ON TEST: LEXUS NX450h+
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Andrew Walker
The Lexus NX was originally launched in 2014 and quickly became the brand’s most popular car. However, when the NX was updated, Lexus didn’t offer a plug-in hybrid or full electric version, but the all-new model put that omission right. For those who don’t know, the NX is a five-door SUV, powered by either a 2.5-litre self charging petrol in FWD or AWD or a 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid petrol engine. Both feature a CVT gear box. You can choose from the self-charging NX 350, with starting price of £39,760, in Sport or Takumi trim, or the plug-in NX 450h AWD + in Premium, Premium + or Takumi trim. The entry level of the 450h is £50,950 so it’s quite a big jump, price-wise, from the cheapest self charging version. Our test was in the most fleet-friendly model, the NX 450h+, and the specs here are based on the plug-in version only. Equipment All plug-in hybrid NXs feature wireless smartphone charging, a reversing camera, dualzone climate control, heated seats, LED headlights, keyless go and the ‘Lexus Safety System+’. The main interior change is that Lexus has got rid of the infotainment track pad used on the previous NX, replacing it with a smarter, simpler and cleaner touchscreen. Entry-level NX 450h+ features a 9.8” central 18 | June 2022 | Company Car and Van
Lexus NX450h+ is a welcome entry to the premium PHEV party touchscreen, while F Sport and Takumi trims get the larger 14” version and 10” digital driver’s display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto are also included and overall, it’s a massive improvement over what came before. Engine and company car benefits The 450h+ shares its TNGA-K underpinnings with the latest Toyota RAV4. This hybrid system comprises a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with CVT transmission, tagged to an 18.1kWh battery and electric motor. Lexus says that 43 miles is possible on battery power alone. For fleets, the CO2 is as low as 20g/km which equates to just seven per cent in BIK and big tax savings for its fleet drivers. Fuel economy and performance Lexus claims combined economy to be as high as 256.8 mpg and, if you only ever drive
your NX locally for 20 miles per day, that is possible. However, take a longer trip and this will drop. For example, in our test week, by utilising the electric range until we reached the motorway and plugging the NX in to charge overnight, we drove the 450h + over 200 miles in a week and averaged 58.7 mpg, which is still impressive. With 302bhp, top speed is 124mph and 0-62mph takes just 6.3 seconds, which isn’t bad at all. Exterior and interior The latest NX is 20mm longer and comes with a 30mm longer wheelbase. Outside, it’s less angular than the previous version, with slim LED headlights and the familiar Lexus spindle grille. At the rear, there’s now a full-width tail-light and overall the cars shape and lines feel simpler, cleaner and more pleasing on the eye. www.companycarandvan.co.uk
