Lexus NX 450h+ to plug-in here in 2021

The Lexus NX range will soon be joined by a powerful new hero variant, and the NX 450h+ will also be the first-ever plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from the Japanese luxury brand.

Expected to accelerate to 100km/h in less than six seconds, the plug-in hybrid mid-size luxury SUV will provide Lexus with a high-tech, high-performance rival for the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

Based on the all-new, next-generation Lexus NX due for global release in 2021, the range-topping NX 450h+ will be one of several new NX model-grades including the NX 350h, and is almost certain to leverage the potent PHEV powertrain from the Toyota RAV4 Prime – a vehicle that's not coming to Australia.

Tipped to be the most powerful model in the range, the Lexus NX 450h+ should be good for at least 225kW of power, a significant bump over the current NX 300 (175kW) and NX 300h (114kW) models.

The plug-in hybrid element adds front and rear electric motors driven by a lithium-ion battery of unknown density, but it is claimed to provide an all-wheel drive EV range of up to 63km (39 miles).

Combined fuel consumption is rated at around 2.8L/100km.

The new NX 450h+ name correlates with comments previously made by Lexus executives who confirmed the car-maker's first PHEV would launch in the "early 2020s", and new intel uncovered by carsales all but confirms a late 2021 or early 2022 launch for the all-new Lexus NX.

Meantime, the MachEclub forum has uncovered two new European trademark filings and two more US patents for the Lexus NX 350 and NX 250 model names, suggesting more potent petrol variants are on the way.

The original Lexus NX was introduced in late 2014 and the second-generation model will bring several new features to the table thanks to the adoption of parent company Toyota's new (TNGA) platform architecture.

Safety, technology and chassis upgrades are likely to flow and the new Lexus NX may grow in size to offer more passenger and cargo space too.

Changes to the infotainment system will be significant and could see its controversial touchpad-based 'remote touch' input system axed. At the 2019 Tokyo motor show Lexus execs in Japan told carsales they will look to revamp the polarising infotainment setup.

The Lexus NX is the brand's top-selling model in Australia and a crucial model globally.

The new NX 450h+ PHEV is part of the luxury brand's electrified product assault, which includes its first-ever EV, the new Lexus UX 300e compact SUV.

We've already driven the UX 300e at Lexus' test track in Japan, scoring it 79/100. Lexus Australia has said it wants to sell the car here and, if it gets its way, the compact electric SUV could be the most affordable luxury EV yet.

We've also driven the next-generation Lexus E-Axle high-performance hybrid system that Lexus will begin rolling out from around 2022, as the brand seeks to add a more dynamic edge to its vehicles.

Speaking of which, Lexus hasn't given up on its high-performance F models either, with the LC F tipped to debut a monstrous twin-turbo V8 very soon.

Pounding out at least 450kW and 750Nm, the blown V8 will also find its way into the new-generation Lexus LX large SUV based on the highly-anticipated Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.