Lexus NX450h+ Plug-in Hybrid | Lexus’ view on the compact SUV

Japanese luxury, why do we Europeans sometimes underrate it?

The Lexus NX450h+ is a premium hybrid compact SUV that competes in a segment that includes cars like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Audi Q5. Discover together with me (being open-minded) the 2022 Lexus NX450h+. We’re going to look at its important features and how it stacks up against its competition.

Design and Exterior

The Lexus NX450h+ has a bold and stylish exterior that features a large spindle grille, sharp lines, and sculpted surfaces. It's a design that's unmistakably Lexus (so, very Japanese that is), and it stands out on the road without a doubt. It as well features some sleek-looking LED headlights and taillights, contributing to the overall premium look of the car.

The continuous brake light at the rear, gives the car a unique look compared to its competitors. What I find interesting, is that only certain car manufacturers can get away with this sort of design. Could you imagine the LCI BMW X3 having a continuous brake light at the rear? Everyone would laugh at it. And that’s exactly what I like about Lexus, having something that truly stands out from the competition. Something that might even be a selling point for most.

Interior and Features

Inside, the Lexus NX450h+ is both luxurious and practical. The cabin is spacious and well thought-out, with high-quality materials and finishes throughout. Standard features include a 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, a wireless charging pad, and a power liftgate.

Looking at what you get as standard in the modern-day car in this premium segment, you can’t go wrong can you? What I would suggest is to go for a funky color-combo on this car’s interior. In our case, the car had a black and red color combo, which did stand out. And to me it made the interior way more appealing as well.

The door handles are supposed to be inspired on a “Japanese sliding door”, of which the purpose is to give you a zen feeling. Well, it certainly is less exhausting compared to pulling that classic door-handle… haha.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Lexus NX450h+ is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combine to produce 309 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive is standard. The NX accelerates smoothly and quickly, and its fuel economy is excellent for a compact SUV, with an estimated consumption of 0,9 to 1,1L/100km for when the hybrid drivetrain is used as intended.

Now, about the CVT transmission… I don’t quite like it. I get the concept of it being smoother and more user-friendly for Lexus’ clientèle, yet I don’t feel like the car’s power can be used to its full potential, because the gearbox feels and acts as if it’s limited. That’s my thoughts at least. I’m curious how others experience these CVTs. Or maybe I just need to be educated on how to drive them properly.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Lexus NX450h+ comes with a long (very long) list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Optional features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

Charging the NX

Okay so lately, I have been getting a little nerdy when it comes to battery-powered cars. Here’s some good-to-know info on the NX, which I would love to share with you; the 2021 Lexus NX450h+ Plug-in Hybrid offers the convenience and efficiency of plug-in charging capability. As being a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), it allows you to charge its battery externally, offering enhanced electric driving range and reduced fuel consumption.

Charging the NX450h+ Plug-in Hybrid is a simple process. It comes equipped with a charging port located on its exterior, near the fuel filler door. This charging port allows you to connect the car to a compatible electric power source.

Depending on which part of the world you live in, you can use a standard 120-volt household outlet or a faster 240-volt Level 2 charging station. When using a standard household outlet, the charging time will be longer, typically taking several hours to fully charge the battery. Compared to that, a Level 2 charging station provides a higher charging capacity and can charge the vehicle more quickly, usually in a few hours.

The exact charging time will depend on various factors, including the battery's current state of charge, the charging equipment used, and the available power supply. The car’s charging system is designed to ensure safe and efficient charging, automatically adjusting the charging rate as needed.

Once the battery is fully charged, the NX can operate in electric-only mode for a significant distance, depending on the battery capacity of course. This allows for zero-emission driving, reducing fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions during short trips or city driving.

The plug-in charging capability of the Lexus NX provides some added flexibility. It allows you to conveniently charge the vehicle at home or at public charging stations, enabling you to maximize the electric driving range and minimize your reliance on the combustion engine.

Overall, the plug-in charging feature of this car offers the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of electric driving while still providing the convenience of a hybrid car. With the ability to charge externally, you can experience increased efficiency, reduced emissions, and a more sustainable driving experience. Voilà!

Summary

The 2022 Lexus NX450h+ is a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, offering a winning combination of performance, luxury, and fuel efficiency. With its price point being around 80k with some optional extra’s, it's well worth considering for anyone in the market for a premium hybrid SUV.