By now you will probably have guessed that I am not entirely convinced by electric vehicles (EVs). Not so much that they aren’t excellent cars, in fact, I have loved most of the models that have come to South Africa. My issue has always been based on price and accessibility, not to mention infrastructure. You see, unless you have bazillions sitting in your bank account, EVs just aren’t a vibe. But what is a vibe is a plug-in-hybrid. This offers you the best of both worlds – feel good about saving the planet but you don’t ever have to deal with range anxiety (or paying an EV bill).
Don’t get me wrong, the NX is by no means a budget-friendly car – it costs as much as some EVs, but as it were, if it came as an EV, it would be far more expensive than what it costs now. So why not offer a less expensive but as important alternative? Clever Lexus! But enough about this whole argument I seem to be having with myself. Lexus now offers its most important SUV as a plug-in-hybrid in the form of the NX 450h+ F Sport PHEV. And it is awesome!
It boasts a 2.5-litre petrol engine (mated to a CVT) and an electric motor on the rear axle (a generator on the front) and an 18.1 kWh battery pack. Together this gives you 179kW (a total output of 227kW) and 227 Nm. The fuel consumption is claimed at a ridiculously low 1.3l/100 km and you can travel up to 66km in EV mode. This is one of the many reasons I adore this car. It works beautifully as a daily commute/runaround, but if you do head out further than 66 km, you don’t have to fear that you might only make it back home via a flatbed truck.
This model is aligned to the F Sport model (it’s in the name really), and has niceties such as a tilt and slide moonroof, 20-inch alloy wheels and Intelligent Park Assist (the car will park itself for you), it also has a digital rear view mirror, five USB ports (Type C and A), and a head up display. Interestingly, it has venitilated seats but not heated seats, but Lexus SA has requested that this be included in the coming models. It also has 10 speakers as opposed to the 17 in the F Sport, but this too has been a change request.
You can opt for one of 10 colours, two of which are exclusive to the F Sport and PHEV. And you don’t need to worry about space being compromised due to the addition of a battery, it still boasts a boot capacity of 520-litres. It is all-round comfortable and all-round premium. It looks good and feels good to drive too. Toyota and Lexus has truly nailed the alternative fuel options for its customer base. I love that this brand hasn’t gone EV mad and decided to do away with its current line-up by an unachievable date, like 2025. Instead, customers have the option to remain in what they know, or to explore an alternative that will not give them any added anxiety. And that is exactly what this NX PHEV does. It is as good as a standard NX, but with an environmentally friendly sticker to add. And it doesn’t cost all that much more than the standard F Sport model either.
PRICING OF THE LEXUS NX RANGE
Lexus NX 250 EX: R986 800
Lexus NX 350h EX: R1 029 400
Lexus NX 350h SE: R1 197 300
Lexus NX 350 F Sport: R1 224 800
Lexus NX 350 F Sport: R1 225 700
Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport PHEV: R1 336 200
