No hassle with plugs, said Toyota and Lexus for years. The Japanese brands firmly believed in hybrid technology. That belief is still there with the arrival of the new Lexus NX, because this competitor to the Audi Q5 and BMW X1 is available as NX 350h (regular hybrid) and NX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid). We go through the SUV from Lexus on the basis of five innovations.
1. Lexus NX 450h+: first plug-in hybrid
The Lexus NX 450h+ has a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an 18 kWh electric motor. This makes the electric motor of the Lexus larger than that of the Smart Fortwo (17.6 kWh)! Only the engine in the Smart has to do it all by itself. The petrol engine and the electric motor of the Lexus NX together provide 306 hp. According to the Japanese, consumption is 3.0 l/100 km (1 in 33.3). The NX has an electric range of 63 kilometers. Despite the battery pack, the luggage space is just as large as that of the ‘normal’ NX.
2. 95 percent of parts are new
At first glance, the Lexus NX resembles its predecessor. But the car is almost completely new. It got a little bigger (20mm), taller (5mm) and wider (20mm). The wheelbase grew by 30mm, which is good news for rear passengers. The NX is built on Lexus’ new GA-K platform.
3. Lexus NX 350h: ideal car for a caravan
Until now, the Lexus NX was available with a hybrid powertrain, which was good for 197 hp. The new NX hybrid has a lot more power with 242 hp. The official figures are not yet known, but Lexus says consumption – despite that 242 horsepower – decreased by 10 percent. Like its predecessor, the NX 350h is available with front and four-wheel drive. He can tow a trailer of 1500 kilos.
4. Hey Mercedes, eh, Hey Lexus
Japanese always come up with funny things. For example, the doors of the NX now open electrically: you only have to grab the door handle or the doors open themselves. In addition, cameras keep an eye on whether a cyclist is approaching, so that he does not crash into the self-thinking door. Typical Japanese love for details: the tailgate opens and closes quieter and faster (4 seconds) than before.
Lexus has a comprehensive multimedia system with a large touchscreen, which can also be controlled with your voice. Say Hey Lexus and the car will be ready to answer your questions.
5. The Lexus NX will be at the dealer at the end of 2021
The new Lexus NX 350h and NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid will be available at the Dutch dealer at the end of 2021. It is not yet known what the price of the Lexus NX will be. The price of the current Lexus NX 300h is 59,745 euros.