Plug-in hybrid Lexus SUV firms for Australia

The stylish and compelling new Lexus NX will arrive Down Under in November, but the Japanese premium brand is yet to confirm whether the all-new mid-size SUV range will be topped by a high-performance plug-in hybrid variant.

The second-generation Lexus NX will debut a new 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and new-to-the-brand styling, proportions and human machine interface.

Three NX model grades have been confirmed for local showrooms: a 2.5-litre petrol-powered NX 250 entry variant, the 2.4-litre turbo NX 350 and the NX 350h, fitted with a conventional 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.

The plug-in hybrid variant is dubbed the NX 450h+ and will be both the performance and luxury flagship of the new NX line-up, local Lexus sources say.

It features electric motors on both the front and rear axles and a lithium-ion battery pack to deliver an EV range of around 60km at speeds of up to 135km/h according to overseas reports.

Lexus Australia has not revealed local specifications or performance details for the NX 450h+.

It does, however, have at least one example of the plug-in hybrid model in Australia for evaluation.

“We’ve a little bit more work to do,” Lexus Australia chief Scott Thompson told carsales when we quizzed him on confirmation of the NX 450h+ for Australia.

“We’ve got strong interest in the car. [But] We’ve got a little bit more evaluation, a few more conversations with our parent – it’s like any parent and child, you’ve got to basically prove your worth sometimes. We really want the car in Australia, but we just cannot confirm it today.”

Thompson said the decision was not related to a lack of pro-EV government policies Down Under.

“It’s an internal Lexus thing...  I believe that we’ve stated publicly – globally and domestically – that we believe that a portfolio approach around electrification is the right way to go...

“A balanced approach between hybrids, obviously, battery-electric, plug-ins and then eventually new technologies that come to the fore in the future. 

“But please don’t misunderstand, we’re extremely keen to get the car.”

Lexus Australia sources say the NX will be just one of four new models to be launched between November 2021 to February 2022.

Also earmarked for release in November is Lexus’ first battery-powered EV, the UX 300e.

Lexus is tight-lipped on the two other new models, although one is almost certainly a new LX large SUV based on the new 300 Series LandCruiser.

Thompson would not be drawn on details of the rollout, nor whether the new LX line-up would include a hybrid option.

Ahead of the ‘four models in four months’ renewal, Lexus will debut a revised local ES medium sedan range in August.

The upgraded ES line-up will arrive before the axing of the IS and RC medium sedan and coupe, as well as the past-its-use-by-date CT 200h hatch, by November.

The demise of the IS – and the discontinuation of the GS large sedan in 2020 – means the ES will be the sole Lexus passenger car available to Australian buyers with a price tag of less than $200,000 (drive-away).