Lexus Mzansi has launched the highly efficient and luxurious NX450h+, a plug in hybrid SUV that offers turbodiesel levels of efficiency with a normal petrol engine.
Available only as an F-Sport design, the NX450h+ gets the spindle grille that is set more upright and is more subtly framed. LED Adaptive High Beam System comes standard with LED Daytime Running Lights. Side air intakes are finished in polished black with LED fog lamps placed at the lower part of each intake.
Wider front and rear tracks contribute to the more agile and powerful look, with a long, sleek bonnet, short overhangs and wheel arches that can accommodate the large-diametre, 20-inch alloys ‘footwear’. The door handles have a subtle touch to open tech whilst the models also comes standard with a sunroof (panoramic roof from 2025 onwards).
At the rear the distinctive design includes Lexus LED blade lighting that spans the width of the tailgate and the first use of the “LEXUS” name in place of the “L” emblem, creating a more modern and simpler look. The tailgate is electrically opened and closed.
The NX was the first model to feature Lexus’ Tazuna cockpit design and the NX450h+ retains that functional and quality layout. This means it curves round from the driver’s door to the centre console with information sources – multimedia screen, multi-information display, combimeter and Heads Up display (Grade dependent), grouped in a unified area to minimise movement of eyes away from the road for the driver.
The infotainment system features a 14-inch display – one of the largest in its class. The high-definition screen presents clear graphics in all lighting conditions, while the speed of CPU (central processing unit) is 3.6 times faster than the outgoing system. The heads up display comes standard on the NX450h+. The NX also becomes the beneficiary of the latest safety technologies including several firsts such as Intersection Turn Assist (ITA) and Emergency Steering Assist (ESA); plus a Pre-Collision system with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, alongside Parking Support Brake (PKSB) with obstacle and vehicle detection, Blind-spot Monitor* (BSM) and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA).
Powered by a high-capacity lithium-ion battery powering dual electric motors paired with a 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine and an e-CVT transmission, the NX 450h+ has a combined system output of 227kW. Working on the premise of 75 to 80% of your driving being conducted in electric mode, results in staggeringly low fuel consumption – a figure of 1,3 litres per 100km is entirely achievable in the combined cycle. Emissions are correspondingly contained to just 29g of CO2 produced for every kilometre travelled. What’s more, this frugality at the pumps in no way compromises its get-up-and-go – it dishes up a spirited performance and consistent acceleration off the line with a healthy 6,5-second 0-100 km/h acceleration time. The NX 450h+ has an estimated 66,5 km driving range rating on electric power only.
The NX 450h+ utilises an electronically controlled, full-time AWD system for a confident, sporty driving experience, spearheaded by Lexus Driving Signature vehicle fundamentals.
The Lexus NX 450h+ retails for R 1, 336 200 and as with all other Lexus models, boasts a best-in-class 7-years/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. The vehicle service intervals are pegged at every 15 000 km, alternatively once a year. The NX 450h+ further comes with an additional 8-years/195 000 km hybrid battery warranty.