What is new?

Apart from the addition to the NX range, the NX 450h+ is also the second plug-in hybrid (PHEV) from Lexus to be launched in South Africa. This follows the introduction of the RX 450h+ earlier.

Engine:

The NX 450h+ petrol-electric pairing features a four-cylinder 2.5-litre hybrid Atkinson cycle engine, a 134 kW front electric motor, a 40 kW rear electric motor, hybrid transaxle and a lithium-ion battery with 18.1 kWh capacity. The battery can be fully recharged in around two-and-a-half hours, using a 32 A station.

The full plug-in system, including electric motors and battery, produces a total system output of 227 kW, yielding a brisk acceleration time of 6.3 seconds for the 0-100 km/h dash, making it the performance pick of the NX.

The NX 450h+’s EV (electric vehicle) driving range is good for around 66.5 km on the NEDC, rising to 69-76 km in urban cycle journeys.

Interior:

Moving indoors, the NX has been given a full digital makeover. Of course, there is a customisable digital instrument nacelle in the driver’s line of site, supplemented by full-colour Head-up Display, and there’s also a 14-inch touch-activated central screen to control and monitor the full suite of bells and whistles the NX comes standard with.

Key cabin amenities such as navigation, multimedia and climate control can be operated using advanced voice recognition.

Being a member of the exclusive F SPORT family, the NX 450h+ bears all the hallmarks of the sporty marque with Dark Graphite Aluminium ornamentation, a unique meter, bolstered sports seats, steering wheel, aluminium pedals and scuff plates that make it unique. With perforated interior trim in Black and Circuit Red, the sports-inspired materials are integrated on the seats, steering wheel and centre console.

Exterior:

From the outside, the bold F SPORT grille is integrated into the front and rear bumpers for a remarkable first impression.

The 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels are framed by colour-key over fenders, improving curb appeal and adding to the sporty appearance. There’s also a unique F SPORT colour – Poseidon Blue.

Price:

The Lexus NX 450h+ retails for R 1 336 200 and, as with all other Lexus models, boasts a 7-year/105 000 km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. The vehicle’s service intervals are pegged at every 15 000 km, alternatively once a year. The NX 450h+ further comes with an additional 8-year/195 000 km hybrid battery warranty.