Lexus introduces plug-in hybrid technology (PHEV) through the RX 450h+ Luxury and NX 450h+ models. Six years after the launch of hybrid technology in Argentina with the NX300h, which made Lexus the first luxury brand to offer an electrified option within its range of vehicles in the local market, the incorporation of the RX 450+ Luxury and NX 450h+ models with plug-in hybrid technology is another step by the brand on the path to electrification of its product line.
Lexus’ global strategy is focused on offering a full range of electrified vehicles to reduce mobility emissions and move towards carbon neutrality. The plan includes the development and commercialization of hybrid vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV), with the goal that, by 2035, 100% of the brand’s global sales will be electric vehicles. Lexus seeks to lead the transformation towards emission-free mobility, combining its tradition of luxury and design with technologies that reduce environmental impact, while guaranteeing a superior driving experience.
RX 450h+ PHEV: luxury, comfort, safety and technology
The RX 450h+ Luxury is the first plug-in hybrid model in the RX range, joining the two versions already offered in the country: RX 350 F-Sport and RX 500h F-Sport+ hybrid. The new RX 450h+ Luxury is equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 184 hp of power and 227 Nm of torque with two electric motors: the front one with 182 hp and 270 Nm, and the rear one with 46 hp and 121 Nm. This combination provides a combined power of 308 hp which, together with the electronically controlled e-CVT continuously variable automatic transmission, takes the new RX 450h+ from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds.
In addition to its 65 km electric range, it stands out for its fuel efficiency in hybrid mode and a combined range of 900 km on a single tank of fuel.
The SUV’s exterior design is characterised by elegance and sophistication, with dynamic lines that reflect the brand’s approach to luxury. The front grille, characteristic of Lexus’ identity, has been refined to give it a more elegant and aerodynamic appearance. The 21-inch metallic-finish alloy wheels add further elegance.
Lexus LBX: what is the new compact SUV with hybrid technology that is now available in Argentina
The new RX 450h+ features triple-projector LED headlights that also incorporate the Adaptive High-Beam System (AHS). Below these are the daytime running lights, which provide a more powerful three-dimensional image and more pronounced silhouettes. Quality is also evident in the indicator lights with light guides, which achieve a continuous lighting effect. The front fog lights and cornering lights are independent units, housed in the lower part of the front bumper. The rear lights are arranged as an L-shaped LED bar, with a single light cluster that extends from edge to edge of the vehicle and wraps around the corners, highlighting the power of the design and underlining the new LEXUS logo.
The interior expresses luxury through simplicity. Under the concept of “less is more” it opts for a fresh and contemporary look, with clean and uncluttered surfaces. The result of this evolution in Lexus design is an immediate feeling of space, well-being, refinement and comfort. The cabin retains the elements of luxury, where the craftsman (Takumi) uses his senses in search of perfection to inspect every detail of the vehicle: from the mechanics, to the feeling of quality of the interior or the exterior appearance. The principle of simplicity is complemented by the Lexus “Tazuna” concept for the driver’s area, which rationalizes the layout and ease of use of the controls so that the focus is on driving.
In terms of comfort and multimedia equipment, it features a Mark Levinson® audio system and a 14-inch HD screen, Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity, as well as panoramic parking camera display. This new version also features three-zone digital climate control, heated front and rear seats, and a digital rearview mirror. The E-Latch system for opening the doors stands out: it is an interior button that automatically opens the door when pressed.
In terms of active safety, Lexus has equipped the SUV with a stability control system (VSC) and traction control (TRC), hill start assist (HAC) and active cornering assist (ACA). In addition, the driving assistance package (LSS+) has been incorporated, which includes: automatic activation of the headlights on the road (AHS), adaptive cruise control (DRCC all speed), lane keeping assist (LTA) and advanced pre-collision system (PCS). In terms of passive safety, the safety list includes seven airbags: two front, two front side, two front and rear curtains, and one knee airbag for the driver.
There are nine colors available: sonic quartz, sonic iridium, sonic copper, terrane khaki, deep blue mc, sonic titanium, sonic chrome, graphite black, red mica.
Lexus NX 450h+: design and attention to detail
The new Lexus NX 450h+, which joins the NX 350 F-Sport and NX 350h Luxury families, is powered by a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine that produces a maximum power of 184 hp and 227 Nm. The front electric motor produces 182 hp and 270 Nm of torque. The rear electric motor, meanwhile, has a power of 46 hp and 121 Nm of torque.
The entire package delivers a combined maximum power of 308 hp and 227 Nm. The combination of the three motors gives it powerful and linear acceleration with excellent response capacity: from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. The size and capacity of the lithium-ion battery, together with Lexus’ experience in electrified technology, combine to offer a 100% electric driving range of up to 65 kilometers on a single charge.
Added to this is a MacPherson strut front suspension and a double wishbone rear suspension designed and tuned to provide great driving comfort and agile response.
The Lexus NX 450 h+ is equipped with a safety package called the “Lexus Safety System” and passive safety equipment, including seven airbags: X2 front airbags, X2 front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, and a knee airbag for the driver. It also features smart parking, which makes parking easier with minimal intervention from the driver.
Both models come equipped with a conventional 2.2kW (10A 220V) portable charger that allows a full charge in a conventional socket in 8 hours. In addition, a 7kW wall charger, with installation by a technician, reduces the full charge time to 2 hours.
Add Comment