New Lexus NX flagship launched in South Africa – Pricing and specifications

Lexus has just launched its second plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) in South Africa in the form of the NX 450h+ F Sport.

The 450h+ is positioned as the flagship of the premium SUV series, with a starting price of R1,336,200.

Specifications

The heart of the new Lexus is a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine assisted by two electric motors mounted over the front and rear axles.

The front e-motor can produce a total of 134kW while the one at the back pumps out 40kW, and both are powered by an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery.

When the electric and combustion powertrains are combined, the NX has a total output of 227kW. Unfortunately, Toyota and Lexus do not disclose the official torque figures of their hybrids.

The PHEV drivetrain lets the 450h+ race to 100km/h in a respectable 6.3 seconds, while its top speed is capped at 200km/h.

The energy-dense battery is built into the vehicle’s platform, meaning it doesn’t intrude on the cabin or load space and contributes to a low centre of gravity.

Its 18.1kWh capacity affords an all-electric range of 66.5km, while the engine’s 55-litre fuel tank can support a driving distance of 1,100km.

Importantly, the hybrid’s electric motors can be driven at highway speeds, letting owners potentially spend the entire day on nothing but the battery.

It is for this same reason that the Lexus has a manufacturer-claimed fuel consumption of just 1.3l/100km.

Charging the power cell then takes around two-and-a-half hours using a 32A station.

By default, the SUV will start in EV (Electric Vehicle) mode, running on electricity alone until it reaches its range limit.

A this point, it will switch to HV (Hybrid Vehicle) mode, which brings the petrol engine into play when extra power is needed.

Another setting, CHG (Charge Mode) will automatically maintain the battery’s current level.

Furthermore, drivers can use Drive Mode Select to alter the performance of Lexus’ systems, with Normal providing a balance between performance and efficiency.

Economy will adjust the throttle response and aircon to improve consumption, while Sport S tweaks the steering and accelerator response for more intense sessions.

Sport S+ takes this idea further by adjusting the adaptive variable suspension and steering, and Custom Mode lets owners save their preferred settings for the powertrain, suspension, steering, and aircon.

The final piece of the puzzle is the e-Four all-wheel-drive system, which connects to the powerplant via a CVT transmission.

As for its equipment highlights, the flagship NX features a digital instrument cluster complemented by a full-colour heads-up display (HUD) and a 14-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It also boasts Thematic Ambient Illumination for the cabin with 14 colour options, onboard navigation, automatic climate control, a heated wood and leather steering wheel, a wireless charger, a moonroof, and Lexus Memory System which saves your settings for the seats, wheel, and HUD.

Also included is Lexis Safety Systems+ 3.0, which encompasses pre-collision assist, active cornering assist, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a “Digital Latch with Safe Exit” assistant that locks the doors to prevent occupants from getting out if it detects another vehicle or bicycle approaching.

As the new hybrid is a member of the F Sport family, it additionally features Dark Graphite aluminium accents, bolstered Sports seats, a bespoke steering wheel, aluminium pedals and scuff plates, perforated Black and Circuit Red upholstery, and a unique Poseidon Blue paint scheme.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the updated Lexus NX range is as follows:

• Lexus NX 250 EX – R986,800
• Lexus NX 350h EX – R1,029,400
• Lexus NX 350 F Sport – R1,224,800
• Lexus NX 350h F Sport – R1,225,700
• Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport – R1,336,200 (new)

Each purchase comes with a 7-year/105,000km warranty and maintenance plan, with the hybrid units benefitting from an 8-year/195,000km battery warranty.

Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport