The all-new Lexus NX 450h+ takes the Lexus brand another step forward in its transition towards an electrified future. The Lexus NX 450h+, the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from Lexus, heralds a new direction in design and technology for the brand, as an F-Sport it offers elevated levels for driving performance, design and advanced technology, says Lexus.
In announcing the range and pricing of the electrified 2022 Lexus NX today, Lexus New Zealand General Manager Andrew Davis says the new vehicle is a considerable step up in terms of specifications.
“The new NX is a massive step forward for Lexus in both technology and electrification,” says Andrew Davis. “With the addition of the PHEV to our overall range we take another step forward on our carbon neutral journey, now having a HEV, BEV and PHEV offering for customers.”
“We also see the addition of the Tazuna architecture in the driver’s cockpit, which aims to raise the quality of the driving experience, while ensuring they feel a deeper and more intuitive connection with the vehicle.”
2022 Lexus NX 450 h+ – Vehicle Development
“The development of the new NX has brought about a major change in Lexus’ approach to new vehicle development, applying digital modelling and computer techniques for smarter engineering that can achieve a higher level of quality assurance. At the same time, the takumi-led skills of the human hand, ear and eye remain essential to achieving the highest sensory quality,” he says.
Lexus says it is redefining the mid-size luxury SUV segment with a car that is comprehensively new – in fact no less than 95% of the vehicle’s parts are newly developed. They claim the new NX bodywork presents contrasting curved surfaces and sharp angles, with dynamic proportions that express agility and a road-gripping look. Optimum packaging has been achieved with the use of Lexus Global Architecture K (GA-K) platform, providing more cabin space and generous cargo capacity.
“Lexus is on a journey towards carbon neutrality through a varied portfolio of sustainable powertrain options for customers. During 2021 over 68% of Lexus sales have been electrified vehicles, a 25.8% increase from last year which we expect to continue as our electrified product range expands in 2022.”
In the continued quest to lower its overall CO2 footprint as Lexus moves towards carbon neutrality, the new NX will be only available in New Zealand as a hybrid electric, NX 350h, or plug-in hybrid electric, NX 450+, vehicle.
Mr Davis says the NX 450h+ is the complete package for a mid-sized luxury SUV and inspires confidence for a driver wanting to balance their mobility needs while still lowering their overall CO2 footprint. “With around 87 km* of pure EV driving available, it is designed to let you commute on electric power only, and if you want to go further afield and head off to the country for the weekend, you still have the 2.5L petrol hybrid system so there is no range anxiety,” he says.
Lexus has drawn on more than 15 years of hybrid technology expertise to produce the new NX 450h+. The halo model in the new NX range, the 450h+ features a four-cylinder, 2.5-litre hybrid Atkinson cycle engine, a 134kW front electric motor, a 40kW rear electric motor, hybrid transaxle and a lithium-ion battery with 18.1kWh capacity.
2022 Lexus NX 450 h+ – Performance
The full plug-in system, including electric motors and battery, produces a combined system output of 227kW, enabling acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. At the same time, weighted combined CO2 emissions of 29g/km and 1.3 l/100km* fuel consumption.
Lexus says the NX also debuts a new multimedia platform that takes connectivity, information and convenience to a higher level, and benefits from expansion of the scope and functionality of the next generation Lexus Safety System+ active safety and driver assistance systems to help guard against an even wider range of accident risks and reduce the burden on the driver.
The all new NX will be revealed locally at the beginning of 2022, with the HEV variants arriving in Q1 and the PHEV in Q2.
2022 Lexus NX 450 h+ – Pricing
The all-new 2022 Lexus NX is priced at
Lexus NX 350h FWD 2.5P HEV $92,700 LRP**
Lexus NX 350h AWD Limited 2.5P HEV $101,900 LRP**
Lexus NX 450h+ AWD F Sport 2.5P PHEV $107,900 LRP**
The pricing includes Lexus’ 4-year unlimited kilometre warranty, service plan and roadside assistance package.
* Energy + fuel consumption figures and driving range are based on tests under controlled conditions and are provided for comparison purposes. Actual results will vary depending on factors such as vehicle usage and operating conditions.
**Lexus Retail Price
