We test the first plug-in hybrid SUV from Lexus, the NX 450h+

Electrification is not new to the brand. In fact, it has been one of the pioneers in the field, has been working on it for more than 15 years and, in addition, already offers a 100 percent electric model in its UX range. But now the new Lexus Lexus NX takes an important qualitative leap over the interior edition, both in technology, with the incorporation of a plug-in hybrid drive system, and in terms of quality, equipment and driving assistance. It will reach the market in early 2022 from 48,500 euros for the 350h version and 65,200 euros for the 450h+ plug-in hybrid.

Based on the GA-K platform, which is also used by the RAV4 and Suzuki Across, it is 30 percent more rigid (thanks to the use of high-strength steel and aluminum), and lighter than the previous NX even though the model grows slightly in length, width and height (2,320 kg in the front-wheel-drive hybrid version and 2,540 kg in the 450h+ plug-in hybrid). It features 95 percent new parts and improvements to the braking, steering and suspension systems. For its part, the boot offers a capacity of 545 litres in all variants.

The new generation has a range of engines that includes the 350h self-charging hybrid version, with 244 CV of power (24 percent more than the current version), as well as the 450h+, with 309 CV, which incorporates a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors, one for each axle. They are paired with an 18.1 kWh battery and can run in electric mode at a maximum speed of 135 km/h. This version features an internal 6.6 kW charger, so its battery could be fully recharged in approximately 2.5 hours.

New design

Although the dimensions of the model do not vary significantly from the previous edition and the shapes maintain a certain similarity with the previous NX family, the work done on the bodywork is clearly visible, with highly sculpted surfaces from every angle that favour the aerodynamics of the whole.

A new, more prominent grille and very sharp light units give the new NX a distinguished and elegant character, while the side stands out for its combination of convex and concave surfaces with taut lines and high waistline, as well as a new range of alloy wheels up to 20 inches. The rear also draws attention with its design, which reflects a certain symmetry with the front and breaks the proportion of glass and sheet metal with a set of highly crafted light units, joined by a thin red line.

On the F Sport and Luxury trims, the system of adaptive high beams is incorporated with four-projector LED headlights, specific bumpers with greater air channelling, a “hands-free” tailgate opening system and new body colours, Electric Blue and Nova White.

If the exterior draws attention for its shapes, the interior is even more striking for its excellent finish and fit of materials. The dashboard has been completely redesigned, eliminating many switches (reduced from 78 to 45) and grouping them by function to make them easier to use.

It may feature a colour Head-Up Display on the two highest trims, with the option to customise the design and configure different information levels: full, summary or minimal. The steering wheel has also been redesigned with more ergonomic shapes, more intuitive controls and very accessible paddle shifters.

It receives new multimedia systems with a 14 or 9.8-inch central touchscreen equipped with real-time “cloud” navigation, a latest-generation operating system, compatible with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, and voice interface. It also includes the Lexus Link Connect system with a four-year subscription for all European markets, through which various vehicle parameters can be checked and managed, such as climate control, battery charge level, location, and so on.

The finishes, the materials and the perfect fit of all components stand out, along with the overall visual appearance, which is well above that of other European premium brands. It includes a new electronic door opening system, called E-Latch, combined with the Safe Exit Assist function, which prevents the doors from opening if a vehicle is approaching.

Five different trim levels are offered: Business, Business City, Executive, F Sport and Luxury, all well equipped even at base level, including dual-zone climate control, double front windows or the Lexus Safety System safety package, which includes emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active cruise control with lane-keeping assist for automatic guidance.

It may be fitted with heated, ventilated and memory electric seats, a wireless mobile phone charger or a 17-speaker high-fidelity sound system signed by Mark Levinson.

Efficient engines

The 350h hybrid version increases its power to 244 CV, compared with 198 in the previous edition, and can have one or two electric motors on the axles, depending on the drive system, front-wheel or all-wheel, which are powered by a small 70-cell, 259 V battery. It can run exclusively on electric power at a maximum speed of 125 km/h if the battery has the necessary charge and terrain conditions permit, although the electric range is not outstanding in this case.

It uses the same 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine as the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, but with greater efficiency thanks to a different ECU, which delivers 24 percent more power than the previous NX 300h, allowing 0–100 km/h acceleration in 7.7 seconds.

It shares the same transmission system as the NX 450h+ and is available with front-wheel drive or E-Four-4WD all-wheel drive.

The NX 450h+ also has the four-cylinder, 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle combustion engine, but adds a 134 kW front electric motor, a 40 kW rear electric motor and an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, so that it can cover between 69 and 98 km in electric mode, promises 0–100 km/h acceleration in 6.3 seconds and CO₂ emissions of between 20 and 26 g/km.

It offers an operating programme that can manage battery charging through the combustion engine, maintaining or increasing it up to 80 percent of total capacity. In this case, the combustion engine keeps running at a constant speed if the car can move using only the electric motor. It is equipped with the E-Four electric all-wheel-drive system, via the rear electric motor and has a towing capacity of 1.5 tonnes.

The driver can select from four driving modes for the plug-in hybrid system: EV mode is the default, in which it can run exclusively on electric power until the range limit is reached. In this case, electric driving mode is given exclusive priority and the combustion engine does not operate, even if the accelerator pedal is pressed fully and maximum power is requested, a situation that can sometimes be compromised when performing an overtaking manoeuvre.

When the battery is depleted, operation automatically switches to HV mode (hybrid vehicle), capable of automatically activating the combustion engine when additional power is needed and immediately returning to EV operation. HV mode can also be selected to maintain battery charge.

Additionally, it features a driving mode selection system: Normal offers a balance between driving performance and economy; Eco, which adapts throttle response and air-conditioning output to save fuel, and Sport, which modifies steering and accelerator response.

On F SPORT trims equipped with adaptive variable suspension (AVS), Sport mode is replaced by Sport S and Sport S+ modes, giving a firmer suspension and a more sporty steering feel. Although it has a continuously variable transmission, the driver can use the paddle shifters to act on the gearbox’s locking to adjust the ratios to the most appropriate speed.

Excellent driving pleasure

In addition to the comfort provided by the pleasant cabin, with well-supporting seats and excellent comfort, the quiet ride provided by the good suspension damping and double glazing, the dynamic side of the model deserves a special mention.

Although it cannot be described as light, since all versions comfortably exceed two tonnes in weight, it is true that the position of the batteries – which lowers the centre of gravity – the good weight distribution between the axles and the excellent performance of the suspension help make the overall result very satisfying on any kind of road.

We also found the operation of the brakes particularly impressive, which offer excellent feel at any point of pedal travel, with no electric/mechanical sensation and a spectacular bite. In fact, the electric braking action is not noticeable through the pedal, showing very effective performance even under prolonged use.

The operation of the plug-in hybrid stands out especially when running in electric mode, as pleasant as or more so than some high-end models powered solely by battery. Smooth, quiet and progressive at all times, with a very striking acceleration response.

What is more, with such range and driving pleasure, it can compete directly with models powered solely by battery, as it has almost the same advantages and presents no range or charging problems.

It is true that this variant’s price is high, around 6,000 euros more than the conventional hybrid versions, but the driving pleasure it provides and the range it achieves in electric mode can largely offset the extra cost, an eight percent premium.

Technical specifications of this car

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