The first-ever plug-in hybrid Lexus RX arrives in the form of the RX 450h+.
Back when Lexus introduced their all-new RX generation, the powertrains were given an upgrade. One of the options on the table was a PHEV model and it was not detailed at the time. Well, now that PHEV model has been detailed and given a release date for selected markets.
The Lexus Plug-in Hybrid Electric Drive powertrain in use consists of a 2.5L inline 4 cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, an e-CVT, a high-capacity lithiun-ion battery and two electric motors (one on each axle) in an all-wheel drive configuration. This is the same shared PHEV powertrain that is in use with the smaller Lexus NX 450h+.
There’s plenty of power, around 304 horsepower and 227Nm of torque. This allows the Lexus RX 450h+ to complete the century sprint in just over 6.2 seconds while still delivering an estimated 35.3km/l in terms of fuel consumption. When the battery is fully charged, the RX 450h+ can deliver about 56km of pure electric driving.
Charging is done via a Type 1 socket in the USA. Under ideal conditions, the Lexus RX 450h+ can be fully charged in 2 hours and 30 minutes using 6.6kW AC charging.
Lexus RX 450h+ Standard Equipment
In the USA, The Lexus RX 450h+ will arrive later this year with a high-end ‘luxury’ grade specification. This includes 21″ 20-spoke alloy wheels in a dark premium metallic finish, perforated semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior, heated and ventilated seats, thematic ambient lighting, heated wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel, as well as a 21-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System.
Other equipment includes a 14″ display, subscription-based Cloud Navigation and Intelligent Assistant, an optional Digital Key, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a Heads-Up Display, Advanced Park with Remote Park, Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0.
Lexus RX 450h+ exterior colours include Eminent White Pearl, Cloudburst Gray, Iridium, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Copper Crest, Nori Green Pearl and Nightfall Mica. Interior colors options are Macadamia, Black and Peppercorn with Ash Bamboo and Black Open Pore ornamentation styles available.
