 km, and on the motorway it rises to 6.8 litres per 100 km on our usual Madrid > Nigrán > Madrid route.

7. Technology, full of assistants

In terms of trim levels, the one we recommend most is the Executive, which is the one on our test unit because it comes very well equipped. It leaves out no detail, and the list of standard driver assistance systems is very extensive:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Pre-collision system (PCS) with pedestrian detection
• High beam (AHB) with automatic activation
• Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+3)
• Blind spot monitor (BSM)
• Road Sign Assist (RSA)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Brake (RCTAB)
• Lane Trace Assist (LTA)
• Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS)
• Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA)
• Emergency Steering Assist (ESA)
• Pre-collision system with cyclist detection
• Safe Exit Assist (SEA)
• Lane Change Assist (LCA)
• Rear camera with pedestrian detection
• Pre-collision system with Intersection Assist (ITA)
• Emergency Daylight Signal System (EDSS)

Worth highlighting is the quality of the sound system, which comes as standard with 10 speakers and offers sublime fidelity, something rarely found at no extra cost in a vehicle of this kind. Some premium brands offer optional sound systems of lower quality than the one fitted to this Lexus.

Personal opinion and price

The Lexus NX is available from 53,700 euros, although our plug-in hybrid unit rises to more than 70,000 euros, but in return it has everything we can expect from a premium segment.

In conclusion to this test, the NX450h+ is a great car: very comfortable, refined, cosy and fuel-efficient. It is not sporty and it has some inertia, but it does not aim to be. In return it offers a lot of comfort, and the quality of its finish is outstanding; few premium SUVs are like this. To all of the above we must add truly premium finishes and a very complete equipment list.

Photos | Test team

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadLexus NX18 versions · from 54,050 €