Lexus NX 450h+ UK Review - A Strong PHEV Contender?

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The NX 450+ may be the first plug-in hybrid Lexus, but it's been created with a greater wealth of engineering experience than has been devoted to any other mid-sized premium brand SUV segment rival. There's up to 47 miles of all-electric driving range, sharp looks and a sumptuous cabin. It's a strong contender.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:36 Background
01:36 Driving Experience
03:26 Design & Build
06:24 Market & Model Range
08:36 Cost of Ownership
10:22 Summary
Background
It's rather confusing that Lexus has never bought us a plug-in hybrid before the NX 450+ plug-in model we look at here. After all, the brand has championed hybrid engines for the last decade and in 2020, 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, you'd hope for something pretty special from this petrol/electric plug-in NX and, on paper, the signs seem quite promising. This is the second generation NX design, it's 95% completely new and there's a completely different level of interior quality on offer. The Germans need to take this one seriously.
Driving Experience
As with any other NX (including the previous one), there's a 2.5-litre four cylinder normally aspirated petrol engine under the bonnet paired up to an electric motor on the front axle, while another separate motor powers the rear. What's different here is that there's a much bigger battery powering those motors - it's 18.1 kWh in size - which Lexus claims can give you up to 47 miles of all-electric range. Top speed in EV mode is 83mph. Total output is 305bhp. And there's the usual Lexus Shiftmatic auto gearbox. You can expect refinement to be exemplary. And performance to be more than ample - 62mph takes 6.3s, providing you avoid the drive mode system's 'Normal' and 'Eco' modes and select 'Sport'.
This MK2 NX will handle the turns better thanks to a stiffer body shell, a 20mm lower centre of gravity, better weight balance and increased track width at each end. All of this, along with this MK2 NX model's 30% stuffer GA-K chassis, has enabled the engineers here to deliver what the brand calls its 'Lexus Driving Signature', a supposedly ideal combination of comfort and handling dynamics apparently honed by professional racing drivers.
With so much power on tap, you don't need to work the four-cylinder engine as hard as you would in the lesser NX 350h self charging hybrid version of this car, so there's less 'moo-ing' from the CVT auto gearbox when you flex your right foot. Don't expect a whole of the steering feedback but there's exemplary refinement - just as you'd expect from a Lexus.
Design and Build
Unless you spot the different badging or the extra charging flap of this NX 450h+, there's very little to clue your neighbours into the fact that you've bought a plug-in Lexus hybrid. This second generation NX has taken the styling themes established with the brand's smaller UX crossover and interpreted them into a slightly larger size, with various cues from the first generation NX model. Owners of the original car might notice and find familiarity with the complex side surfacing and the 'kick up' around the rear C-pillar. And might also notice that this MK2 NX is quite a lot larger than its predecessor. The overall length is 4,660mm, making this car only about 2cm shorter than an Audi Q5.
The front looks suitably prestigious, the hallmark Lexus Spindle grille offering an intricate mesh pattern made up of three-dimensional U-shaped blocks. It's flanked on higher grade variants by these 4-projector LED headlights, each unit incorporating 11 LED chips with light output controlled by a forward camera. At the rear, there's a neat tailgate arrangement that sees the rear lamps adopt a slim wraparound signature over the rear bodywork. As in all second generation NX models, under the skin is the same GA-K chassis used in the Toyota RAV4.
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[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Will you be going hybrid with the NX 450h+?

[@karkybibek]

Already ordered 450 h in australia, wait time over a year. 🙁

[@user-ju5cj6gv2r]

Currently have one on order. Test drove the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 and the Lexus in my opinion was head a shoulders above the others. I have going with the Premium Pack plus without sunroof as im quite tall and an aircon man. This car comes with everything you could ever want and there was no justification in going for the F Sport and Takumi.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

Lexus make the best luxury vehicles. They are the only brand that will give you a true "luxury" experience. Beautifully built, refined, reliable and good dealer back up. No other manufacturer will give you all of these things for the price.

[@funkyfin3023]

Very thorough and informative review. Test drove one this weekend and will be ordering one to replace our Q5 PHeV. I was a bit worried about your comment that the car took a while to overtake and you needed to plan ahead. After a similar experience I questioned the owners group who advised the engine needs to be warmed up before sport or kickdown is effective. To avoid engine damage from cold EV mode only is used if the engine is not pre warmed. If you run the car in “HV” mode for a short while to warm up , then put the car back in Auto or Sport, the car accelerates rapidly and kicks down with EV and ICE powering together. So if just using in City no need to change but if driving on A roads make sure the petrol engine is warmed up. Sport has no lag to speak of.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for sharing, that's really good to know. If you are in the UK and looking to order one, give our team a call on 01903 538835 or request a call back here: bit.ly/39YHCml We would be more than happy to help source one for you 🙂

[@alan9758]

I have 7 lexus now sold all other brands

[@jackreza504]

OMG I made you reupload and correct your review because of misinformation?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Jack, we already had this review in the works! Are you interested in getting a 450h+?

[@uncois]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Hi ! Are you helping people to buy vehicles in better deal? I live in china but I really love your reviews, super detailed and informative.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

@@uncois Sorry Tonnie, we only supply to UK-based customers! Thanks for the great feedback on our reviews 👍

[@sunrisejak2709]

My choice would be the Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV or better yet the V60 T8 PHEV. 😁

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Ohhh great choices! If you had to pick, which one would you go for?

[@sunrisejak2709]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply I'm a die hard wagon lover! 😁 I've got a V60 T8 on order scheduled for next month delivery. It will feel like Christmas in August! 🤣

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

@@sunrisejak2709 Great to hear - enjoy the V60! 😁

[@joey-pn3xe]

Why is that? Isn’t this Lexus a better overall package for a phev?

[@sunrisejak2709]

@@joey-pn3xe The Volvo is faster, goes further on pure electric, is more dynamic as it lower lighter and sleeker thus more aerodynamically efficient. But,,, in reality it boils down to a personal choice as the differences are minor and come down to brand loyalty. 😊 The Lexus looks like a nice effort here., 👍

[@eversun77]

Waaaay too expensive.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Do you have any other vehicles in mind? We'd be happy to explore your options to find something that meets your budget 📞👍

[@ramatgan1]

The first Lexus the LS400 was beautiful and elegant. This one looks awful.