Adding plug-in hybrid variants for its two top-selling luxury SUVs has expanded customer options for Lexus, now the second for the luxury marque in New Zealand.
The RX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV) is now available in Limited grade specification, a first for the RX line up, while the NX range gains a second PHEV, the NX 450h+ Limited. The arrival of further PHEV’s provides options for Lexus customers looking to reduce their CO2 tailpipe emissions without compromising on premium performance, says Lexus.
As well as the PHEV addition, all RX models, one of the most popular Lexus in New Zealand with 215 sold in 2024, are receiving improvements and upgrades for 2025.
Lexus New Zealand Vice President Andrew Davis says providing customers with plug-in hybrid options for its best-selling luxury SUVs supports the brand’s electrification expansion.
“We are constantly evolving and upgrading our product offering to ensure our customers have the right powertrain, and for many of our Lexus customers PHEV is the next step in their electrification journey. We believe it offers the best of both worlds before stepping into a full battery electric vehicle,” says Davis.
The addition of PHEV’s continues the Lexus trend of electrifying its vehicles. Total Lexus sales in 2024 were 88% electrified – HEV, PHEV and Battery Electric.
In addition to offering the PHEV RX 450h+ Limited, a special edition Lexus RX 500h Black Line will arrive in 2025 in limited numbers. The package is offered exclusively on the RX 500h F SPORT Performance variant and features black exterior appearance parts, orange brake callipers and 21-inch split-five-spoke wheels with a black metallic finish.
“RX is core to the Lexus brand, so it was a natural step to add to what’s already been such a popular range and give our performance customers something special. The hybrid system is arguably the best and smoothest on the market, styling-wise the RX stands out on the street, and the interior is the epitome of Lexus premium Takumi craftsmanship,” adds Davis.
“Combine those three qualities with hybrid power and efficiency, and smooth handling, and the RX is hard to beat. Then throw in the renowned Lexus reliability and customer care, and you have a vehicle that should easily be on the shortlist for any new luxury SUV buyer.”
With the new models for 2025, the RX range now offers four variants with technology upgrades across the range: Premium, Limited, F SPORT Performance and the Black Line Special Edition and three different powertrains – 2.5L Hybrid, 2.4L Petrol Turbo 1-Motor Hybrid and 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). All are either new or upgraded for 2025.
“As global core models for Lexus, the expansion of RX and NX Plug-in Hybrids contributes to a carbon-neutral society, while staying close to the increasingly diversified needs and lifestyles of our customers,” Andrew says.
2025 Lexus RX 450h+ Limited
In addition to the PHEV drivetrain, the RX 450h+ Limited features items such as a panoramic roof with an outer slide front sunroof and interior roller share. It also features front radiant heaters and humidity sensor. The Limited boasts an 85km BEV range, runs on exclusive 21” dark grey metallic alloy wheels.
The weighted combined fuel consumption for the RX 450h+ is 1.4L/100km with a total system output of 227kW, up 43kW from the RX 350h variants.
2025 Lexus RX 500h Black Line special edition
Limited to 15 units across New Zealand, with most now pre-sold, the Lexus RX 500h Black Line special edition package builds on the RX 500h F SPORT Performance grade. The 500h F SPORT Performance combines a 2.4L turbocharged petrol engine with a 1-motor hybrid electric system for a total system output of 273kW.
Outside, the package brings Graphite Black, Sonic Iridium and White Nova as three exterior colour options, black exterior styling touches, and 21-inch wheels with a black metallic finish and orange brake callipers – offered on RX for the first time. Exclusive front and rear lower spoilers and side skirts further highlight the sporty image. The lower body area is painted glossy Piano Black.
The Black Line special edition’s sporty look is completed with a black leather and Ultrasuede accented interior and Dark Aluminium ornamentation. The Black Line also has front door courtesy lights that project the F SPORT logo and illuminated F SPORT front scuff plates.
2025 Lexus RX 350h Premium and Limited variants
The combination meter in all variants produced since October 2024 has been updated from 7-inch colour TFT to a 12.3-inch fully digital multi-information display. Wireless Android Auto is now included for all variants.
The brightness of the multi-colour interior illumination has been increased (about three times brighter). Illumination has been added to the front tray located in front of the centre console. Noise reduction has been added to the rear side glass on all variants.
The combined fuel consumption for the RX 350h variants has been reduced from 6.0 to 5.4L/100km, and CO₂ has been reduced from 137 to 123g/km.
Andrew Davis says the upgrades and additions to the RX line-up for 2025 reflect how the marque is continuing to evolve to meet customer needs.
“All RX models maintain the Lexus tradition of a quiet ride, refinement and stress-free driving experience,” he says. “The addition of the Black Line special edition takes all that and offers something a little more unique to a customer looking for something special.”
Lexus New Zealand says the new models are available now in select Lexus dealerships around the country for viewing and test drives.
Pricing of the 2025 RX Range
| Model | Specifications | Price | Total System Output | Fuel Consumption |
| RX 350h Premium | 2.5 HEV AWD SUV 5D/5S | $124,900 | 184kW | 5.4L/100km |
| RX 350h Limited | 2.5 HEV AWD SUV 5D/5S | $137,400 | 184kW | 5.4L/100km |
| RX 450h+ Limited | 2.5 PHEV AWD SUV 5D/5S | $144,900 | 227kW | 1.4L/100km |
| RX 500h F SPORT Performance | 2.4 PT 1MHEV AWD 6AT 5D/5S | $150,100 | 273kW | 7.2L/100km |
| RX 500h Black Line | 2.4 PT 1MHEV AWD 6AT 5D/5S | $155,500 | 273kW | 7.2L/100km |
More information: www.lexus.co.nz
