Lexus NX450H

Lexus’ all-new NX model pushes range and low carbon agenda

The all-new NX marks the introduction of Lexus’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the latest achievement in the brand’s distinguished history of electrified vehicle innovation.

The company has called on its unmatched expertise and experience to give its new NX450h+ luxury mid-size SUV class-leading performance and efficiency from the new rechargeable, plug-in system. Due for launch later in 2021, it will take its place alongside the new UX300e battery electric SUV to add momentum to the Lexus Electrified programme.

Its bloodline can be traced back to 2005 and the introduction of the RX400h, the world’s first premium hybrid model. Since then, Lexus has constantly developed hybrid as the core technology for its electrified vehicles and made it available across almost its entire model range. With increased choice and improved performance, it has achieved more than two million hybrid vehicle sales worldwide.

Such has been the level of environmental efficiency of the technology, Lexus calculates its hybrid electric cars have so far saved around 19 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The new NX450h+ demonstrates Lexus’s continued progress towards its goal of carbon neutrality throughout the lifecycle of its vehicles by 2050. It is among 20 new or improved models Lexus will bring to market by 2025, including more than 10 electrified (plug-in hybrid, self-charging hybrid or battery electric) vehicles.

The new Lexus plug-in hybrid electric system

The plug-in electric system in the NX450h+ features a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder hybrid engine, an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery and two electric motors – one on the rear axle to provide full-time all-wheel drive. The full system produces a maximum 302bhp, which should enable acceleration from rest to 62mph in just more than six seconds.

The class-leading capacity of the battery and Lexus’s established power management technology are key to the vehicle having an all-electric (EV) driving range of 40 miles* – again, a class-leading capability. In EV driving, the NX450h+ will, according to driving conditions, be able to reach speeds of up to 84mph on electric power.

Ahead of formal homologation, Lexus estimates CO2 emissions of less than 40g/km will be achieved (WLTP combined cycle).

What further differentiates the NX450h+ from its competitors is the fact that when the battery is depleted, the car defaults to a highly efficient self-charging hybrid system. On other models, the default is to an internal combustion engine alone, with significantly higher fuel consumption and emissions. In this scenario, the Lexus is expected to be up to 20 per cent more efficient.

NX350h self-charging hybrid

While the NX450h+ will be the flagship model, the new NX range will also include a self-charging hybrid electric model, the NX350h. This, too, demonstrates the substantial progress Lexus has made with its fourth generation hybrid system: compared to the current NX300h, it delivers 22 per cent more power (239bhp) and 15 per cent faster acceleration from 0-62mph (7.7 seconds). This level of performance notwithstanding, Lexus expects CO2 emissions to fall by around 10 per cent.

* Figure subject to final homologation

Price cut keeps UX300e at head of electric pack

Lexus has stepped in to ensure customers are not disadvantaged by changes to the Government-funded grant support for new electric vehicle purchases, by offering a £2,155 reduction in its UX300e’s otr price.

At the same time, a new PCP offer is available with monthly payments from £429. This is with a representative 3.9 per cent APR and a £1,000 finance deposit allowance for a 48-month agreement, provided by Lexus Financial Services.

In addition, Lexus’s Kinto One service is offering personal contract hire leasing at £465 per month with a £2,790 initial rental (both inclusive of VAT at 20 per cent).

For business customers, the exceptional environmental efficiency of the UX300e attracts significant cost benefits, including a one per cent benefit-in-kind rating for company car tax and a zero charge for road tax. Lexus has introduced a Business Contract Hire offer with monthly payments of £387 and an initial rental of £2,322 (both exclusive of VAT at 20 per cent).

The UX300e is equipped with a 201bhp electric motor, powered by a high-capacity 54.35kWh lithium-ion battery that’s located beneath the vehicle floor, ensuring no compromise in cabin and load space. On a full charge, it can cover up to 196 miles, with zero emissions; recharging using a DC fast-charging connection can be accomplished in 52 minutes.