Lexus NX To Offer The Brand’s First-Ever Plug-In Hybrid

The all-new Lexus NX SUV might have debuted back in June this year but deliveries have been postponed due to superconductor and parts supply issues in South-East Asia. And for Lexus, this model is a critical one given that it boasts the brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The current model has been around since 2015 with the new version scheduled to land on showroom floors in early 2022—if of course those parts supply hurdles can be ironed out.

Lexus’ new NX will sit on the Toyota’s same signature GA-K platform as the RAV4 and Camry and offer a mix of powertrains including a gasoline turbo and a gasoline hybrid, and set to join the lineup within a year will be an electric version according to one insider.

The flagship NX450h plug-in hybrid version will employ a 2.5-liter gasoline hybrid engine plus two motors, one at either end. With an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack positioned under the central floor section, the NX450h will produce 185-hp and offer an EV mode, auto mode, HV mode, as well as a self-charge mode.

If we include the model’s 2.5-liter gasoline turbo spec, then the new NX will offer a choice of six powertrains featuring naturally aspirated, turbocharged, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, front-drive and 4WD options. The SUV’s ‘E-Four’ four-wheel-drive system will be able to offer front-to-rear drive rations from 100:0 to 20:80.

According to a Lexus spokesperson, the brand plans to electrify the entire lineup by 2025, offering a choice from hybrids to plug-in hybrids to battery electric vehicles. In fact, Lexus and its parent company Toyota plan to accelerate their EV range with more than 15 models expected to debut by 2025. 

Japan’s biggest carmaker also recently announced that it plans to invest $3.4 billion in U.S.-built batteries through 2030. It’s part of a $13.5 billion global battery development investment made in September which included a plan to lower battery costs by 50% and boost efficiency by 30% over today’s EV tech levels.