With this improved take on the PHEV version its second generation NX, Lexus fields an even more class-competitive contender in the segment for mid-sized premium brand Plug-in Hybrid SUVs. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Background

It's rather confusing that Lexus never bought us a Plug-in Hybrid before the NX 450+ model arrived back in 2022. After all, prior to that date the brand had championed PHEV engines for over a decade and in 2020, had 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, we expected something pretty special from this petrol/electric plug-in NX at its original launch and it was indeed a very complete product. But the 47 mile EV driving range provided by the original 18.1kWh battery was quickly overtaken by rivals in the years since, so a mid-term update was much needed - and delivered here.

Driving Experience

Like the alternative NX, the non-plug-in NX 350h, the NX 450h+ has an AWD powertrain and uses the brand's latest sixth generation Hybrid technology. For the PHEV version, this delivers an increase in battery size from 18 to 23kWh, boosting all-electric range from 46 to 60 miles. Power is up too, from 288bhp to 303bhp, which reduces the 0-62mph time by 0.2s to 6.1s. As before, the car always pulls away in battery-only 'EV' mode, one of the four different powertrain operational settings available. Pressing a button near the gearstick lets you flip between 'EV' full-electric drive and the alternative 'HV' mode, the latter being more realistic for normal driving as it runs this Lexus as a regular full-Hybrid, the software seamlessly blending in either petrol or electric power sources as required. A full press on the same button connects you to a further 'Charge mode', which sees the engine note rise as it (rather inefficiently) charges the battery when you're driving. All that might sound quite complicated, but driving an NX 450h+ really isn't. You don't have to make driving mode choices unless you really want to because an additional 'Auto EV/HV' mode button is also provided, which essentially makes all the decisions for you. In terms of drive dynamics, Lexus has tried to narrow the gap to its German rivals by incorporating a number of changes intended to give the car a more sporting feel. New valved dampers, developed at the Nurburgring Nordschleife race track, are supposed to improve the balance between ride comfort and handling. And it'll feel more sporty too, thanks to a lower driving position and a smaller steering wheel with retuned electric steering.

Design and Build

There's a sharper look to the front end of this updated MK2 model NX, brought about by the installation of the brand's more aerodynamic 'spindle' grille. This is flanked by smarter LED daytime running lights which incorporate a second horizontal strip of light sandwiching the main headlamps. The rear isn't much different from before, but does now get illuminated 'LEXUS' script. Both front and rear bumpers are revised, plus there are smarter side mouldings and there's a darker finish for the alloy wheels, which as before range in size from 18 to 20-inches. More far-reaching changes are found up-front inside where (unusually for a mid-term update) the dashboard is completely new. Partly because it has to incorporate a new generation of screen tech. The instrument display grows in size from 7 to 12.3-inches; and the largest 14-inch size for the central infotainment screen is now standardised across the line-up. The other reason for the dashboard change might be less welcome. Lexus has dispensed with the previous rotary climate control dials in favour of touch-sensitive buttons mounted underneath the main touchscreen. At least the restyled steering wheel still gets physical buttons - and now features Lexus lettering, rather than the brand's logo. Higher quality materials are now used around the cabin, including stitched leather on the dashboard and there can even be customisable fragrances emitted through the air vents. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system fitted to top models gets its own ambient lighting package. It's all the same as before when you move rearwards of course. So there's still no Q5-like seat base-sliding function, but you can recline the seat backs. There's not a great deal of cabin width, but what you do get is embellished by the fact that the NX does without the kind of high centre transmission tunnel that features on most of its rivals. Out back, the powered tailgate rises to reveal a 545-litre load space which (impressively) isn't reduced in size by the PHEV powertrain. Lexus still fails to provide either a ski hatch or a flexible 40:20:40 rear seatback split, so if you've rear passengers, longer items like skis will have to go on the roof. When you push everything forward, the 1,436-litre capacity will be sufficient for most owners.

Market and Model

Let's get to the pricing of this car: which won't change much as part of this update. That means you're looking at paying in the £50,000-£60,000 bracket for the NX 450h+Plug-in Hybrid. Expect a similar selection of trim levels too, which means base 'Urban', then 'Premium', 'Premium Plus', 'F Sport', F Sport Takumi' and 'Takumi'. Regardless of trim, there's lots of standard kit included of course. Like 18 or 20-inch alloy wheels, bi-LED headlights with Automatic High Beam, LED front fog lights, power-folding mirrors, roof rails, a powered tailgate and the brand's 'E-Latch' electronic door opening system Further up the line-up, you get real leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a Head-up display, Panoramic View Monitor, ambient cabin lighting with 64 colours and, on top models, a thumping Mark Levinson 17-speaker Premium Surround audio system. As you'd expect, safety has been prioritised, a wide portfolio of features included as part of the standard 'Lexus Safety System+' package. As part of this update, this has been further improved with upgraded sensors for wider degrees of hazard detection. And there's a cleverer adaptive cruise control system that can use GPS mapping to slow the car down for junctions, bends and roundabouts.

Cost of Ownership

This 450h+ variant, as we told you in our 'Driving' section, can now offer up to 60 miles of EV range from its larger 23kWh battery. That's better than a BMW X3 xDrive30e (54 miles). But still not as good as an Audi Q5 e-hybrid (62 miles) or a Mercedes GLC 300e (78 miles). But it still means you can expect a three-figure combined cycle fuel return and a CO2 reading of well under 20g/km. 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. On to after-sales cover. It's worth pointing out that Lexus gives you a much better warranty than the limited three year one you'll get with most premium rivals. From the showroom, the car comes with a three year warranty, but providing you continue to regularly maintain it at a one of the brand's franchised dealerships, 12 months of extra warranty cover will be included with every scheduled service, up to 100,000 miles or ten years, whichever comes first. Servicing intervals are rather frequent though - every year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. Fixed price servicing plans are available if you want to spread the cost of maintenance, allowing you to spread the cost over two years or more.

Summary

We don't really understand why it took Lexus so long to bring us a Plug-in Hybrid, but the brand has got properly into gear with this technology with this updated NX 450h+. 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 PHEV, 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. In fact, the improved cabin might well sell you this car. And make up for the fact that the EV range stat still isn't quite as good as you'll get with some rivals. Despite that, there's plenty to like here.