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By Jonathan Crouch

With this improved take on the PHEV version its second generation NX, Lexus fields an even more class-competitive contender in the segment for mid-sized premium brand Plug-in Hybrid SUVs. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 72

The NX 450+ was the first plug-in hybrid Lexus and in this smartly updated form goes considerably further on a charge. It's all part of a wide-ranging package of mid-term updates. If you're choosing in this segment, most of the magazines will tell you to buy something Teutonic. But if this revitalised NX 450h+ appeals, you may well feel that you know better. The Germans really need to take this contender seriously.

Backgroundword count: 131

It's rather confusing that Lexus never bought us a Plug-in Hybrid before the NX 450+ model arrived back in 2022. After all, prior to that date the brand had championed PHEV engines for over a decade and in 2020, had even bought us a full-EV, the UX 300e. But never a petrol plug-in, until this car, despite all the relevant tech being on offer to the company through parent conglomerate Toyota. Given that kind of build-up, we expected something pretty special from this petrol/electric plug-in NX at its original launch and it was indeed a very complete product. But the 47 mile EV driving range provided by the original 18.1kWh battery was quickly overtaken by rivals in the years since, so a mid-term update was much needed - and delivered here.

Driving Experienceword count: 279

Like the alternative NX, the non-plug-in NX 350h, the NX 450h+ has an AWD powertrain and uses the brand's latest sixth generation Hybrid technology. For the PHEV version, this delivers an increase in battery size from 18 to 23kWh, boosting all-electric range from 46 to 60 miles. Power is up too, from 288bhp to 303bhp, which reduces the 0-62mph time by 0.2s to 6.1s. As before, the car always pulls away in battery-only 'EV' mode, one of the four different powertrain operational settings available. Pressing a button near the gearstick lets you flip between 'EV' full-electric drive and the alternative 'HV' mode, the latter being more realistic for normal driving as it runs this Lexus as a regular full-Hybrid, the software seamlessly blending in either petrol or electric power sources as required. A full press on the same button connects you to a further 'Charge mode', which sees the engine note rise as it (rather inefficiently) charges the battery when you're driving. All that might sound quite complicated, but driving an NX 450h+ really isn't. You don't have to make driving mode choices unless you really want to because an additional 'Auto EV/HV' mode button is also provided, which essentially makes all the decisions for you. In terms of drive dynamics, Lexus has tried to narrow the gap to its German rivals by incorporating a number of changes intended to give the car a more sporting feel. New valved dampers, developed at the Nurburgring Nordschleife race track, are supposed to improve the balance between ride comfort and handling. And it'll feel more sporty too, thanks to a lower driving position and a smaller steering wheel with retuned electric steering.

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